By Braedan Shea
@Braedan_Shea
I know I’ve become known as the guy who writes unbelievably long ledes. So this time I’ll spare everyone and cut to the chase.
After four years, I can’t believe my time at Springfield College is over. I would be lying if I said it was easy, especially this final year. Multiple internships, the fear of the future and heavy burnout sometimes made the end feel as if it would never come, but alas, here we are.
And I couldn’t be more proud.
These columns are often about the person writing them, and their journey during their SC tenure. But my path isn’t about me. Instead, I want to thank everyone who has helped me along the way, and made me who I am today.
There is no better place to start than with Marty Dobrow. Marty, I can safely say without you I would be making video packages instead of deleting Oxford commas. When I first joined the COSJ major, I had the full intention of taking the television route and never thought I would be a writer. But you saw something in me, and helped me find a passion that I didn’t know I had. (Also, working on the documentary certainly cemented that film was not the right direction for me.)
Next, to Joe Arruda, the man who almost made me quit writing—just kidding. Kind of. I will never forget the first story I ever submitted to The Student. You made more than 100 edits on it. I was shattered, but you assured me that it was ok, we all have to start somewhere. From that point on, I was dedicated to learning and growing, and you set an impressively high bar for such a little guy. Seriously Joe, your work ethic is beyond admirable and I would be proud to be half the writer you are.
Garrett Cote, Chris Gionta and Clout Kemp: what a two years it was together. Beyond your unquestionable writing talents, you three are even better people. Not only did you make coming to the newspaper office more than just rearranging words and laying out pages, I loved the time we spent together outside of it. I don’t think I have ever laughed as hard as I did during the California trip in 2023. We have got to get together soon.
Speaking of getting together soon, Mr. Luke Brickhouse. I can’t believe I’m writing these words, but I miss having you around. Let me make it clear: from campus—not the newspaper. Jokes aside, I miss laying out the paper together in the basement of Weiser and getting just about nothing done.
To my fellow seniors: Sam Paul, Sean Savage and Kaitlyn Kupiec.
Sam, beyond being an incredible athlete (go team triple jump!), you are an even better person. You’re one of the nicest, funniest and most positive people I have ever met, and seeing you find a home at Springfield was special to watch. The way you approach life has inspired me to try and be the best person I can, and not to take life too seriously. Thank you.
Sean: I can say with absolute certainty that you are the best editor I have worked with. You have such an uncanny ability to know how to direct a story, take all the pieces and put them together. You are clearly in the right field, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.
Quite honestly Kupe, I don’t know what we would have done this year without you. You were the most dependable safety blankets that we had, and I knew that if we needed something done, and done well, you were my first contact. You are one of the best writers I have ever had the pleasure of working with, especially when it comes to column writing (see page four). Those skills, combined with your personality and untouchable work ethic have you destined for something great, perhaps even covering a real sport.
To my right-hand man, Nicky Pages: How the hell did we pull off 25 editions of the paper, stellar coverage of the Hoophall Classic and what I believe (pretty biasedly) is the best Pride Sports Journal layout yet? With our similar sense of humor and interests, it felt like we got next to nothing done together. You have been such an important part of not just this year, but the three that we shared together. I look forward to watching you top everything next year. No pressure.
If there was a Most Improved Person award given out, the unanimous pick would be you, Tucker. In the past few months, your growth has been nothing short of impressive. I knew that you would be a good editor, but you have blown me away this semester. You are great at staying on top of things, coming up with headlines and are an even better guy. Between you and Nick, The Student is in great hands.
Pizza Pat. What an amazing guy, this guy. The greatest, some would say. Seriously Pat, your creativity is unmatched. I’ll miss the hours in the office making dumb jokes and bad impressions, but also getting to watch you work first hand. You are a visual editing wizard, and you are going to be amazing at whatever you choose to do.
River Mitchell and Liam Reilly, since you first started at the newspaper three years ago, you have been huge. Both of you are full of talent in your own right. You have not only made my senior year so much smoother, but you have done such an amazing job. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for you.
To Dante Iafrate and Sam MacGilpin. While you have been the only two sophomores I have been able to poach, I couldn’t be happier with your contributions. There may be only two of you in quantity, but you make up for it in quality. Ever since you two started writing for the paper you have impressed me not only in the newsroom, but in all facets of your portfolio. You are in charge of the new generation of multimedia journalists, and the future is bright for you.
To the first years–Ty Sanges, Emma Bynes and Owen Farley: While our time together was short, I’m glad that it happened. You have impressed me a lot this year, and seeing your growth over the past few months has been a true charm. It is comforting to know that the future of COSJ is in good hands, and as long as you keep applying yourself, the sky’s the limit.
Last but certainly not least, I need to thank Aimee Crawford. While we didn’t have the chance to spend as much time together this year, you have been nothing short of being the greatest faculty advisor. You have taught me more than I could have ever imagined, not only as a journalist, but as a person. I’ve always felt a special bond with you, especially considering that I started at Springfield the same time you did and that we had a couple similar experiences. There are not enough words to describe just how important you have been to my time here. Thank you.
I would like to think that I know what the future holds after graduation, but I can’t be sure. I am certain about one thing, however: because of all of you, I will be ready for whatever it is.
Kickin’ It out.
Photo courtesy of Chris Evans