My time at The Spectrum has been one of the defining experiences of my time at UB. Some of the best people that I have met at UB have been the editors that I've worked with all year, and I will treasure all of the great times that I have had this year and half of working here.
I joined the second half of my junior year, not really knowing what to expect. As a commuter, I wanted to find a way to be more connected to campus, and I'm very glad I sought this opportunity out.
In my first semester I worked as a staff writer on the sports desk. My family has deep ties to the university, so I grew up a diehard UB Bulls fan. Working in a position that let me talk about the teams that I grew up rooting for seemed a natural fit for me. The semester covering the sports desk flew by, and my-then-editor Izabella encouraged me to take on a bigger role in the fall, and apply to be an editor.
I got to share my time as an editor on the desk with Ciah, and I couldn't have asked for a better person to work alongside. Your insight on the editing process, as well as your unique sense of humor always keeping meetings light were always something that I appreciated.
Izabella, you have done such a great job as EIC, you made everyone else’s jobs so much easier with your leadership. I will miss our chats with Amy and Ciah after our meetings quite a lot.
Every single editor on the staff this year was a joy to work with. Everyone was so genuine and talented. My only regret is that a year is much too short of a time, and I wish I could have made the choice to join sooner.
I will always be grateful for the time that I was able to spend as both a writer and an editor for the paper. It taught me so much about being both a writer and on how to help others write as well.
I wish everyone the best in every path that they take in the future, and I sincerely hope that I will see everyone again soon.
Drew
Drew Heckman was the Assistant Sports Editor and can be reached at drew.heckman@ubspectrum.com
