Dear Jambar readers,
The end of the semester has rolled around again, and with it several graduates are ready to receive their diplomas at Stambaugh Stadium on May 7. The Jambar newspaper has three graduates pushing forward into the realm of professionalism and adulthood. Each has presented a goodbye here.
Sydney Stalnecker, Editor-in-Chief:
It’s been a pleasure to edit, design and write for The Jambar these past two years. I joined The Jambar in fall 2020 to make new friends and learn more about Youngstown State University’s campus. Without a doubt I can say I joined at the right time. Nothing beats getting the opportunity to work with like-minded individuals as passionate and dedicated to reading and writing as I have found myself to be. Many professors in the journalism department emphasize The Jambar’s ability to provide students with professional skills which will (hopefully) allow them to succeed in the workforce, but I’ve never prioritized that. When I became Editor-in-Chief, of course I had a strong emphasis on providing factual news content for the community, but I wanted to create an environment that allowed The Jambar staff the opportunity to have fun and become connected. I think those opportunities have been lacking during the COVID-19 ridden semesters.
One thing The Jambar has taught me is that everyone has a story to tell. People light up with excitement during interviews when talking about an event or project they’re passionate about, and that is the highlight of my job. The Jambar’s approximately 500 word articles capture the lives of individuals on campus today, and these stories will be available years from now for future students to read. The events are important, but they wouldn’t be possible without the people willing to make them happen.
I sincerely hope everyone who has picked up a copy of The Jambar or read it online has enjoyed what we’ve been producing. We’ve all been working very hard, and I’m so proud of everyone on staff who has dedicated their time to helping us produce the best content we can. For those of you returning next fall, keep an eye out for Jambars overseen by future Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth “Betty” Coss, who I’m sure will continue to produce the hard-hitting and lighthearted content this campus needs.
Again, it’s been a pleasure and I wouldn’t have wanted to spend the last two years working with anyone but the Jamily.
Aileen Blaine, Student Life Editor:
In my two years at The Jambar, I couldn’t be more grateful for the plethora of opportunities this experience has provided me. I’ve been able to grow not only as a student and emerging journalist, but I’ve also been able to come out of my shell in a safe and encouraging setting.
From a technical standpoint, I’ve had the opportunity to find my writing’s voice, to fine-tune my interviewing and interpersonal communication skills. I’ve learned how to use equipment and how to “get creative” with my work. I’ve also learned how dastardly the Associated Press Stylebook can be, and I will miss bantering with head copy editor Laurel Stone about comma placements and capitalizations.
I’ve made so many friends in my time here, and even more memories. While it’s no secret that Wednesday production days are grueling, laborious and often stressful, they’re also the days when I feel closest to the Jamily. We’ve tackled many problems — from printer and internet mishaps to missing content — with nervous laughter and humor instead of tears or anger. Never before have I had such the privilege to be surrounded by so many loveable, resilient, smart and kind people. I’m worried I’ve been spoiled too much, too soon by the comradery present in our tiny newsroom.
I wish the very best for the remaining members of the Jamily. You’re all so bright and have so much to offer this community. Keep on a-waddling!
Laurel Stone, Head Copy Editor:
When Jambar advisor Mary Beth Earnheardt first tried to recruit me as a member of The Jambar team, I was reluctant to join, but it ended up being one of the best decisions I have ever made.
I’ve never felt more at home with people who understand me than I have at The Jambar office with my editorial team. At the end of long — and admittedly sometimes tedious — production days, when we have spent hours upon hours reading, we often joke that together we have only one brain cell, and it takes turns bouncing between us.
We have reached a level of familiarity with each other that even when the things that come out of our mouths may not make sense to others, it is easily understood by members of The Jamily.
It has been my privilege to work alongside such talented and amazing people, and I wish the next generation of The Jambar staff the same level of companionship that I was fortunate enough to have.