My four years of writing and editing for The Tower Newspaper can be summed up in 15 Google Documents. Every paper, regardless of its contents, begins with “Welcome to the __ issue of The Tower.” In a simple 200 words of Gill Sans, Caya and I explain the theme of the issue — representing The Tower Newspaper how 99 percent of its readers view it. The real value of these letters, however, is only visible to those readers on staff, the people responsible for the stories that viewers only have the chance to see in their final stages.

Each letter, beyond its obvious subject, really means two weeks in the Tower room, several days of collaboration among writers and approximately five hours on Monday nights. The music issue, presenting on the cultural roots of music styles, meant hours of experimenting in a studio. The growth theme, highlighting individual development, was created through several trips through the school’s greenery.

These memories, beyond their hidden embedment in the Letters from the Editors, are most apparent in Room 144. For me, the Wall of Shame is the most significant. The Tower’s art piece, made from a worn bulletin board, holds a variety of photos and cutouts, about two new items tacked on after each deadline. Starting with the first failed attempt at an editor photo and ending with Jane’s roommate search, the wall has developed into a timeline for the staff.

To stick with the source diversity initiative of The Tower, I’ll explain the significance of several parts of this classroom. The washi-tape grid on the back wall equates with late deadlines, and a full white board is one of the greatest signs of accomplishment. The window of stickers marks the eras of The Tower and is a lesson in history and pop culture. The red couch is home to tired staffers, uncomfortable staffers and about six Tower staffers at deadline all piling onto its three cushions. The college pennants are the very origin of ideas for the college issue and a perfect distraction for Tower students. And the Tower “printing” room is the best spot for interviews and the supply stocking room for Tower dinners.

Ultimately, The Tower is made up of a combination of formal and informal memories. The informal ones are scattered throughout the rooms’ objects, and the formal ones are presented every two weeks. As seniors graduate, they will mark both of these memories in Room 144. They will leave 15 stacks of published papers and will sign their names above the chalkboard, celebrating their time on The Tower.

Right over left,
Anna (and Caya)