Dear Rollins community,
If I could describe this past year as Editor-in-Chief of The Sandspur in one word, it would be “fulfilling.” While there were painstaking assignments, long hours, and frustrations over punctuation involved, working for this publication has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had during my four years at Rollins.
When I first got to campus as a nervous freshman, I had many doubts about my abilities as a writer, let alone my abilities in leadership. Through support from my professors, though, I found my voice in the classroom, through class discussions ranging from Southern U.S. literature to social problems; in the dance studio, through choreography and performance; and, of course, on paper. Writing has always been a passion of mine, especially academic writing, but journalism was more of a foreign concept.
Little did I know when I began my work at The Sandspur that I would become the leader of a 131-year-old publication. This paper has given me the opportunity to grow academically, professionally, and personally. It has taught me the power of concision, how to collaborate with a diverse team of individuals, and how to trust my instincts. They—meaning the editors in chief that come before you—don’t tell you that much of your decision making is simply going with what you think is right. They don’t tell you that much of the job is making things up as you go. That is not to say there are no rules or standards—read the entirety of the AP style guide—but leaders are entrusted with building on and improving what they are handed when assuming leadership. Hence, when I assumed Editor-in-Chief, I was hopeful for an upward trajectory for The Sandspur.
One year later, I am unbelievably proud of what this paper has accomplished. I am grateful for the entire staff, who believed in not just my goals but in me as a leader and a person. I do not carry the paper’s successes on my back alone. It has truly been a collaborative effort that has not gone unnoticed. So, thank you to my hardworking, empathetic, and motivated staff for an unforgettable year.
As sad as I am to be leaving this position after I graduate in May, I could not feel more confident to be handing off the responsibilities of Editor-in-Chief to my current Managing Editor, Sarah Ogden. Sarah, I have had the great privilege of working alongside you this past year, and I cannot wait to see what wonderful things you do with The Sandspur next year. If I may give you a word of advice that I wish I had given myself a year ago: trust yourself. You know you are making the right decisions and are leading the paper to success; just remember that.
To the Rollins community, thank you for engaging with The Sandspur, whether you are picking up a paper for the first time or staying updated weekly online. Wishing you a warm and healthy summer!
Fiat Lux!
– Paloma Kluger (‘25), Editor-in-Chief
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