GRAPHIC: Image depicts the words "SECOND THOUGHTS" and the words purpose, discipline and duty. Graphic by the Signal Editor-in-Chief Troylon Griffin II.

SECOND THOUGHTS: Starting the semester with purpose, discipline and duty

By Troylon Griffin II, Editor-in-Chief Last updated Sep 19, 2022 147 0

As the fall semester and new academic school year begins, it brings a variety of changes. In addition to starting my second semester of grad school, I am entering the semester as editor-in-chief of The Signal.

Running a newspaper while also in grad school is no small venture. A leadership position like editor-in-chief requires a variety of abilities and attributes.

For me, an editor-in-chief and a successful college student needs three very important virtues, and this fall, I am making sure I start the semester off right by keeping the following close to my mind and heart: discipline, purpose and duty.

These virtues have helped me throughout my career in higher education, my time as a reporter and editor for The Signal, and my life. Values and ideals determine the quality and productivity of our lives, and these values mean a lot to me.

My five years at The Signal have allowed me to strengthen these values, all leading to me as your editor-in-chief at The Signal. The execution of all Signal things lie on my plate, so I must keep these values close with every decision I make.

Working as a reporter or editor for The Signal requires discipline. Having discipline as an editor and reporter means having the right work ethic to meet deadlines and accept the consequences when one does not complete their tasks in a timely manner.

Working at The Signal or any newspaper means having a sense of duty. My duty as editor-in-chief of The Signal is to ensure I am informing, educating and engaging the UHCL community. Every action I do as I work for The Signal adheres to that duty to the student body and UHCL community to give them the most important news and ensure the community is well informed.

Of course, I cannot stress how important it is to hold one’s purpose close. Everything we do hinges on how close we keep our purpose in our mind and heart. Our purpose reminds us that what we do has meaning. We are searching for a life of meaning and enjoyment and that starts with finding your purpose. Work and actions begin to feel utterly meaningless when there is no purpose attached to them.

If I do not keep my purpose in mind, the quality of my work and The Signal will suffer. My purpose is to inform, engage and educate the campus. I keep this in mind everyday I walk into the office to direct the paper in its best possible direction. As I start this semester, purpose, discipline and duty are my compass as I steer this ship.

So begins this new chapter. If I stick to my principles (and deadlines), you will read all about it in my Second Thoughts.