Goodbye to Red Skies

May 17, 2016 

By: Joe Aubrey and Lisa Danca 

Dear Red Skies,

After writing articles for you over the last two and a half years, I really want to extend my upmost thanks for everything you’ve done for me. I’ve really enjoyed so much about be a part of this group. This includes being able to write various articles such as films related to Salem during Halloween, recommendations at Harrison’s Comics, and my top TV shows for specific academic majors.

Despite having to remain school or Salem related, I’m incredibly grateful that Regina, Lisa and everyone else let me go crazy with my ideas for potential articles. I can’t really decide which article that I’ve written is my most favorite. However, if I could pick just one, it would probably be the one about “The Room”. I loved writing this because I got to recount the infamous history of one of my favorite guilty pleasure movies and discuss its cultural impact.

I’m also very grateful for the encouragement of Regina Flynn. Her full support, intelligence, enthusiasm, optimism, and delicious cupcakes really helped motivate me to want to come to every meeting. I’m very glad to have been able to meet her and learn so much from her point of view as a professor and even as a traveler.

I’m also glad to have met many of the other members of Red Skies too. Lisa, Michael, Joe, John, Mike (we miss you!), to everyone else, you’ve all been terrific to work with. I remember writing for the Log back in my junior year and feeling like an outsider because the other staff members didn’t think I was as academically smart as they were. You guys each have helped make me feel welcomed from day one. I know I might have had some awkward and somewhat embarrassing moments, but I really want you all to know that I couldn’t have asked for a better group to work with.

After having the privilege of writing for Red Skies and The Student Log, I have been feeling the desire to possibly study Art as a major, along with journalism as a minor if I can get into grad school. Assuming that I can afford to get in.

Even though I’m finally graduating this spring and heading out into the frightening abyss that is the real world, I will never forget my experiences writing and talking with you guys. I will truly miss our fun meetings, the ecstatic feeling of writing new articles, Regina’s cookouts, Mike’s cynicism…there’s just so much to name.

These past two and a half years have been absolute bliss. I’m very happy that I found your flyer on the school board that day, which asked for writers and cartoonists. Please don’t forget me as I won’t forget you ☺

Sincerely,

Joseph Aubrey

Dear Red Skies,

I can’t believe this is the last entry I am publishing. My chapter at Salem State is coming to a close, and during these past four years you have been my most loyal companion. The reason I say that is because you were the first college group I ever joined and I am no longer friends with all of the people I befriended my freshman year.

I started off as a staff reporter, became the Managing Editor my sophomore year, and have served as the Editor-In-Chief for the last two. I would be a different person if I didn't become a member  as you encouraged me to pursue my dreams. When I arrived on Salem State’s campus, I was studying to become a high school English teacher. My real dream was to be an editor, but because I didn't think that job was realistic, I picked up a minor in secondary education figuring it to be a safer alternative. I ended up having such fun writing, editing and collaborating with your staff that I realized I couldn't ignore what I really wanted to do with my life. At the end of my freshman year, I declared a concentration in Professional Writing.

You have been a valuable place for me to gain the skills needed to be an editor. You have taught me to have a critical eye as an editor, to always think about the audience when writing, how to conduct interview, and collaborate with a team. Of all I have learned, the most important skill I acquired from you was how to use WordPress, a highly useful platform to know how to use. Over the winter break of my junior year, I was granted the opportunity to give you a makeover. I hope you like what I did. You were nice before, but I think you’re more modern and user friendly now.

As I prepare to walk across the commencement stage on Saturday, I am happy to report I will be an editor for a company starting in June. I know I wouldn't have been granted such opportunity if I never met you. I will miss not seeing you in September, but I will always treasure what you gave me.

Love,

Lisa Danca