I tend to be the type to attach meaning with much of what I do, believing it's necessary in order to justify my right or wrong doings. But throughout the past few weeks on campus I have found reflecting difficult, and even more challenging is pinpointing highlights for my farewell.
Anyone who attempts to head a campus organization quickly finds that many disagree with their leadership choices. I am no exception. A close friend of mine advised me by citing political theorist Machiavelli. He said that in a leadership role, it is better to be feared than loved. I disagreed and followed the reverse, believing Machiavelli's route only creates a hostile environment. True, but I have found my method allows others to take advantage of their leader.
I think joining the Rebel Yell staff more than three years ago was a wise choice. My UNLV story simply revolves around this newspaper … and a few other things. The alcohol and stories that surround my journey to and through UNLV are trimmed in weird tales.
In mid-summer 1997, two friends and I traveled cross-country at 17 years old from Indianapolis, hearts set on Nevada. I remember thinking after a campus visit how UNLV resembled more of a business complex than a university.
As high school grads a year later, we same three traveled to Las Vegas again. I was the only one college-bound with a believed commitment to become a Rebel. I missed orientation – the sole purpose of that sinned trip. Instead we fled with a savaged hotel room behind us and San Francisco ahead of us.
That was the summer of 1998, and at it's end, I drove one more time to make orientation, only to stop homesick in Seligman, Ariz., and in love. At a Shell station pay phone, I dialed my girlfriend, then Purdue University. One week later, I moved into a room in West Lafayette, Ind.
When I watched "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" I became interested in journalism, but didn't pursue anything until an English professor at Purdue made me write, but not about topics irrelevant to my liking. Topics I chose. Topics that let me enjoy writing.
Frustrations, problems and disappointment led me to again attempt UNLV. The only one involved with my plan was pops. Four days before my first flight ever, I told my mom and girlfriend I was moving to Las Vegas. I stepped out of seven inches of snow January 10, 1999 and into 60 degrees of warm weather, not knowing one person. Las Vegas was my independence and this has become my home.
But everything I worked for ends next Saturday. This run stops and an empty one waits with no shape and few hints. I like that.
The faces I've met and hands I've shook since entering UNLV are the same ones who have bettered me. For the first couple semesters I wanted to leave, but I waited it out. I believe each student needs a home base in college, a place to cling, an identity to establish. Mine came with the student newspaper.
Aaron Clemens asked me to be news editor. I was reluctant at first. My news experience was limited, but Clemens saw potential and suspected dedication. News editor allowed me to introduce myself to UNLV. I met great police officers, greater students, and even President Carol Harter. But of all people met thanks to the Rebel Yell, a few stand out – two great friends. One should more than likely run Chicago's Second City and airwaves. The other, well, he and I will be lounging in Cabo sipping Tequila come month's end. It's strange to think this one began sipping Millers in Reno between regents' meetings.
So to all those I've worked with, here is my thanks.
Aaron Clemens (Last year's editor-in-chief) – No one challenged me as much as you. You gave me what I didn't want, and I bettered myself from it. You allowed me to quicker find the confidence I always had. I shadowed you and was hesitant to follow your lead because I believed it to be nearly flawless. I never became the great teacher you were, but I did improve the Rebel Yell, as I hope Erik Ball does next year. That, and I bought you $300 worth of private dances the night before you left Las Vegas. Your welcome, but more importantly, thank you.
Mary Hausch (former faculty advisor) – Thank you for all your advice and help. No matter the dispute or dilemma, everyone at the Rebel Yell accepted your input as the final say. I respect your expertise and your role as a teacher.
Bob Eichelberger (the computer guy) – Your questioning and mentoring has been invaluable. I'll keep this short. You have mentored me well, and challenged me to realize how many things actually work, and I don't limit that to computer knowlege. Thanks.
Rebecca Mills (VP of student life), Preston Perrenot (police detective) & Phil Burns (coordinator for student activities) – By far, I have enjoyed working with you three more than most others in similar positions. On an administrative level, I think you have balanced concerns for the student newspaper's image well with the concerns for your own department. Phil and Rebecca, thanks for the small talks and letting me use your carts on delivery days. I know, especially for Campus Community Development, that our needs occasionally clashed. Perrenot, I'm glad you accused Himmel and I of attending a Britney Spears concert even though we never have. I've enjoyed our working relationship ever since.
Paul Moradkhan (student body president) – Paul, Paul, Paul. I always looked forward to you racing down the hallways of the Rebel Yell when a critical article involving you hit the newsstands. You were always so uptight. But without a doubt, I'm glad we got to work with each other these past two years. You are definitely right; we operate on a love-hate basis. Now that you and I are finally done with our positions, let's chat at Crown & Anchor. I'll buy the first 10 rounds.
Eric Leake (managing editor) – You never buckled when balancing school with going out, even in New Orleans for Christ's sake. You are almost as goal driven as Clemens. We've been Yell partners since day one last year, and without you I'd have more readers angry with me. Your diplomatic personal skills prevented me from dropping the "F-Bomb" on a lot of them. These few sentences can't summarize my appreciation for what you long to do and with what you have helped me.
Babette May-Herrmann (former news editor) – The Yell offices are a funny place to work, especially this year. Everybody had a unique character. You, as a frumpy, were one of my favorites to see open the door. Usually angry at the world, or just the guy who dumped you online, you came in and got your work done. You're a great writer and all I can do is wish you the best.
David Himmel (opinion editor) – Like I've said to you before; one reason I felt I could do well at the Rebel Yell was because I read a terrible article you wrote. Thanks for the confidence. Two years ago Michelle Boyer, you and I would see each other on campus and ask if we read each other's articles. I miss that shit. Now I don't even read the paper once it's printed. We've had some sweet times in the office – racing to park in President Harter's spot, watching Boyer take your position as you so willingly ran for the Moradkhan throne, eating "tacos," and well some things I can't write for fear the administration might read. Because of you, I now also despise "scare" quotes. You're a clown, but even a better friend. USRA kicked off our fun, and just because the Rebel Yell is finished for us, that doesn't mean we'll only converse at the Alumni Hall wearing polo shirts and penny loafers. We have too many concert venues to, let's say, dump our drinks on.
Adam Hill (sports editor) – Good lord are you and Leake are amused easily. I remember most production days – this and last year – were distracted by you two laughing with red faces about something so simple. Sweet job on the Stick Happens humor, though. I know how you guys strived for that one Stick Happens that would reach beyond insensitivity, but I guess you failed. I admire your long-term run. I wasn't sure I heard right when I was told you weren't coming back. Randall has a difficult lead to follow.
Lisa Magliocca (copy editor) – I know not much was ready for you on most of the production days, but you didn't mind. Hanging out with us made that worth the longer hours. One thing I'll never forget about you is that you enjoy complaining, especially about your other job at FAO Schwartz. I'm sure you did the same about us when there. I wish you well back home in glamorous Rome. We all – even Barney's purple ass – would love to join you.
Aimee Brizuela (advertising manager) – We have had a challenging year together. Despite it all, you have devoted much energy to this paper. Thank you for all the yummies you brought us on production day. Some of those days would never have ended without them. I've learned a lot from the messes we've tried to clean up. Your dedication will take you far and I am glad I got to be a part of your long and successful run.
Michael Lundin (assistant advertising manager) – Hey paperboy. I think you've hit most of the positions this paper has to offer. You're a true jack-of-all-trades. I can't imagine where the Arts & Entertainment section would be without a movie review from you or Martin. I appreciate you helping out our advertising mess as well as not wrecking my truck when picking up food for me. The film industry has a promising future once you make your name known. Until then, us movie-goers will have to suffer.
Lewis Whitten (production manager) – Whoa! I remember when you came to me for a job. I didn't know where to exactly put you, but I'm glad that I put you somewhere. You fell into the newspaper operations well as Lew the Libertarian, office comedian and production manager. You became the most unique character in the office and one of the guys I truly relied on. I know next year's Rebel Yell is in confident and secure hands with you as managing editor. Thanks for a year full of humor and Libertarian perspectives.
Capra Jensen (photography chief) – As the only Mormon skater punk in the office, I think you did very well dealing with all the politically incorrect comments. Telling you and Martin all year that we can only use one or two pictures of an entire shoot was stressful. As would anyone who puts in the hours a photographer does, you guys always thought the best pictures should run despite the number. Good luck in Arizona and with getting a car.
Robin Belkoff & Nicole Gallaga (office managers) – Behind every good man, or just a lazy one, is a good woman. Without you two, I think I would have quit. There are jobs the office manager has to do that I simply did not want to know existed. Nicki did the best at playing innocent when complainers came to the office, and Robin championed showing no emotion to everyone – staff and upset readers.
Erik Ball (next year's editor-in-chief) – Next year you will run into dilemmas that you might think only I can answer. That may be the case, but try working through them. I could say that's advice Clemens gave me, but I might as well tell you the truth – leave me alone. I'm done. Gone. And you are on your own. Gosh, I'll be a great parent someday. Actually, I'll help you as much as possible. I love the Rebel Yell and know you do too. It grows on guys like us. I am anxious to see what you're going to do with the paper. You are among the most creative the Yell has, so regardless what I may not approve of, the students are in for a treat next year. When your farewell article arrives, I want you to have accomplished more than me. Best of luck.
Tommy V. Carrow (former news editor) – Next to my pops, I respect you more than anyone I know. You make things happens, and you do so with drive, intimidation and confidence. You are thorough with everything you do. There were times last semester that I fell back on your advice so much that I felt you had more Rebel Yell control than me. When you chose to pursue other options this semester, I looked forward to it for personal and respectful reasons. I think we've learned from each other. We're going places. I hope that wherever those places are, the journey there will be as adventurous as mine here and ours together.