If you had told me I’d be the arts & culture editor of The Good Five Cent Cigar two years ago, I’d be very confused.
And no, not just because at that point, the section was titled “entertainment” – because as a sports media student, I never thought I’d consider working outside of that field.
I’ve always had a passion for the arts. I did choir and theatre in high school, performed for various ensembles for the University of Rhode Island department of music and even performed at Musicians Guild shows. Student life has been a major part of my time here. I’ve probably interacted with more student organizations than I can count.
Arts and culture have always been components of who I am at URI. Joining the Cigar at the start of my second year helped me find another component – my love for writing.
I enjoyed a full semester in the sports section, and after a failed campaign for sports staff reporter, I recall being persuaded to stick around and not to let it bother me. I found this shocking, as I had no intention whatsoever of leaving. In fact, I had plans to advance elsewhere.
I ended up running for an open non-sports staff reporter spot in the following semester, and after dabbling in news and features, I found my love lied in the entertainment section. Now, in just enough time for me to get comfortable as a writer and editor, my tenure with the Cigar has found itself at an end.
Through all the articles edited, stories written and interviews conducted, I am forever grateful for what the Cigar has given me. No matter how hard it was at times, I wouldn’t trade the countless hours on Wednesday nights in Memorial Union Room 125 for the world.
The Cigar came to me at a difficult time in my life. I’ve learned so much about myself, my peers and the world. This newspaper has been paramount in shaping Ryan Pelillo.
I’d like to thank anyone who has ever taken one of my pitches, written for my section or read my stories. It is because of you that I do this. None of what I’ve done is possible without the people who share the same pride that I do.
To Ella Gerdts, you’re gonna take the section to new heights. Never underestimate the importance of yourself or your reporters; you’ve got this.
To Lauren Drapeau and Ellie Sennhenn, thank you for dealing with me. I learned something new every day with the Cigar, and that isn’t possible without an editor-in-chief.
To Nathan Robillard and Aidan Garvey, you guys saw the fire inside me and my desire to improve as a writer and a person. I wouldn’t be here without your mentorship. Remember me when y’all are famous.
To Aidan Cahill, Owen Tierney, Morganne Judd, Nora Kelley, Abbie Chipps and Sadie Brandt, thank you all for engaging in my production shenanigans. You all played a big factor in why I always came into Wednesday nights with a smile on my face. Keep making a difference in people’s lives.
To Zack Petrick, Maia Hembruff and Sully Cummins, I’ll forever cherish the bonds we created. Through ups and downs, I always felt comfortable speaking my mind to you three, and I was always met with open arms. I can’t stress enough how much that always has, and always will, mean to me.
To David Okula, keep on grinding, brother. You’ve always been someone I model myself after, from your work ethic and dedication to your writing and broadcast skills. I wouldn’t have rather lost that sports staff reporter election to anyone else.
I believe that everything happens for a reason, and while my route to this position wasn’t the most conventional, if I were to go through college 100 times over, I think I’d join the Cigar every time.
