By Katy McCoy
Managing Editor
In the midst of my undergraduate career at CSUB I wanted to become more involved on campus. I tried attending meetings of various clubs and organizations, but nothing really stood out to me. Little did I know my last option was the place I would end up calling my second home.
In the spring of 2011 I opened the door to East Modular 103 where I discovered a completely new world filled with writers and editors using their own words and voices to assert their points of view on campus issues and providing their opinions on certain topics. Never in a million years had I ever thought I would join this distinguished group of individuals. I was an English major hoping to fulfill my goal toward becoming an English teacher.
John Emig, The Runner advisor at the time I began my position as a staff writer, introduced me to the world of journalism. Lo and behold after writing for the paper for a few quarters I decided to continue my journey on a different path and was given the opportunity to become a news editor. No surprise, I decided to make a big decision in my college career and switch my major to Communications.
Soon after taking on the role of news editor I decided to opt for another position as marketing manager where I was involved in multiple tasks surrounding advertising for the paper and marketing to other companies throughout Bakersfield. Emig along with Rhianna Taylor, who was the editor-in-chief of the paper (at the time) allowed me to gain experience in these two fields and guided me to become the best possible manager I could be.
Currently, I am the managing editor for The Runner. I have had the pleasure of working with a number of writers who have shown me their various writing styles and their ability to go above and beyond what is asked of them. I have also had the opportunity to work with a variety of editors who have taught me how to aspire to be the best journalist I can be.
Although I will be walking across the stage (for graduation) come June 14 I will always cherish the memories I have shared, the time I have given and the people I have met on this journey. This may be my final issue for The Runner but I plan to amount to much more with what I have learned thus far.
This isn’t goodbye, this is just the beginning. There is no doubt in my mind that the paper will continue to excel and I for one will never forget the memories or the people. Thank you to all of you who have supported me, guided me, and taught me to be the person I am today. I will never forget any of you.
