Taking a break, permanently: Saying goodbye to The Clocktower

When a relationship ends, a common question the ex-couple gets is who broke up with whom. And sometimes, in order to make yourself look better or just because you’re a kind person and don’t want to make the other person feel pitied, the answer is, “Oh, it was pretty much mutual.” It’s never mutual. 

 One of you brings it up. One of you is more bummed than the other. One of you wants to make it work more than the other. And whether or not you both think it’s ultimately the right move, it’s never mutual.   

 So, just like all good relationships that crash and burn, my breakup with The Clocktower isn’t mutual. And to be clear, I’m the one ending it. 

 I first took over as editor of The Clocktower halfway through my junior year. Now, with graduation three weeks away, that seems like forever ago. This semester, I’ve been slowly picking up on those warning signs that the relationship is hitting a wall:

 1. I stopped including the newspaper in my future plans. Last year at this time, The Clocktower was definitely on my mind. I was focused on finding a staff and organizing the calendar for the upcoming semester. But I just don’t see how The Clocktower can be in my future when I’m not even at Union, you know?

 2. I started disregarding the newspaper in little ways. I used to write down “edit Clocktower and send to print” on my list of things to do. But towards the end, it just feels like routine and doesn’t even make the list. Not a good sign for a sustainable relationship, right?

 3. I started putting more energy away from the newspaper. Prioritizing the relationship should be important, but this semester I’ve been distracted by other obligations and assignments, which has made it harder to give The Clocktower the attention it deserves. 

 4. I’m jealous of what others have. I won’t lie to you, there’s a lot of nice college newspapers out there and sometimes when I see them, I get a little envious. I start thinking about all the things we could do for Union’s, but with the little time I have left, it just doesn’t seem feasible.

So, it’s time I throw in the towel. I’ve done all I can do, I’ve given what I can give, and even though it’s not going to work out in the long run, I’ll take responsibility for the majority of the warning signs. Clocktower – it’s not you, it’s me. 

 Don’t get me wrong though, I have loved being editor of The Clocktower. I am truly so thankful for the opportunities and experiences it has presented, and I am so appreciative to all the Clocktower staff who have been a part of the team while I’ve been leading – more than you all will ever know! 

 I want to especially thank the editorial team. You all make running The Clocktower so much easier.

 Hannah Drewieck, thank you for being convinced to be assistant editor. You’re one of the best writers I know. 

Kelina Rodgers, no thank you for putting my number in the Mocktower issue for people to text possible Union College coffee shop names to. To the people who texted me, I’m sorry I didn’t respond. 

 Thank you to all the readers and the faculty and staff who have supported us. 

 And like all relationships that end, it isn’t all bad. There will always be someone else, and in this specific situation, someone with less senioritis fatigue. Next year, Annika Cambigue is taking over, and I already know she will be fantastic. 

But for me, it’s time I take a break. And, unlike a lot of typical relationship breakups where the person on the way out tries to ease the blow by lying there could be a chance to reconnect in the future, I have to say, it’s going to be permanent. We are most definitely, never, ever, getting back together.

By Juliet Bromme