By John Ostapowicz / The Jambar
Since 2021, I’ve had the opportunity to call The Jambar not only a place of work, but one of home and family.
My path to The Jambar was an unprecedented one, as I started my education at Youngstown State University as a music education major. With a tough class schedule as a freshman and a crossroads of what to do with my career, I found The Jambar.
Little did I know that the publication would provide a spark to my mental wellbeing during a time of uncertainty. Kyle Wills and Richie Juliano helped me start my career in sports broadcasting when I was introduced to The Penguin Rundown, and when I started as a sports anchor for Jambar TV.
From there, the experience helped get me into writing. I remember Elizabeth Coss and Sydney Stalnecker constantly putting over 20 comments on my stories. Although it sometimes made me upset, I knew they were only trying to help improve my writing and make me a better reporter.
Despite my years, I was never the best writer in the room, and I always remember joking with others about how unfamiliar I was with AP Style. It seems their words and comments prepared me for the position as editor-in-chief of The Jambar in 2024.
The Jambar also made me realize that I enjoy roadtripping. From trips to Michigan State University with Omar Frazier to a two-day hotel room stay in Indianapolis with Dylan Lux, the feeling of traveling to report and visit various college campuses is an indescribable feeling. Even the small excursion to the University of Pittsburgh with Mick Dillon was a fun adventure.
To anyone who travels after my departure from The Jambar, always wander off campus before returning back to Youngstown.
I’ve also cemented “unc” status at The Jambar, as I celebrated four years in September. I’ve been at The Jambar for so long that I’ve witnessed former graduates return and talk to classes about how their journeys have turned out.
This leads into the sappy part of my bittersweet goodbye to both YSU and my “Jamily.” With my graduation Dec. 13, it will officially end the COVID-19 era of The Jambar. I certainly do not miss wearing masks while working at a desk for almost eight hours every Wednesday.
As EIC, it can be tough to bring a sense of family to The Jambar because it’s like a business — but a lot of businesses succeed if they’re created on the basis of morality principles. Always treat colleagues with respect and always lend a helping hand — the human mind never forgets a good gesture.
To all of my underclassmen at The Jambar this year, especially Scout Nicholson and Joslyn DelSignore, who have worked effortlessly to craft wonderful articles as first-year students, I wish you nothing but the best.
I also have to give both Nicarlyle Hanchard and Katelyn Obermiyer — two of the hardest working individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with — a huge thank you.
To my successor Matthew Sotlar, I have nothing but high hopes for what you will accomplish as EIC. If anybody can help keep the tradition of family at The Jambar, it’s Sotlar. If they didn’t know him, they most certainly will now.
With my closing remarks, never pass up on chances, as it may never come back around.
I took a chance and found a family.
With love and care,
John Ostapowicz