By the time you’re reading this, I will no longer be employed at THE EQUITY. . .
Two weeks ago I decided to step away from my duties as editor and let someone else take the lead in our small newsroom. I didn’t make the decision lightly, this place and the people that make it run are very important to me, but I believe this is the right time for a change.
It doesn’t seem like it, but roughly five years ago I joined this organization, wide-eyed and fresh out of college. You could practically smell the dampness behind my ears (and there’s plenty of evidence in our archives).
One of the first memories I have of my salad days as an intern here in the spring of 2016 was the late Peggie Sheppard (may she rest in peace) bursting through the office door to lay eyes on the greenhorn reporter and introduce herself.
She was a one-woman welcome wagon if I’ve ever met one, and was sure to keep me informed of the seniors gatherings she organized. She also introduced me to the dynamic duo Reg and Shag, the thorns to her rose.
The laid-back, friendly nature of the Pontiac was apparent from the get-go and it’s one of the reasons I’ve decided to stay in the area and continue my career in media. In about a month’s time I will be taking on a reporting/editing role at CHIP 101.9 in Fort Coulonge, so if you’ve got a story idea you want to pitch me, please stay in touch.
In the span of half a decade, I’ve grown significantly in many different respects (which unfortunately includes my gut). I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been afforded by this institution, and the support I’ve received from those I had the good fortune of working with. I’d like to thank the great sources I’ve built relationships with over the years and also the people that cared enough to point out when I blundered. Criticism, even when it’s harsh, is much more beneficial than apathy.
In addition to my departure, my colleague Stephen Riccio will also be stepping away from his role as a reporter and our social media/web administrator/videographer Emily Hsueh will be departing in July. Stepping into our shoes will be Jorge Maria, Julien St-Jean and Eva Baldi, and I have confidence they will keep this institution running to the best of their ability.
I’ll stop rambling and wrap this up with a quote from a much better writer than I:
“If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.”
– George Orwell
Take it easy everyone, I’ll see you around.
Caleb Nickerson
