Austin MacCraw
Copy Editor
Before I became a copy editor for the Tropolitan, I didn’t think fixing grammar mistakes could be fun. Turns out I was right, but being part of the Trop has been a highlight of my college experience.
I first got dragged into copy editing for the Trop two years ago by my friend Madina Seytmuradova. There isn’t much glory in copy editing — our names are relegated to the staff list on the Opinion page — but being a part of the process is rewarding in its own way. We get to make sure the story looks the best it can be before going to print.
Beyond just copy editing, being part of the Trop means being part of a community. Working in the office four to five hours every Wednesday with the editors means a night full of jokes and helping each other out. Everyone wants the paper to look its best, and the comradery that comes with that is incredible.
Outside of copy editing, I’m the two-year reigning champion for the Trop’s Pigskin Picks, of which I’m very proud.
I’ve also written a few articles, including a run of “Meanwhile in Sparta…” satire pieces I’m grateful for having the chance to write. I feel like I’m getting away with something every time one of the satire pieces gets printed. I’m so happy Pradyot Sharma brought satire to the Trop, and I can’t wait to see where he takes it next year.
It’s weird to think about this being the last Trop I get to work on. I’m going to miss everyone, and I can’t wait to see what big scoops the Trop breaks in the years to come.
To next year’s copy editors, keep up the good work. You guys are an integral part of the paper, and despite the heartache, which comes with having to take out every Oxford comma, be proud of what you do.
