Cory Hancock, Editor-in-Chief
I have told numerous people that working with The Sentinel has taught me so much more than any of my classes have. It is the people at The Sentinel that have helped make me into a journalist. Those people encouraged me, taught me, allowed me to fail and allowed me to lead. Three-and-a-half years of lessons, triumphs and failures have brought me to this point in my life.
Having the honor of serving as editor-in-chief of The Sentinel is something I will never forget for as long as I live. Even if I had only remained a photographer, as I was when I first transferred to KSU, I would be content because I know I’d be surrounded by people that care so much about others and about the university they attend.
I remember the first photograph I ever had published in The Sentinel— a photo from an event organized to make books for children in Africa. That photo was on the front page. I’m excited to see who else makes the front page and realizes their potential because of this body of people. Not many things in life surpass the “ah-ha!” moment when someone realizes their purpose and potential. I am so grateful The Sentinel did that for me. Thank you.
Abbie Bythewood, Engagement Director
There are not enough words to adequately describe my experience working with The Sentinel these past two years. Maybe I am biased, but we are the best student organization on campus. Joining as a staff photographer in fall 2016 may have been one of the best decisions I have ever made in my college career at KSU.
When I stepped into the engagement director position in January 2017, I did not realize how much work I was getting myself into. This job is hard. It’s long hours, it’s making mistakes, and it’s incredibly underrated. But if I have learned anything while being on staff, the best part about this job is that everyone still shows up. Even though we are full-time students going through our own lives, we show up for each other. We show up for our campus, for the faculty, staff and students who rely on us to report timely and accurate information and hold us accountable. We show up, ultimately, because we care. I don’t think I have met more dedicated students than the ones who represent The Sentinel.
Working for this newspaper has cultivated some of my best relationships. I have had the opportunity to encourage and be encouraged. I have developed skills and connections to utilize in my professional career, and I have crafted an entirely new appreciation for my university. I don’t want to imagine a life without this experience, and I am more than thankful for everyone who has been a part of it. Thank you.
Killian Grina, Photo Editor
My experience at The Sentinel has been one I will never forget. I never in a million years imagined myself working for a publication in a newsroom, but I have never been so wrong. I remember the first time I entered the newsroom as a photographer, following Abbie, our engagement director, to meet the editorial staff at the time. I was so intimidated by the huge board in the room and all the desks with iMacs. I never thought one of those desks would be mine.
This team and this publication was a pleasure to work with and for. It’s these people who you spend hours-on-end with that make the biggest difference in an individual’s college career. The relationships I have formed, not only with student-peers but the wiser ones, such as Ed Bonza, who always encouraged us to reach for the unlimited.
I’m thankful the opportunity to take the position as photo editor came in my direction because it may have just been the best chance I ever received. I encourage everyone to take time to get to know your peers because they’ll change your life. This particular staff has been a joy to be a part of and I will cherish the newsroom tomfoolery memories shared with these eight people.
Connor Zielke: Managing Editor
I never thought in a million years that I would’ve earned the right to sit at a desk surrounded by the people that make The Sentinel possible. Last semester, I told myself that I would try my hardest, that I would apply myself as much as possible toward writing for The Sentinel. I quickly went from contributor to staff writer, but I still remember seeing my byline on my first printed story. My parents and I have kept a copy of every issue since. I thank The Sentinel for giving me every opportunity I’ve had at KSU to grow and create as a writer.
Without the people behind this paper, I don’t think I could muster the motivation to meet the heavy demands of creating the paper each week. The other members of the editorial board and our dedicated writers make the job worth it. My hope is that I leave The Sentinel better than I found it, and I have high hopes for the next staff. I know that they will grow and support each other as they create amazing work. I never agreed with you 100 percent on anything, Cory Hancock, but you always had my utmost respect as a writer and leader.
Payton Butler, Production Manager
“Hey, it’s Payton lol.”
Being a part of The Sentinel has been one of the most professionally enlightening experiences of my college career. The opportunity that The Sentinel has given me to design a useful and established publication is something I will be forever thankful for. While the lessons I have learned regarding the workplace have been beyond valuable, I will be forever changed by the people of this organization.
This group of students and advisors is composed of the most incredible people and I am continually inspired by their dedication to what they do. This staff challenges me to produce work that they will be proud of, and make me laugh more than I ever thought possible under the stress that we take on.
The Sentinel is The Sentinel because of the people that make it happen. Our advisors, our editors, our writers, our photographers — you guys are absolute magic, and I am better because of you. Thank you for the laughs, the lessons and the late nights that ended with an even better paper than the one before. I’m honored to have been a part of this publication.
