Bryce Bencivengo

I have seen a lot of editors come and go in my four years with Hilltop Views, but I never thought this day would be here for me, the day I have to step away from this publication. Now that it’s here I am unsure of exactly what to say.

I guess the most important thing is to say thank you. I need to thank both of the advisers I worked under. Michele Kay changed both my writing and my life. I cannot thank her enough for that. Second, Jena Heath, who came in and had faith in me to do a job I didn’t think I could. For that amongst so much else, I am extremely grateful.

Lastly, the staff who worked many long hours for this publication. So many of you were underpaid and overworked in our tiny offices in Andre Hall, but without you this year, the online and print edition could not have been as successful.

Thank you all for making both my time at Hilltop Views and at St. Edward’s University so memorable.

All that’s left to say is: see you later Hilltop Views family.

Bryce Colin Rockett Bencivengo 

Claire Cella

At the Hilltop Views, we call what I’m writing a “thirty”–a term that harkens back to a time when reporters would end their stories by writing “-30-.” Why they did this remains a mystery.  Some claim -30- signaled the end of a story in Morse code when stories were submitted by telegraph. Others say it was used when stories were written in longhand and XXX (the Roman numerals for 30) meant the end. There are actually numerous theories, but no matter its supposed origin, -30- always seems to mean “the end.”

But I don’t want this to be about endings. It’s too final and too sudden. And I don’t think life is about endings, but rather about transitions and change. 

The most striking example is journalism itself.  Some would like to tack a -30- onto the entire industry because of its recent struggles. I disagree, and not just because it is my aspiring profession, but because I just don’t believe it.  It’s not the end of journalism; it’s merely a transition, a shift, a change in the way we do things.

I’ve witnessed it with my own eyes at the Hilltop Views. We began publishing weekly, we downsized our design to a tabloid, we launched a website (and now we’re even adjusting as AP changes “Web site” to “website.”) But none of it has really resulted in “the end” of anything; just a change.

And this how I’d like this moment in my life to be–a transition, a seamless transition from the Hilltop Views, from St. Edward’s University, out into the real world. And I can thankfully say I feel both prepared and confident in this transition, thanks in part to Michele Kay, Jena Heath and the colleagues who worked beside me in the brick offices of Andre Hall. Thank you for making me a journalist who isn’t afraid of change. I have a feeling I will need this quality. 

Melissa M. Martinez

I entered college, like many of us do, with big dreams and ideas about the path of my life, as a graphic designer, or maybe a poet.  But then I walked into Mary Rist’s American Grammar class and fell in love with words, syntax and commas. Thankfully, the Hilltop Views needed a proofreader. With instruction from two wonderful women, Michele Kay and Jena Heath, I flourished and my passion for journalism and copy editing grew.

It’s been exciting to be here at a transitional time for the paper and journalism at St. Edward’s University. A journalism minor was created, the paper went weekly and we even scored a website, with the support of many wonderful people in the Humanities Department.

I’ve learned much about the value good storytellers and investigators can bring to their communities. I’ve learned, as a copy editor, how valuable it is to make a story more readable, more accessible to its audience.

In the spirit of the concise, direct language of journalism, and as an homage to my former self, I will leave you with a haiku.

These past four long yearsThis paper is all I’ve lovedHurts to say goodbye 

Jen ObenhausOh, Hilltop Views paper staff,You all gave me quite a laugh.Before I bid y’all adieu,I’ve got some things to say to you.Tristan, truly, you’re the best,But, dude, really—get some rest!Entertainment, you guys suck!Stealing all writers? What the…?!Features—I was in that boat.Good job with staying afloat.Kayla, you’re a freaking beast,Since kids write for Sports the least.Viewpoints, place for opinion—Armed with your Hartwell minion—You did a great job this year;It sort of makes my eyes tear.Designers, now for your rhyme:”Oh, girls, I owe you big time.”Eloise and Danny D.,You gave me my sanity.Oh, grammar nerd, Melissa,Lady, I’m gonna miss ya!Jena, my “doppelganger,”Please, never be a stranger.Claire, you know you’re bright and smart,And your writing—it’s true art.Bryce, put on your stinking shoes!The smell of your bare feet—eww.Here’s to a good twelfth issue—Oh, you people, I love you.

 Eloise Montemayor

Through Hilltop Views, I have had the pleasure to work with amazing advisers, Michele Kay and Jena Heath, with intelligent colleagues and with an incredible community at St. Edward’s.

When I became part of the staff, I had no idea to what extent the newspaper would evolve. Among all the ways Hilltop Views has grown, the newspaper launching online is definitely at the top of my list—and it has been such a pleasure taking part of it. We’ve had our ups and downs. We’ve experienced the good and the bad—not that there could possibly be much bad coming from this hilltop. But, through it all, we’ve become so much more than the driving force behind a student publication; we’ve become a family.

I’ll remember for a very long time Bryce saying “what’s up, Hilltop Views family?” every time he entered the office—without shoes. Then, I’ll try and forget the smell that I often associate with a shoeless Bryce. Above all, I will remember that not only have I gained such a wonderful experience through this journey, but I have also made friends for life.

Thanks to all the professors who have willingly let photographers take photos of their classes in progress, to Patrick Iglehart for providing us with equipment when we needed it, and to Natalie Stott at the Marketing Office for tolerating my requests on deadline. Eloise is out, over. 

Kayla Meyer

Words cannot truly express my journey working at Hilltop Views for the last four years, but I would like to share some of the most important tips I’ve learned:

1. Always write your articles on Monday mornings with a bag of goldfish. They’re fun to throw at people.

2. Look for Tristan when you’re trying to write a good headline, stay away from Bryce when you’re asking questions about grammar, find Proctor to learn more about Lil’ Wayne and stay away from Jena when you hear her cursing in her office.

3. Calling people by their username is more fun then calling them by their actual name, even if it’s less syllables. Isn’t that right jhartwe, thallma2, tcollin, jobenha, panders2 and bbenciv?

4. When no one wants to write for your section and you still get the most views online, you might be doing something right. Or it could be that Americans are just fascinated about the Norwegian men’s curling team’s pants.

5. At the end of the day, if you’ve told the truth, reported the facts and not given in to marketing or PR, you’ve done your job right.

Thank you to everyone for making my experience at the paper so enjoyable. I couldn’t have done it without you guys.

I have to give a special thanks to Jena and Michele who have unleashed the inner journalist in me. You both are so knowledgable, caring and spectacular at what you do.

 

Alyssa Palomo

Here are a few things I’ve realized as the end of the year has approached us. Jen owes everyone a fruit basket.

If Proctor is standing in the middle of the doorway looking like he accidentally just deleted a whole page, he probably can’t click on a textbox to write a byline.

Never leave your Facebook account logged in, ever, especially if you’re Bryce, and Eloise and Kayla are still in the office.

Visual fluff is so very, very real. Ask Shaun.

Fridays somehow morphed from a super busy production day to a “hey lets all just hang out and stay til 9 p.m. on Monday” production day.

I’ve never actually seen the physical keys to the office. I don’t think anyone has. And as for the new staff: remember to have fun!

Don’t get stressed, it’ll all work out in the end, hopefully. And don’t be afraid to make new friends, unless you meet Proctor, you’ll see why. 

To anyone who has ever read, written, designed, torn, recycled, picked up and never really read, but had the intention to read, has continued to add to the stack of old issues in the Hilltop Views office, or if you’re just a student, thank you!

Best of luck to all of the graduating seniors and those entering their senior year this fall. St. Ed’s will always hold a special place in my heart.