What a chance

Harry Scherer
MSMU Class of 2022

(4/2022) When I started college, I had ambition, drive, and promise. My intentions were clear, and my vision was focused. Now, as I leave this university and this town, I am grateful to say that I now have something of much greater value: friends.

These friends and I have found each other in different times and places across the past four years. Thankfully, the Emmitsburg News-Journal served as a medium of connection between us, as it has for many before me and hopefully many more to come.

Emmy Jansen and I have worked together for the better part of the past three years. In that time, we have solved many of the world’s problems via email and worked on a variety of modest projects together. Both in her role as assistant managing editor of this news-journal and in other domains, I have come to know Emmy as one of the hardest workers I have ever met. Her dedication to the institutional identity of the Emmitsburg News-Journal and the Mount is appropriately complemented by her eloquence with the written and spoken word and her exceptional organizational skills. In her writing, you have seen her priorities shine through as properly ordered and honestly described.

You have also had the pleasure to read the work of McKenna 'Kenna' Snow. A conversation with Kenna guarantees the gift of being listened to. I’ve always known her to be a woman of honesty, curiosity, and enthusiasm. Kenna is not oblivious to the troubles that she encounters in her own life or in the lives of her friends to whom she diligently attends, but still places a premium on the joy of community. The seriousness with which she approaches her friendships and work is met with an earnest sensitivity and a warmth that pervades each of her interactions. Through her writing, you’ve likely been challenged to something greater.

Next, I admit that I have spent less personal time with Sam Barber in the years during which we’ve worked together. As his editor, though, I can confidently say that Sam is the most reliable writer with whom I’ve ever worked. When he sends me his writing, I can expect the fruits of thorough research, unique knowledge, and incisive commentary. When he’s working as a sports reporter or commentator for a national outlet, I hope he remembers his time at the News-Journal as a formative experience for him. His writing encouraged me to be clearer with my language and more attentive to my deadlines.

This year, I was privileged to hire two new writers to join the university staff. Claire Doll separated herself as the ideal candidate to join the team when she applied, and she continues to distinguish herself today. Claire does not lack in generosity to her friends and coworkers. She has taken on unique and challenging projects with enthusiasm. When a problem confronts Claire, she responds by humbly asking for help and confidently moving forward. Claire has rightfully developed a reputation on campus for having a clear, poetic mind; I hope you’ve seen that identity shine through in her writing. An encounter with Claire’s writing for the News-Journal likely encouraged you to see life through the lens of exciting and intricate narrative. To that extent, Claire is a wholly humane writer, delicate with her prose and forceful with her poetry.

I also had the privilege to hire Joseph 'Joey' Carlson at the beginning of the academic year. In every conversation I’ve had with him, Joey thinks with me. This is a subtle but important point. When some possess the gifts of articulate expression and knowledge, they occasionally think at or for their interlocutors. Joey, while highly capable of thinking for others, patiently thinks, speaks, and acts with them. He is certainly one of the most well-read freshmen I have ever met, and he will make an exceptional theology professor one day. Because Joey is human, he’ll imitate those he admires. Right now, all those who earn his admiration are patient listeners, rigorous thinkers, and trusted mentors. In his writing, you’ve likely found each of those identities wrapped within his paragraphs.

When I think of these people, I am comforted and particularly grateful that I have had the opportunity to meet and work with them. They have each made me a better editor and hopefully a better man.

My sincere gratitude also goes out to Shea Rowell, C’19, who hired me in the fall of 2018 and encouraged me every step of the way. I am also grateful for the diligent work of my other editors, Morgan Rooney, C’20 and Angela Guiao, C’21.

I am forever indebted to Mike Hillman, editor of this fine paper. He taught me how to be a better employee, leader, and writer. Mike embraces the idea that there is always an opportunity for education. Mike seeks to lead his writers out of the shadows of ignorance and into a richer understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Finally, I would like to thank the loyal readers of the Emmitsburg News-Journal, and especially the readers of the Four Years at the Mount column and all other university writing. You are the reason we write, work together, and try to deliver a special issue to you every month.

Thank you to the people of Emmitsburg. I will not forget you soon.

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