It is almost unbelievable that this time last year, I was just learning the responsibilities of working as editor-in-chief for The Aviso. The last editor, Sam Shaffer, had just handed down the reins. And now it has been a full year, my second year on staff, and I have another year as editor-in-chief to look forward to.

Few editors-in-chief get the opportunity to do a second year; most of them are seniors when they first got the job and move on to non-university positions after their first and last year. When I got the job and Sam told me I might be able to do it for two years, the possibility was overwhelming. And to be honest, I still feel a little overwhelmed.

Blaire Thompson is a junior creative writing major. (Photo by Charley Garwood)

Why? For one thing, our staff is shrinking yet again. We are losing a large number of talented and beloved staff members to that evil thing called commencement, and as a result we’ve had to have combine positions and make the best of the resources we have. Thankfully, the returning and new staff I do have is made up of wonderful people who have already made my time on The Aviso a little less stressful and a little more joyful.

And sadly (for us), our advisor, Dr. David Dixon, is moving on from Malone to a position that will better suit him and his family. His knowledge, experience and support are indispensable, and we will hate to see him go, but we wish him the best. I am confident as well that he has given us the best foundation possible for continuing the publication next year.

Will it be easy? Of course not. Even with all the help I have had this year, working on The Aviso is not an easy job, but it has been rewarding in more ways than I could have imagined.

I have become a better writer, strengthened my grammar skills, and discovered a love for editing itself that I didn’t know I had.

But the lessons I have learned go way beyond just the writing. I am an introverted person who has always had a hard time communicating, and working so consistently with so many people has taught be to be more comfortable with staying connected. And I have made a little headway in learning to lead, although I still have a long way to go.

Would my junior year have been a little more relaxed had I not spent five nights a week editing and revising articles? Probably. Would it have been easier to have Tuesday nights free instead of having to lead weekly meetings? Sure. But would I go back and change it? Never.

Here’s to another round!

 Blaire Thompson is the editor-in-chief of The Aviso AVW.