11 minute read
STAFF GOODBYES
“I CAME FOR THE WRITING AND I LEFT WITH A FAMILY”
Editor in chief says goodbye to The Wichitan
Ifirst came to The Wichitan in Fall 2019 about a month into my freshman year of college on a total whim. After all, I was an education major writing a book on the side, just looking for some way to keep my writing skills from getting rusty. I hadn’t ever written journalistically, knew nothing about AP style or Oxford commas and thought I was in for a smooth ego-padding ride. I remember how proud I was of my first article, of my over-the-top diction and narrative style, only for the then-managing editor Kristin Silva to dissect it down to nothing. I was crushed, and that would become just the first of many times I considered quitting the paper during my first semester. Nevertheless, I stuck with it and ended up writing 17 articles in two months. When Kristin became the editor in chief, she brought me up as her managing editor. Although I’m not sure she’d admit it, I’m fairly certain I only got the role on a technicality. At the time, the managing editor had to have been a section editor first, and I was the only one who fit that bill as I was the editor of the sports section (a section that at the time included me, myself and I). By a product of Kristin’s friendship and guidance and an admittedly excessive workload of 30 articles written in one semester, I grew into the position I had lucked into. After Kristin graduated, I was turned down twice for the editor-in-chief position my sophomore year. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise as I got to learn more as the managing editor under Bridget Reilly for two more semesters. Bridget taught me more about the world, journalism and professionalism than anyone could ever expect from a university job, and she did it while also becoming a close friend and confidant. When the keys to The Wichitan were handed to me in May 2021, I knew the expectations among the current and former staff were high for the paper. We were coming off of a year of improvement in writing, photos and overall design of the issues, and we were expected to take that next step. While I can’t say I’ve accomplished everything I wanted to do as editor in chief (unfortunately there’s still no Wichitan podcast), the issues we’ve produced have been more cohesive, the design has been mindblowing, the photos and graphics have been beautiful and the writing has only gotten more in-depth and immaculate. More importantly than any of that, The Wichitan is even more of an open and inviting family than it was when I joined over two years ago. Unfortunately as cliché as the saying may be, all good things do in fact come to an end. After 36 issues and 84 articles, I’ve decided to step down in order to focus on school for my last two semesters, rededicate myself to teaching and spend more time with my amazing and supportive wife Emma, without whom I would have never had the courage to become editor-
Amos Perkins
in-chief in the first place. I wouldn’t be able to step down if it weren’t for my absolute confidence in those who are continuing on after me. For the fourth straight semester, The Wichitan will be designed by the greatest designer in the western hemisphere (and creator of the official TIPA logo), Omar Combie. Abigail Jones, who has worn every hat the paper has to offer, is going to crush it as business manager while still somehow managing to create mind-boggling designs and graphics. We’re returning the highest number of photographers we’ve had since I’ve been here, and they’re headed by an absolute photographical genius in Colin Stevenson. Last but never least, our insanely talented roster of reporters will be led by the somehow even more talented Stephanie Robledo, the next editor in chief. While my heart hurts while writing this and thinking of leaving this family, my mind rests easy knowing they’re in the best hands possible.
PHOTO BY AMOS PERKINS | THE WICHITAN Amos Perkins poses with Wichitan staff at the spring 2021 end-of-semester party, April 9, 2021.
Editor in chief of The Wichitan
reflecting on his time at The Wichitan
PHOTO BY AMOS PERKINS | THE WICHITAN Amos Perkins will be taking his leave from the Wichitan after 84 articles for the paper, June 20, 2020.
Vol. 86 | No. 7 Midwestern State University Fain Fine Arts Bldg., Room D201 3410 Taft Blvd. | Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704 wichitan@msutexas.edu | thewichitan.com @wichitanonline Editor in Chief: Amos Perkins Managing Editor: Stephanie Robledo Assistant Editor: Abigail Jones Design Editor: Omar Combie Photography Editor: Colin Stevenson Business Manager: Alexis Martin Issue Staff: Jaime Alemán, Emily Beaman, Thalia Doe, Joseph Nelson, Dallas Wabbington, Soleil Weeks Advisor: Jonathon Quam
Copyright ©2021. First copy free. Additional copies $1.00 each. The Wichitan is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press. The Wichitan reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication. Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration or Board of Regents of Midwestern State University. The Wichitan welcomes letters of opinion from students, faculty and staff submitted by the Friday before intended publication. Letters should be brief (250 words or fewer) and without abusive language or personal attacks. Letters must be typed and signed by the writer and include a email address, telephone number and address.
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WICHITAN STAFF GOODBYES
PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEXIS MARTIN | THE WICHITAN Since spring of 2021, Alexis Martin worked as business manager for The Wichitan, acquiring ads for the newspaper.
Ijoined the Wichitan a year ago and this place has felt like home ever since. Coming into it, I was a little nervous because I didn’t know anyone or really what I was doing just yet but everyone on the Alexis Wichitan team welcomed me Martin with open arms and helped me find my role on the team. My worries completely disappeared. The organization as a whole is amazing. Now, I really understand what working at a paper is like. The experience has been so great. I’m thankful for my time here, I enjoyed my job as the business manager. Aside from that though, the people are amazing. I will miss them the most. I’ve cherished my short time at the Wichitan and the friends I’ve made this year. From weekly meetings and production nights to get-togethers and hanging out with the team, I’ve loved every second of my time at the Wichitan.
With graduation just around the corner, I’m taking time to reflect on my time at MSU. Being a part of the Wichitan team will always be a special time in my life and I will cherish it forever. Thank you to the Wichitan senior staff. You welcomed me immediately and made me feel like an instant member of the Wichitan family. I am grateful for your friendship and your guidance this past year.
To anyone thinking about joining the Wichitan, I definitely think you should. Go to just one meeting and you’ll find amazing, kind and understanding people and you’d be a part of an amazing paper.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DALLAS WABBINGTON | THE WICHITAN Since she joined in spring of 2019, Dallas Wabbington contributed comics and articles for The Wichitan.
Icannot tell you what I expected to get out of joining The Wichitan almost three years ago. I was a simple English major who wanted some sort of outlet to write freely outside of the classroom so Dallas the student newspaper seemed Wabbington like the most logical choice. Mind you, I had never written an article of any sort—never even took a yearbook class. How the heck was I supposed to write a news article when MLA format coursed through my veins? Then I discovered that I could write columns about topics I was passionate about—things I felt needed to be addressed. So I wrote a column about my experience as someone living on campus who was temporarily disabled, and the rest is history. For my first year, I felt like I was just existing and was not sure if I truly wanted to write for a newspaper since fiction was always my forte. I wanted to provide change for the good but I had to change myself first. I had to learn how to be comfortable with the fact that people were not going to be happy with what I write even though it was absolutely necessary for me to bring these subjects up. I focused on different perspectives: being black, being Indigenous, being plus-sized, being a student in a pandemic. I became known as the reporter who was not afraid to tackle “controversial” topics.
It has truly been an honor serving as a reporter and cartoonist for The Wichitan. The lessons I learned while being a part of this wonderful group of people are lessons that will always stick with me. If you are wondering whether to speak up for your beliefs, remember there are people out there afraid to say the same things—you just have to be the first.
CONTINUES 48 YEAR LONG TRADITION
JOSEPH NELSON ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
The Fantasy of Lights has arrived on campus, for its annual Winter presence, where students can buy hot cocoa, ride a trolley around the neighborhood’s light fixings, and peruse the attractions and sculptures, depicting scenes from animated movies and Christmas iconography. A Wichita Falls tradition, this year is the 48th Fantasy of Lights, beginning in 1974 when the Burns family donated a pool of displays. Dirk Welch is coordinating the 48th Fantasy of Lights and says the number of displays has more than doubled since 1974.
“Twenty-one displays have been added to the collection with 10 of these displays debuting in the past five years,” Welch said. “Typically a few over the past few seasons, we have been blessed to be able to add at least one new display annually.”
The original Burns displays were built by the employees of the family estate, 21 displays out of the 46. Welch believes the Wichita Falls community is the lifeblood of the custom. “All expenses are paid for by the donations received each fantasy of lights season,” Welch said. “It often takes virtually every penny raised to refurbish, maintain and showcase the displays. The generous giving of our community is vital to keeping this beloved tradition alive.”
With the added restrictions due to Covid, Welch says he’s committed to solving any challenges in the way of visitors enjoying the displays. “Through the collective effort of so many contributors to the MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights, any challenges that arise leading up to and throughout the season are met and overcome ensuring visitors to the lights have a joyful and memorable experience,” Welch said.
With some complications naturally arising last year with the pandemic, Welch and colleagues have adapted to the changes and opened the Fantasy of Lights with added activities along with the attractions.
“For instance, an in-person opening ceremony, a visit by Santa Claus for pictures, several food trucks, and musical performances through the season all make a return this year,” Welch said. “A carry over from last year, a refined walking route, has helped keep foot traffic moving in a more orderly manner, [leading to] better social distancing and less crowding around the displays.”
Being a tradition, many MSU students who grew up in Wichita Falls were the first to continue their annual visit. “I’ve gone to the Fantasy of Lights literally every year since I moved here,” Kyanna Grice, a nursing major, said. “I think some lights should be replaced, but I like the experience as a whole.”
While the Fantasy of Lights is familiar to long-time Wichita Falls residents, many students who come from out of town have enjoyed the experience as well. Dannika Matin is an English junior who moved to MSU from Burleson.
“The Fantasy of Lights was a fun memory I can share with my group of friends,” Matin said. “It was my first time going, and it definitely added to my college experience.”
While students from Wichita Falls and beyond enjoy their visit to the Fantasy of Lights, Welch also enjoyed the experience of coordinating the event. “I feel privileged to be part of such an amazing and long-standing tradition,” Welch said. “Seeing the wonder and joy in the faces of young and old alike helps keep my spirits high during each holiday season.”
The Fantasy of Lights will be open from November 22 to December 26th.
