My journey as Editor-in-Chief
SABRINA HARRISON OUTGOING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Idragged my feet on writing this because I knew that the moment I did, the feeling would become real. I have been part of The Wichitan for three years.
My first year at The Wichitan began simply as a writer and photographer, and I wasn't initially sure it was the right path. I didn't come to MSU as a journalism student; I wanted to pursue radio, so this role was completely out of my depth. However, I viewed it as an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and find community. I soon found that I really enjoyed it. It was a place where I could excel in writing in ways I hadn't before.
The following spring of my freshman year, I became the Entertainment Editor, a role I approached with mixed feelings. While I learned a great deal, I never felt ready to take on one of the bigger positions. When our Editor-in-Chief graduated that year, a Managing Editor position opened up, and I could have easily
applied. But I felt I was nowhere nearly as skilled as some of the other writers. In my mind, I didn't have the ability to truly commit myself to that role, nor did I feel I was good enough to be a paid member of the senior staff.
I remained the Entertainment Editor until my junior year, when I attended TIPA, the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association conference. There is something about TIPA, a palpable energy that makes you believe you can do anything. Being surrounded by so many passionate people focused on journalism and mass communication changed my perspective.
That year, our previous Editor-in-Chief had left halfway through, and our Managing Editor had stepped up to fill the role. Although no one formally stepped into the Managing Editor position, our Editor-in-Chief was graduating that spring. Inspired after TIPA, I asked my advisor, if i could be Editor-in-Chief next year, and he simply replied, "Okay".
When I took over as Editor-in-Chief, I learned more in that single year than I could have imagined. I cannot fully express the
importance of holding this leadership position, not only for myself but for The Wichitan as a whole.
I often think back to middle school, when I was a huge Hamilton fan. Legacy is a core theme of that show: What is a legacy, and what do you leave behind when you leave? What I hope to leave behind when I move away from MSU is a warm and welcoming community that not only tells its writers, reporters, and photographers that they are capable, but truly convinces them of it.
As someone who was once certain I had no skills or nothing to contribute to The Wichitan, it is a deeply heartwarming feeling to know that I will not only be missed but remembered fondly. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to make my mark on the paper, the campus, and the student reporters.
I hope they know that everything I did was done with the sole purpose of ensuring their benefit.
A farewell from the Photography Editor
MADISYN BUTLER OUTGOING PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
Ihonestly don’t even know where to begin when it comes to saying goodbye. I’m so grateful for my time here at The Wichitan and at MSU. I have loved getting to know everyone and being surrounded by other students who wanted to create something.
Being a part of a newspaper wasn’t what I saw myself doing once I got to college, but I’m so grateful that I did.
Joining The Wichitan meant getting outside of my comfort zone. I learned how to talk to people I didn’t know. I researched and wrote about new topics, but was also given the opportunity to write about shows and topics I loved.
The last three semesters, I served on the senior staff as the
photography editor. I took and edited so many photos. But more importantly, I got to teach a new class of Wichitan photographers how to take and edit photos.
I think that’s what my legacy is. I got to teach people how to take, edit and caption photos. I got to watch others learn and grow the way I once did.
It’s hard to summarize three years into a couple hundred words. Thank you to all our readers who have read our works and viewed our photos. And to all the other staff members, thank you for your dedication, hard work and laughter that you’ve brought into my life.
And Sabrina, this paper would not be what it is without you. I’m glad to have served by your side this past year.
Thank you to everyone. I’m going to miss The Wichitan.
Vol. 90 | No. 12
Midwestern State University
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3410 Taft Blvd. | Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704
wichitan@msutexas.edu | thewichitan.com @wichitanonline
Editor-in-Chief: Jay Prado
Managing Editor: Mira Rosenbaum
Photography Editor: Emily Elkins
Design Editor: Helen Hamburg
Social Media Manager: Now Hiring!
Business Manager: Bernard Sasu Boateng
Spanish Editor: Juliette Saltos Molina
Advisor: Professor Jonathon Quam
Issue Staff: Alex Rhea, Marlee Whitson
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COVER BY JAY PRADO
PHOTO BY JAY PRADO | THE WICHITAN Mass communication graduate Madisyn Butler walks off stage receiving her degree at D.L. Ligon Coliseum May 15.
The Wichitan bids farewell to graduating staff
MIRA ROSENBAUM MANAGING EDITOR
As graduation approaches, Midwestern State University seniors are preparing for their next chapters. To mark the occasion, The Wichitan is highlighting four graduating students reflecting on their college careers and future plans.
Sabrina Harisson, a mass communication major and The Wichitan's outgoing editor-in-chief, committed herself to campus involvement after a disappointing high school experience. Along with participating in the Redwine honors program, she also joined The Wichitan and Pride during her freshman year.
Experiencing burnout from her chaotic schedule, Harisson shifted her focus to her well-being. She learned to balance responsibilities, work under pressure and meet deadlines. Post-graduation, Harisson plans to move to Houston with her partner to work for local newspapers.
Madisyn Butler is the former photography editor for The Wichitan, remained highly active throughout her college career. She also took part in Redwine honors program, MNG Media, Model UN, sorority life, and the University Programming Board.
Balancing her studies and leadership roles forced her to hone her time-management and self-care skills. With her background in mass communication, Butler plans to attend graduate school to continue her education.
Jazz Guillory was also a mass communication major with his hand in several fine arts programs. He joined the band during his freshman year, forming extensive social networks. Despite battling grief and feeling discouraged during his junior year, Guillory persevered with the support of friends, family and MSU staff.
Guillory interned at Sheppard Air Force Base as a photographer and accepted a full-time position there following graduation. He credits MSU's festive environment and skillbuilding opportunities for his success.
Trevor Kelley, a former photographer and editor for The Wichitan, prioritized socializing through the Anime Club and e-sports. Despite his laid-back attitude, Kelley worked to improve his academic and time-management skills. With support from friends and MSU staff, he overcame struggles with procrastination and now hopes to find work as a voice actor or photographer.
PHOTO BY ALEX RHEA | THE WICHITAN Grad cap: "Because of you - I didn't give up"
May 16
PHOTO BY ALEX RHEA | THE WICHITAN Grad cap: "Just getting started" May 16.
PHOTO BY ALEX RHEA | THE WICHITAN Grad cap: "Bachelors Managed" May 16.
PHOTO BY EMILY ELKINS | THE WICHITAN Grad cap: "A grand adventure is about to begin" May 16.
Graduate students line up in preparation for their ceremony at D.L. Ligon Coliseum on May 15.
JAY PRADO | THE WICHITAN
Master of Fine Arts graduate Cristin Emily Martin celebrates with friends at D.L. Ligon Coliseum May 15.
JAY PRADO | THE WICHITAN
Graduate students stand as their families applaud them for their hard work, Dec. 12.
JAY PRADO | THE WICHITAN Master of Business Administration graduate Pratiksha K C smiles at the camera at D.L. Ligon Coliseum May 15.
JAY PRADO | THE WICHITAN Midwestern State University's
JAY PRADO | THE WICHITAN Master’s graduate Sandhya Khadka smiles during the graduation ceremony at D.L. Ligon Coliseum May 15.
JAY PRADO | THE WICHITAN Graduate students sit as they wait for commencement to begin at D.L. Ligon Coliseum May 15.
WICHITAN
JAY PRADO | THE WICHITAN
Master of Business Administration graduate De’Onny De’Shone Alexander stands for a photo May 15.
JAY PRADO | THE WICHITAN Master’s graduate Alicia Erin David shakes hands with President Haynie after receiving her Master of Business Administration degree May 15.
PHOTO BY EMILY ELKINS | THE WICHITAN
Graduates Davidson Cook, Will Jones, Daniel Shaffer and Valarie Monteith perform the National Anthem, May 16.
PHOTO Graduates wait in line to
PHOTO BY JAY PRADO | THE WICHITAN President Stacia Haynie congratulates new graduates on their achievement, May 16.
PHOTO BY JAY PRADO | THE WICHITAN Graduate Madisyn Butler smiles and walks proudly after she recieved her bachleor of arts degree, May 16.
PHOTO BY JAY PRADO
Professor Jim Sernoe hugs his graduating Scobee, May 16.
PHOTO BY JAY PRADO | THE WICHITAN Family and friends gather to celebrate the new graduates on their achievement, May 16.
PHOTO BY ALEX RHEA | THE WICHITAN receive their degree, May 16.
PHOTO BY EMILY ELKINS | THE WICHITAN
A graduate flashes the Mustangs Hand Sign, May 16.
PHOTO BY JAY PRADO | THE WICHITAN
Graduate Jazz Guillory points foward as he walks his way to the stage, May 16.
PRADO | THE WICHITAN graduating student Karah
PHOTO BY JAY PRADO | THE WICHITAN Graduates
up to receive their degrees, May 16.
PHOTO BY EMILY ELKINS | THE WICHITAN Graduate Minerva Patino waiting to receive her Bachelor of Fine Arts, May 16.
PHOTO BY EMILY ELKINS | THE WICHITAN Graduate Sabrina Harrison smiles at her friends and family in the crowd, May 16.
Undergraduate Ceremony
PHOTO BY ALEX RHEA | THE WICHITAN Dean Jeff Killion hands graduate Won Kyoung Jang his Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, May 16.
PHOTO BY ALEX RHEA | THE WICHITAN Student Government Association president Vincent Peter gives congratulatory remarks to graduates, May 16.
PHOTO BY ALEX RHEA | THE WICHITAN Graduate Carley Mitchell smiles after she received her Bachelor of Social Work degree, May 16.
PHOTO BY ALEX RHEA | THE WICHITAN President Stacie Hayne shakes graduate Anthony Duarte's hand after receiving a Bachelors of Business Administration, May 16.
Ceremony - Gunn College
PHOTO BY ALEX RHEA | THE WICHITAN Graduate Melanie Mora shakes President Stacie Hayne's hand after receiving her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology, May 16.
PHOTO BY ALEX RHEA | THE WICHITAN Graduates prepare to leave after receiving their diplomas.
PHOTO BY ALEX RHEA | THE WICHITAN Graduates sing and raise their stang to the alma mater after they have received their degrees, May 16.
PHOTO BY ALEX RHEA | THE WICHITAN
President Stacie Hayne shakes Crystal Ann Acosta's hand after receiving her Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences, May 16.