OPINION

Opinion: Editor expresses gratitude, bids farewell to the Voice

Caleb Henderson
Editor

Caleb Henderson shares his story and describes how the Washtenaw Voice changed his life. Paula Farmer | Washtenaw Voice

When the Washtenaw Voice first did a presentation in our JRN 111 class in February 2023, I thought nothing of it.

I assumed they already had plenty of applicants for their open scholarship positions, and if I were to apply that I’d never be selected.

Following a couple nudges from my professor Dave Waskin to apply for a staff writer position over the next few weeks, the previous adviser Judy McGovern eventually reached out to me to schedule an interview—one I was sure went kinda “mid.”

Eventually though, I received confirmation that I’d be joining the Voice staff in the fall semester of that year, which had me in disbelief.

I always had a passion for writing, but never did I imagine it’d lead to anything serious–let alone a position on a community college newspaper staff.

Little did I know the whirlwind of emotions that would come over the course of the next 365 days.

From a three month hiatus from publishing in the fall to being named editor last December, with a new adviser coming in to guide the team in between, it was an unprecedented set of circumstances to step into but a challenge I was ready to embrace.

Stepping into a leadership role was something completely new for me. I was always used to being the quiet kid that sat in the back of the class who let everyone else lead while I nodded along.

I had always preferred to be a lone wolf and work alone, so the challenge of not just being on a team but guiding it in my vision is one I relished and was excited to take on.

That was until everything changed on January 10, 2024.

My life has never been the same since that day—but the team I’ve had the privilege of leading for the past four months has, and I’m grateful as such.

Without having the Voice as my outlet, the one stable thing in my life that I could look forward to during the week while the rock of my life was gone, I don’t know I would’ve made it through the most difficult period of my life to date.

I’d like to personally thank our wonderful adviser, Lilly Kujawski, as without her our publication would have been vastly different this semester, and not in a good way.

Secondly, I’d also be remiss if I didn’t thank former Voice editors Grace Crandall and RJ Hunt—-as on a moment’s notice, if I needed either of them for advice/guidance they would answer the phone right away.

Lastly, I’d like to thank the Washtenaw Voice staff and all of our contributors this semester; because the second place we won as a team in general excellence during the MCCPA conference would not be possible without all of you guys.

I’m excited for the next chapter after my upcoming graduation from WCC in the summer, and I look forward to seeing what Lily Cole and the rest of the team do next semester.