Grateful for Big Things

TRAVEL BACK IN TIME with me to the summer of 2016. The world was rather different. Covid was years away. Obama was in his last months as president. Yeah, that long ago.

I was into my third year as production coordinator — a position I was not well suited for and only adequate at — for three ST Media Group publications. My original job as director of ST Books had dwindled to fulfilling orders. I was glad to be employed full time but I was languishing.

Then ST’s senior associate editor announced he was leaving. ST’s former longtime Senior Designer Jeff Russ knew I was suffering. “Dude,” he said to me. “You should put in for that job. You can do it.” The idea had not even occurred to me — and likely never would have.

Yes, I thought at that moment, I can do it. When we finished our conversation, I was already confident that I not only could do the job, but would do it. And of course, I did.

Now, a lot of that has been about me, but I wouldn’t be doing any of this right now if it weren’t for Jeff. I have him to thank above everyone else for my being editor-in-chief of Signs of the Times.

This month, make sure to take the time to thank the people who have helped you get where you are today. Thank you, Jeff Russ, colleague and friend. I am forever in your debt.