There’s something wonderful here

Only two things were consistent throughout my four years at Miami University: a desire to never step foot inside The Farmer School of Business, and The Miami Student.

Otherwise, my college experience was the whirlwind of change we so often hear about. I changed my degree, joined and left several clubs, tried my hand at a research lab, lived with different roommates and completely reimagined my future.

That chaos of changing circumstances was exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. As cliché as it sounds (sorry Professor Reeder), I’m not the same person I was as a bright-eyed first year five years ago. I’m a better person because of Miami, and TMS was there the whole time, supporting me along this journey.

But change still followed me into the newsroom. My roles within TMS evolved from inconsistent opinion columnist, to creating the GreenHawks section, to leading two newspaper sections and co-managing the magazine all at once. Yet, somehow, the chaos and change that came with working for a newspaper felt more like comfort.

As I became more and more involved with this wonderful organization, the newsroom became more like a home than the ominous chamber that greeted me my first year. I didn’t worry so much about the stress of another late night during print production or my dwindling free time sacrificed in the name of student journalism.

Rather, I learned to cherish the time and energy inherent in my TMS roles. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade those chaotic production nights, thought-provoking section meetings or serious discussions with the editorial staff for anything. They shaped me in ways I’m still learning.

I still submit some of my TMS stories as writing clips when I pitch a new freelance story idea. I just published a feature-length magazine article, the favorite of my short professional career, that was born from a story in the TMS Magazine. I still check for Oxford commas in every paragraph, and I think TMS has forever burned that in my brain.

What’s incredible is how TMS showed me what my career was truly meant to be. I’d convinced myself coming into college that I was meant to be a scientist. I dove headfirst into my biology lectures and environmental science clubs, but those dang chemistry labs kept kicking my butt.

Joining TMS was meant to be a creative outlet, but it transformed my life. The staff embraced me immediately, no matter how niche my stories were. TMS showed me I’m not a scientist; I’m a storyteller. It proved to me the immense impact that stories can have on a community. I’m indebted to TMS for showing my stubborn self where my professional path led.

But above all, I’m eternally grateful for the friends that I made here.

There’s something wonderful about gathering a group of people who believe so passionately in a common goal. It’s even more wonderful when they’re young and dumb, but still acutely aware of the importance of their work. There was something in that balance between youthful exuberance and stern dedication that made TMS magical.

I still look up to the intelligent leadership of Kasey Turman, and I still laugh at how Teddy Johnson could crack a joke that set the entire newsroom at ease. I’m amazed we grew so close in two years that we all met up in Maine this fall to spend a few days camping. And I feel so lucky to be returning to Oxford soon.

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I never quite understood how significant it was that I met so many TMS alumni in my short few years at the paper. But now I see how it’s proof of the long-lasting impact this paper has on those who passed through.

Every time I write a story outside the newsroom, I feel a small pang of longing for those times. I love the direction my professional and personal life are taking, but what TMS gave me can never be replaced.

It’s a testament to everyone, graduated or still in Oxford, who make The Miami Student what it is.

Happy 200 years to the oldest college newspaper west of the Alleghenies!

During his time in TMS Sam founded the GreenHawks section, was editor of the Opinion section, and was co-managing editor of The Miami Student Magazine, winning regional and state awards for his work. He’s now a freelance environmental journalist.