By Sharon Bradley
CD Receptionist

Every so often, someone asks me, "What exactly do you do for a living?" It used to be an easy, simple answer for me. I was a lab technician, a researchist or something else very simple and straightforward. All of that changed for me about 10 years ago.

I came to work at The Cavalier Daily in 1990 as a temporary assignment. I only intended to stay a few weeks, but have somehow ended up being here for almost a decade. It has been a time of fulfillment, frustration, fun and some sadness, but so many good times that I cannot separate them into single moments in my memory.

I have watched hundreds of bright, talented people grow up in front of my eyes. Some gracefully, some kicking and screaming all of the way. The paper has grown in size and the technology has advanced, but the staff whose heart and soul go into it remain the same.

There are always the cocky, opinionated go-getters who learn how to listen and compromise, and almost always wind up realizing just how much they don’t know. There are the thoughtful, introspective thinkers who learn how to speak their minds, and realize how much they have to contribute. There are the lively spirits who bring energy and enthusiasm to the rest of us, who learn to direct all of that motion into a straight line. I can honestly say I have enjoyed and learned from all of them.

I always think of the CD not in terms of accomplishments but in memories of people. I remember all the sports editors telling me that the sports department really runs the paper. I remember all of the JB members telling me that the MB does not know what it is doing, and all of the MB members telling me that the JB editors are totally crazy.

I fondly remember the combined opinions of my "male chauvinist pig crowd" (I will not name names; they know who they are). And I especially remember the girls who, with humor, patience and brains, put them in their place.

I really cannot put names of individuals down because there are too many—I am like a mother who cannot pick favorites among her children. I know, though, that if I mention, say, having to jar sleeping writers off the couch in the morning, at least 20 of you will smile. I know that if I mention drinking, singing, crying, yelling and dancing in the CD offices, all former CD staffers can grin, nod and be sure they know exactly whom I am talking about.

I think that is the real strength of The Cavalier Daily—it goes on. No matter what disasters, losses or problems come along, there are always those of you willing to step up and work hard. I have no doubt that is why the CD is still going strong after more than 100 years.

So, I guess getting to watch this unfold, and hopefully helping sometimes along the way, is not a bad thing to do for a living.