There aren’t many things that stick with me quite like my time with the Cigar.
I remember my first meeting. I joined a Zoom meeting with great anticipation, however, I was reluctant to take a story. I sat behind a computer screen in a meeting filled with strangers, strangers that would soon become friends.
By my second year at URI, many pandemic-era restrictions had been lifted and I could finally meet my coworkers and experience the delightful dinginess of the Cigar office. Writing for the Cigar was a way for me to practice my skills outside of the classroom. What I didn’t realize was that my time with the Cigar was more important than just writing, it was a way for me to find my place in life.
The dusty office became my second home on campus. Despite its outward appearance, there is a comforting energy to MU 125, and that is due to the people who inhabit it. I would love to say thank you to those who helped me along this journey.
To Claudia Stepien, David Broccoli and Kyle Standing, thank you for all the memorable nights at production, our themed presentations, K-Pop conversations and sports talk, you made working hard fun.
To Adam Zangari, thank you for setting the example for what a Managing Editor should be. You showed me the way to support our fellow editors, reporters, photographers and everyone else involved with the Cigar. Your presence in the office will always be missed. Thank you for always being around with a random geography fact, a smile and the most supportive attitude.
To Jason Phillips, thank you for helping me come out of my shell. You never failed to put a smile on my face and make my day better. Your support and friendship is incredibly important to me.
To the current e-board, you have all been incredible. My news editors, Lucas Masiello and Casey Chan-Smutko, thank you for your incredible stories and laughs in the office. Nils Fimmers, thank you for your technical prowess, being the only person in the office who can navigate the confusing world of InDesign, but also your incredible humor. Jenny Arnold thank you for your hilarious retelling of childhood stories, chaotic check-ins and for always hanging out in Ranger before class. Aidan Cahill, thank you for your incredible knowledge of literally everything, amazing music recommendations and headline writing expertise. All of your energies in the office always made long production nights easier. Marcy Kelly and Molly Cronin, although I didn’t see you in the office that often, thank you for all the behind the scenes support you brought to the Cigar. Without your effort, the Cigar would not exist.
Liz Fusco and Maddie Bataille, thank you for being my “older sisters” in the office. I will never forget our lowkey drives, thousands of laughs, inside jokes and silly energy in and out of the office. Thank you for being the best coworkers-turned friends I could ask for.
Lauren Drapeau, I am so impressed by your commitment to taking on an editor position after just one semester. Your dedication will take you far. Thank you for being a great friend, someone to laugh with and a constant good energy in the office. Nathan Robillard, how can I explain how proud of you I am. You are easily one of the hardest working people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. You are going to continue to do incredible things. Aside from being a hard worker, you are a person I consider one of my closest friends. You never fail to bring my spirits up with a silly (or stupid) joke, but you’ve also made my job as Managing Editor so much easier. Nathan and Lauren, you are both going to do great things and I couldn’t imagine a better duo to take over.
Alexa Potamianos, I remember the first time interviewing you for a story, and taking a class with you our first year. What I didn’t expect to find in all of that was an incredible friend. You have always brought so much infectious energy to the office and the Cigar. Thank you for your help with the “Ronan Report,” it wouldn’t be possible without you, but more importantly, thank you for the countless conversations about nothing, collective love for hotdogs and laughs around campus and beyond.
Last but certainly not least Juliana Lepore, thank you for everything. We’ve been thinking about this time for a while, and now it is here. The finish line is in sight. You have taught me how to support this group, but also how to support myself. Thank you for always being there for me, with Cigar related stuff or not. This has been the journey of a lifetime and I’m glad we were able to do it together. Congratulations on retirement Jules.
Finally, thank you to the Cigar. Thank you for all the opportunities, struggles, laughs, tears and friendships, I would not be the person I am today without the Cigar. Thank you.