FINAL words are often haunted by lingering spirits that have not had the chance to reveal themselves. I contemplated going out like that; calling to the forefront those few negative thoughts and experiences shared by my peers at this institution, where receiving an education can be truly referred to as a higher form of learning -- spiritually, physically, emotionally and financially. I thought for a moment about etching into one final column those things I would change about the University, as so many do as they end their journeys with institutions like The Cavalier Daily.
But I knew if these were to be my parting thoughts, I recognized that this would be my final opportunity to share my true thoughts about this university, and the experiences I have gone through -- both positive and enlightening.
Now I know that it does not happen often enough that we opinion writers express thoughts in the positive sense -- as we are asked to critique national and local politics, University standards and student life -- and too often, our words seem to come out only in the critical and only in the negative. One would think that with all of the mudslinging and commotion we become accustomed to as we rest our pens on our soapboxes each week, that those of us on this side of the literary tracks have it out for Jefferson's institution, the administration or even some of our fellow students. The truth is, however, that here behind the scenes of this newspaper, I have to say that this is certainly not the case.
Here behind the press, I have met some of the most dedicated, honest and charismatic individuals at this university -- despite some of our differences of Opinion, writing styles and aspirations in life, or at The Cavalier Daily, for that matter.
Even though for the past couple of years I can surely attest that I provided a great challenge to the opinion editorial staff, I have to at least once recognize that these are some of the most understanding individuals I have ever come into contact with. Although they live for journalism and the written word, they recognize that the system behind the newspaper cannot run without a strong readership or without the talent that provides the voice of our collective campus on a daily basis. They empathize with us, as writers themselves, understanding that this is one of the hardest student jobs on Grounds -- challenging yourself on a week-by-week schedule to express your innermost thoughts to 10,000 of your peers, a daunting task to say the least. And although many try, few rise to this challenge.
The individuals who choose to write each week here at The Cavalier Daily recognize the worthwhile experience they are investing in -- and I am sure very few ever regret putting their thoughts to print -- regardless of how many ruffled feathers, or hate letters, they receive. Opinion writers recognize the difficult road they are traveling from the moment they embark on it, with their very first column -- and wonder until the end how they will be perceived, even when they hit their final typed key.
I admit that I especially felt this unwavering responsibility to prove that black men on this campus think, write and have issues of concern that can be expressed eloquently and thoughtfully, despite that fact that I know that just like myself, all of my brothers at the University are fully capable. Notwithstanding the responsibility, I felt like each week I encountered this grave task on my own -- but only because of some of the thoughtful response letters that I received time and time again -- I understood that my little 800 words a week mattered to at least one person out there, if not a few, and now that I look back, that made it all worthwhile to begin with.
Sadly, I stared at the group photo collage advertising the Opinion staff and recruiting individuals for next year, and worried if a photo similar to my own would stand alone, the lone face representing Africans in America at an institution -- where we number in the hundreds, and where our presence is felt by the thousands -- or if there would be any face of color at all. But then I realized that if I could stand alone, so might someone else. I trust that someone can shoulder that responsibility, and I believe someone ultimately will take on the challenge -- until these pages truly reflect the different thoughts and opinions of as many strong-willed writers as there are strong-minded ideas.
Kazz Alexander Pinkard can be reached at kpinkard@cavalierdaily.com.
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