notes from the desk The Campus, signing off

Author: Kathryn Flagg and Zamir Ahmed

When we started this job in September, we set out with one goal in mind - don't get fired. Needless to say, after 25 issues and eight months at the helm of the white whale we call The Campus, we can say "Mission Accomplished." Consider this our letters of resignation.

If we had a second goal for this year, however, it was to do our best to produce not only a respectable college newspaper, but also to encourage the sort of camaraderie that keeps slightly delusional editors coming back for Tuesday night after sleepless Tuesday night. Of course, we faced our fair share of challenges along the way. The merry-go-round of new Features editors kept us on our toes, as did a frantic scramble in September for a new publisher.

There was also the problem of what to do with disgruntled - and occasionally hot-headed - editors (yes, Scott, you did kick that chair). Katie's fear of confrontations was matched by Zamir's love of them, however, leading Zamir, really a softy at heart, to usually solve such problems by caving to whiny editors demanding production-night candy.

But eventually we hit our stride, as Zamir's re-invention of the "The Newlywed Game" let the staff get to know one another better (and let us know that we should have made the editors sign the Honor Code beforehand). The ill-fated attempt at "Two Truths and a Lie" allowed editors the chance to tell embarrassing stories about themselves, though Tamara showed her disdain for authority by revealing an embarassing "truth" pertaining to one fellow editor and an infamous night at The Bunker.

These jovial times were not just limited to our nights of "mandatory fun," though, as we turned the office into more than just place of work. Hours of distraction were provided by visits from Jay's ever-growing dog, Addison. We fished for compliments on Middlebury Confessional as aspiring Campus photographer Anthony conducted impromptu photo sessions. And on a more serious note, our often-heated Tuesday night discussions of the editorial offered a chance to engage in debate over the issues facing our community (and pointed out some of our own hypocrisies as we eyed at the accumulation of unreturned Proctor glasses in the office).

All in all, we end the year, we hope, a happy bunch. Our charmingly pretty and suspiciously quiet Local News editors have attended every fancy cat show in the great state of Vermont. The men of the News section have not ceased their bickering, but we're told to expect nuptials soon. Stylish Arts editors showed up with wine and cheese in hand, and the Focus section somehow made it off their Ellis Island to turn out a section every week (well, almost). Sports is already finished with all of next fall's content, securing their place as the most hyper-prepared section in Campus history (and most beloved by Katie and Zamir).

It is in the hands of these capable editors that we leave The Campus. To these brave souls, we offer these words of wisdom - enjoy it while you can. Thank you for four years of sleepless nights.

Kathryn Flagg '08 and Zamir Ahmed '08 are the (sentimental and relieved, in turn) departing Editor in Chief and Managing Editor, respectively. Signing off, 6:22 a.m.