Signing out, Moving forward

A final letter from editor-in-chief

Working with The Clocktower was never part of my plan; it happened completely by chance. I was not involved, nor did I know that Union even had a school paper until my Sophomore year, when I was approached by the Editor in Chief at the time, Annika Wells, asking if I knew anything about layout. 

At the time, I had recently finished a class on page layout in InDesign and was challenging myself to say yes to new opportunities that intimidated me. My goal was simple: say yes, and figure it out later.

She brought me to the Clocktower office and showed me exactly what she had to work with and what she needed me to do. Within a few minutes, I saw there was a more efficient way to set up the document’s character styles. I asked her if I could try something, and she trusted me enough to take the lead. From that moment on, she encouraged me not just to improve my workflow but to make the process enjoyable for myself and the team.

Annika was one of my biggest role models in the type of leadership I wanted to be a part of and grow into. I originally planned to remain as Layout editor until graduation, but when Dean Stocks, the Clocktower’s sponsor, asked if I would consider stepping into the Editor-in-Chief role, my answer came easily. I had grown to love the Clocktower. More than that, I believed in what it could be: a space where students could tell their stories, learn the publishing process, and engage with the life of our campus in a meaningful way.

Serving as Editor-in-Chief pushed me into areas I had never navigated before. I quickly realized how much of leadership exists behind the scenes—balancing deadlines, managing expectations, and having difficult but necessary conversations. At times, it felt overwhelming, but I was reminded that leadership is never meant to be carried alone. My Assistant Editor and our team of editors, writers, and creatives made that clear every day.

This year came with its share of challenges, but it also brought growth. Through many ups and downs with publishing deadlines and crucial conversations, I have learned that encouragement, humility, and patience go a long way in creating an environment where people can not only do their job well but also want to continue to be a part of the process. 

I am so thankful for my team this year, everyone from those who left to those who joined later, and those who stuck through with the Clocktower and me through the end of the year. I’m so proud of this team's dedication, work ethic, and all the articles and issues they have published. Keep writing. Keep editing. Keep creating. Your stories matter more than you realize, and I have no doubt you will continue to tell them well in whatever comes next.

I wish you all the absolute best,

Editor-in-Chief, 

Camila Burgos

signing out.