This July, I remember leaving work as a lifeguard and having a message on my cell phone from Josh Harrell, editor in chief of the Technician.
In returning his call, I wondered what he possibly could want from me as the phone rang. After he answered, and we caught up on how our summers were going, he asked me a question I wasn’t expecting.
“Matt, would you like to be the Viewpoint editor for this coming semester?” He asked.
After hearing the question, I knew I wanted the job but took a day to think about it and proceeded to tell Josh I would love the opportunity.
Little did I know what an opportunity I was walking into.
For those of you who don’t know, the Viewpoint editor is charged with writing the daily editorial, which represents the view of the editorial board. Writing the opinion of the Technician board was something I embraced and welcomed but with great nervousness.
For the first two years of my college career I never had anything to do with the Technician, other than the occasional forum letter. It wasn’t until last year, when I became a columnist, that I realized what I had been missing, which ultimately led me to my desire to be the Viewpoint editor.
As Viewpoint editor the section has undergone a major facelift, in changing the design of the page at the beginning of September. We added the “In Your Words” feature to the page and now post the pictures of each columnist and the daily cartoon on the Technician Web site.
It pains me to say, but I will no longer be at the helm of the Viewpoint section when you return in January. I am stepping aside to become Mr. Walton, student teacher at Wake Forrest-Rolesville High School.
Even though I am stepping aside from Viewpoint editor, I will not be gone from the paper. From time to time, you’ll still read a column from me, or maybe something in the Features section. Not knowing what I will have to write will be different but enjoyable as my mind will be able to wander and write on issues that are important to me.
Spending almost every night in the Technician office this semester, I have met people who were once unfamiliar faces that quickly became some of my good friends.
Josh, you have been there encouraging me on those nights when I wasn’t sure about myself, thanks for the support.
Tyler Dukes, as editor in chief last year, you hired me, and since then you have become a good friend.
Kyle Blakely, the Viewpoint editor last semester and my mentor, you did nothing but make me a better writer; I owe much of my success to you.
Our News editor, Saja Hindi, you have always been there to talk to, thank you.
Many of you don’t realize this, but I share an office with the Sports section. Those three guys have become almost like brothers to me — Clark Leonard, Nick Jeffreys and Brian Grossman. Thanks for the fun times and the desk.
Finally, to my staff — all I can say is you’re the best. These cartoonists and columnists are hard workers. While you may disagree with their views, you should respect them because they are willing to stand behind what they beleive.
Now it’s time for me to step aside and let the new Viewpoint editor take the reigns. I hope my tenure as Viewpoint editor will be viewed as a success, but for the time being, my focus is on becoming Mr. Walton.
Tell Matt what you thought of this semester’s Viewpoint section at [email protected]