I'm stressed.
I was looking at letters from my predecessors for inspiration because I had no idea what I was going to write about. Most of them focused on new beginnings, new changes and excitement for a new semester. But when I was reading them all, I realized I didn't feel this way.
Starting this year, I'll be working full time in the journalism school’s newsroom, working as editor-in-chief of The Daily Gamecock and finding some time in there to work at a restaurant for some extra money. Oh, and maybe make some time to hang out with friends.
I know I'm not the only one who’s stressed.
Some reading this are incoming freshmen, worried about getting to know new roommates and finding classes on the first day. Some of you are somewhere in the middle, juggling new internships and difficult classes or even wondering if you’ve picked the right major. Some of you are seniors, like me, with graduation looming and the prospect of finding a future career haunting you.
So here I am being real and honest about it. But the point of this letter isn't (just) for me to vent and complain about my stress. I want everyone reading this to know that it's OK to be a little more stressed than excited. I've felt this way a lot while at USC. But I've found rewarding moments that always make up for it.
These rewarding moments come in different forms. Collapsing on my couch after a long day of classes to watch "Queer Eye" on Netflix with my roommate. Enjoying a slice of red velvet cake at Kaminsky’s with friends. Seeing a new Daily Gamecock staff member pick up a paper on campus.
I’ll get through this semester the same way I have all of the rest: By leaning on my support system. I know my friends, family and staff will always be there. I’ll remember moments such as these have made me a better student, journalist and person.
The story will get published. I will graduate. I will get a job. All of this hard work will pay off.
The same thing will happen for you, too, if you let this USC community support you. And through your ups and downs, during your time at USC and well after, The Daily Gamecock will do all it can to serve you.
We will always do our best to provide you with information, various viewpoints and serve as a watchdog. Whether that's letting you know what's happening on campus tomorrow, telling you where your tuition money's going or giving you football scores, we'll be here.
If there's anything we can do to better serve you, please let us know.
Send a news tip online. Reach out on Twitter (@thegamecock) if you think there’s anything we can be doing better. Send us a letter to the editor (opinion@dailygamecock.com) if you want your voice directly heard. We’re here and we want to hear your voice.
Looking forward to a stress-filled yet rewarding semester,
Genna Contino
Editor-in-chief, The Daily Gamecock