My Hongik Tidings readers, the cherry blossoms of spring that excited our spirit of romance and made our hearts flutter, have faded. Now all that’s left for us is the scorching sun, a definite mark that summer has arrived. Though the heat makes me irritated at times, I am trying to enjoy the simple pleasures, such as the languor of a siesta on a hot summer afternoon. Perhaps this summer I will have a cool drink in one hand while the other is flipping through the pages of the Hongik Tidings which includes my last Editorial. Up to this point, where I am actually writing this last Editorial, it hasn’t really hit me that I am finally stepping down, to put a period at the end of my time in this position of Editor-in-Chief. But maybe when you all and I have a copy of this May issue, it will become more realistic.

It’s interesting how people look at you differently, depending on the title that follows you. I recall that a year ago, some of my friends looked at me impressively after realizing that I had become the Editor-in-Chief of the Tidings. Oblivious to all the responsibilities and work that laid ahead for me to do, I am ashamed to admit that that was what at first made me proud of myself. Nevertheless, after serving a year as the Editor-in-Chief, it slowly came upon me that some paper that entitles you to a position, as well as the “title” that you gained to follow your name, does not truly qualify you for a position. Rather, the actions and efforts that result in achievements, are what qualifies you to be recognized with that specific “title”. These actions and efforts should also thus be the reasons to be proud of. Waking up from my previous folly, I felt proud when I achieved the distribution of all the printed magazines stacked in our S building, when I got more people to participate in the word puzzle, when I fulfilled my goal to hold a design meeting for better communication among reporters and many more things. As my life progresses on, I will be taking on and letting go many different “titles”, but I hope to embrace those “titles” advisably.

Finally, before I bid farewell, I would like to show gratitude for those who made it possible for me to successfully fulfill my term as the Editor-in-Chief of the Hongik Tidings. Professor Kim Seongtae and Chief Lee Kihyung, thank you for always being there to give advice and to agonize together to make a better magazine. Our assistant, Lee Sina, thank you for always supporting us and helping to solve problems together. The English advisors, Jeff and Neil, I really enjoyed the talks during our meetings. Thank you so much for your good words that always cheered me up and for taking charge of the last check up on our writings. To the seniors, Yoonjae, Eunsoo, Sungeun and Dayoung who established a good atmosphere and gave me the courage to take the position of Editor-in-Chief. To my colleagues, Daeun, Yoorim, Jiwon and Minhee, we spent two years together and made so many exciting memories together. Let’s be proud of ourselves for what we have done! To our juniors, Junyoung, Cheoljoo, Jiwon and Yoogyeong, thank you for working hard for the Hongik Tidings and it is good to see that you all are slowly improving and gaining affection for the Tidings. Thanks to our current designers and photographer, Jiyoon, Sunjin, Joonkyung and Kyeonghee and also to those who were previously part of the Tidings. Lastly, I thank you all, the readers. It was an honor to have someone read my writings. I feel confident that with new reporters and Editor-in-Chief, the Hongik Tidings will have a promising future. Leaving this last vestige, I will now be watching the moves of the Tidings from a step back.

Best Wishes to all, Goodbye.

You Hahyeun  hongiktidings@naver.com

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