Written by: Hayden Kobza
Sitting at my desk with pencils and paper scattered everywhere, my middle school English teacher forced me to diagram sentences — it felt like prison. I was the student who hated English the most growing up. I wasn’t a “bad” pupil, but I loathed school. My entire lifestyle was built around the outdoors, skateboarding and a sense of adventure.
However, even at that time, there was another side to me. Art and the idea of expression were things I enjoyed, but I had no clue how to share my voice. I can’t paint, and some of my best drawings have a stick figure as the main subject.
Ironically, I naturally loved writing. Looking back, I see now that writing poetry and attempting to capture the ethereal struck a chord with me in high school. This love was subconscious, though; I did not want to be a writer, and I remember often making fun of the profession.
Life is funny. Moreover, God, in his ultimate wisdom, has His way of changing our plans. I first came to Southern Adventist University to be a filmmaker, but that didn’t stick with me, so I decided to change my major to journalism.
At the time, I wanted to go to graduate school for archaeology, and journalism felt like it would be a better fit. I know that makes zero sense. Why would I be in a major that had nothing to do with my desired profession?
Honestly, I have no idea what I was thinking, but I know now that if I hadn’t made that decision, I wouldn’t be the Southern Accent editor-in-chief next year.
I’m here because Professor Johnson stopped me in the hallway at Brock and told me I should apply to be the editor-in-chief a year ago. I had no idea what I was doing back then. I barely understood AP style, let alone how to run a $50,000 company. I wasn’t ready then, but I am now.
Over my past three semesters with the Accent, I have written nearly 20 articles for the paper. This school year alone, I wrote 15 stories, eight of which were featured on the front-page. It’s now safe to say that I love writing, and that I cannot get enough of it (I love it so much that I now want to go to law school).
Writing is one of the most important inventions humans have ever created. Having unbiased, accurate and timely news is something we should never take for granted.
My vision for next year is to maintain what my talented predecessors have done and push it to the next step. Journalistic integrity with detailed reporting is our standard. However, I will raise the bar with more student voices.
I want to make the paper more than just words on a page, but a stand-alone art piece that demands the viewer’s attention. I want to have graphics and photos that help to tell the story, not hinder it.
Professional journalism is hard and very time-consuming, but it’s just as necessary as water or oxygen, as it helps preserve us and those who need to express their voice.
My thanks goes out to my boss and friend, the outgoing editor, Matthew Orquia, who believed in me at times when I did not believe in myself and pushed me to be a better writer and editor. I will not disappoint you, Matthew. I know God has great plans for you!
For my team, we got this! We will have long nights, questioning if we can do this, but I know we can do this, every one of us. I have seen you grow as writers and editors, and you are more than qualified for this job.
To Professor Johnson, the advisor for the Accent, I would have never applied for this position if it weren’t for you. You have helped me find my way in this journey called life, and I am truly grateful.
A final thought to my readers: Journalism is supported by you. There is no student newspaper if we don’t have students to write for. We are here to serve you first. As Editor, I will support, serve and maintain the Accent — The Student Voice.
