This time last year, I ran for Business Manager only knowing about the Good Five Cent Cigar from what Juliana Lepore had told me. She spoke of wonderful people and great opportunities, but most of all, of a community within the University that was unlike any other. I was hesitant to join the group after never stepping foot into a pitch meeting or even knowing journalism etiquette. But I can now say that being a part of this organization has proved to be more than just a useful resume builder.
As a College of Business student, I am exposed to the world of strategy and skills needed to be a great business leader. I know mainly the students I see in Ballentine and have positioned myself to be involved in business organizations. The Cigar opened my worldview and my community to people I never would have been able to meet: people who are interesting and smart and who have goals that I cannot even begin to comprehend in my own business mind. And I love that. I love that I know what it takes to be a journalist and that I was able to learn by being a part of a group of many journalists.
The role I played in the organization was more of a behind the scenes one, but nonetheless made me feel important. The Cigar members are the ones who put in the time and the work it takes to make the newspaper great. After giving each article and production their all, I am proud to be the one that gets to pay them. I get to reward their hard work and effort and be a part of that special community that pushes them to commit hours of their life each week. This role makes sure the Cigar members do not even have to think about how the paper stays afloat and lets them focus on the real interesting and exciting part. It was an honor and I will always remember the feeling that comes with that.
I want to thank Juliana and Ronan for believing that I would be a fit for the role and being there to answer my many questions along the way. I also want to thank Jenny Kang, the previous Business Manager, for her guidance and mentorship during the transition. It takes a community to make this newspaper what it is today and it all starts with the individuals in the organization. I hope the paper continues on this path and that the University continues to support and uplift the organization as it has been. The Good Five Cent Cigar has allowed me to branch out into a new world and see that at the end of the day, the sky’s the limit. I hope that students who may have never considered joining the group before, decide to do so and watch as their perspective shifts and their community expands. My position in this group should serve as a reminder that trying new things and being open to new experiences is essential on the path to finding yourself.