Alexis Lewis | Photo by Bethany Althauser | The Wright State Guardian
As my time at the Guardian comes to an end, I feel so grateful to this organization and all that it has taught me. I came here as a shy and pretty quiet junior, never having been involved in anything on campus because of the virtual landscape created by the COVID-19 pandemic. I initially sought a position here as a sports reporter, but the spot was already held by the one, the only, Noah Kindig (miss you, Noah!). While speaking with the previous Editor-in-Chief, James, we realized that I might be suited for the Managing Editor role, which would allow me to focus on editing and leading a team. I started in this position being completely new to the Guardian and feeling quite overwhelmed with the workload but shouldering as many responsibilities as possible. In my first year, I was introduced to so many wonderful people here who showed me the importance of journalism, passion and friendship.
James Mae was the first person who I talked to at the Guardian. You made me feel instantly welcome, and you have since shown me the importance of advocating for free speech. I appreciate all that you did during your time as EIC, and I can not wait to see what you do in your post-grad life (whoop whoop!).
Noah and Adam Campbell, the sports reporting team, you both made me feel welcome as a female sports enthusiast. I was able to talk about both Wright State and national sports with you and never once felt like an outsider. Thank you both for being so kind, welcoming and encouraging to me as both a Managing Editor and as a person. You both shine a light on what it means to truly love sports and journalism on top of just being really cool guys.
Over the summer of 2022, I met Emily Lewis, the previous Digital Managing Editor. I remember that you were wearing a Star Wars shirt, so I could not really contribute to that conversation; BUT, we eventually bonded over our love of K-pop. Since meeting two summers ago, we have done lots of traveling, drinking coffee, book shopping and laughing, and I am forever grateful that the Guardian brought us together. I am so excited for London together!
My years here also brought me so many other people: Isaac Warnecke, Bethany Althauser, Elayna Storts, Kristina White, Zack Smith, Savannah Harris, Angela Davis, Trey Brown, Emily Mancuso, Eamon Baird, Miranda Stidham, Kit Rheyne, Aaron Cline, Jackie Fye, Katelun Combs, Hannah Ferrell, Britin Frazey and Jahid Hasan.
I am so grateful to have met such wonderful people who have also become friends over the past few semesters and years. I will miss this part the most: having such wonderful, smiling faces to always come into and being able to laugh, cry, smile, you name it, all together.
This is really the place that connected me with so many friends, including through interviews and stories. While I am sad to leave, I am also so excited to see how the Guardian and the members grow throughout the next few years.
To the next Editor-in-Chief, Monica: I know you will lead this team with commitment and passion. You are such a hard worker and also very kind. Never forget to lead with that compassion! Do not forget to take care of yourself and know where to put and maintain your boundaries.
To all future Guardian members, never lose your fire! When you step into this organization, you commit yourself to such an important job whether it looks like that from the outside or not. Every single story you write impacts the community in some way. I will never forget my time at the Guardian, and I hope that it provides that safe space for generations to come.
All my love,
Alexis Lewis, Editor-in-Chief 2023-2024
