A letter from the webmaster

In the past school year, during my time as the Matrix webmaster, I learned a lesson. Actions speak louder than words.

Through the Matrix’s unending work schedule to get the paper out each week, we had to overcome many challenges. Whether we were on campus or not, together we faced those challenges. Whether we were on campus or not, together we faced those challenges. With our challenges, we had our triumphs and disappointments.

Our triumphs took many forms. We won many awards. We had our office parties. We built up our membership and budget. We increased our workflow, readership and Web site. All Matrix team members focus their hard work into the newspaper. My Matrix editorial board team members, Jenny Murr, Bri Shubert and John Stephen Massey, are Matrix journalists with integrity. We worked hard, even on nights and weekends; to accomplish Matrix challenges, so the paper could be on the stands each Monday.

The Matrix is an organization that is dedicated like no other. For their inspiring work ethic and wisdom, I give my Matrix team members the high honor of my respect and my thanks for the challenges we accomplished. I could not have done it without you. Our disappointments are extensions of my own. I am disappointed and sad when I think about my Matrix editorial board team members, Jenny, Bri and John Stephen, leaving a job to with they are dedicated. The reasons for leaving are not because they are moving on and found a better job. The blame falls on the shoulders of the Publications Coordinator.

Through the course of some inexcusable actions and unprofessional behavior by Ray Lightner (condescending tone, dictatorial actions and unprofessional behavior during student media trips) my friends and team members feel that they have no choice but to resign.

My sadness turned to anger when I experienced speeding, near accidents, and foul language by the driver, Ray Lightner, in the Macon State College van during recent school-sponsored trips. These actions were inexcusable, unprofessional and irresponsible. I do not feel that Ray’s behavior represents the Matrix, MSC or me adequately.

Yes, Ray’s actions speak louder than his words. It is hard for me to belong to an organization with such poor leadership. It would be easy for me to show my negativity just as those around me. But I do not want to follow in other’s choices.

I am a leader and my leadership training has shown me to forget the negative emotions and behaviors. Personally I choose to step toward success, even if I take small steps. I pronounce my actions will be to fix what is broken. My worlds will be silent. My attitude, behavior and actions will speak volumes. So hear me now.

Walter Perry
Webmaster

written by Walter Perry