Yours Thankfully
As this chapter of Discourse magazine, and of my life, comes to a close, it all boils down to gratitude
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For the past five years, Discourse magazine has been a source of thoughtful, nuanced, nonpartisan commentary on issues that matter to society and to humanity. It has championed the ideals of classical liberalism such as pluralism, individual rights, free speech and free markets. It has been a place, as its tagline indicates, “where ideas meet.” Now that Discourse will no longer be publishing (at least for now) and its team is moving on to new opportunities, I want to offer a brief reflection on all the magazine has meant to me.
First, during my time at Discourse, I’ve grown professionally in so many ways. I came to the magazine from a copyediting background, and I was used to working on fairly academic and technical papers. Discourse was very different: Not only were its articles shorter and more conversational than what I was used to, but it required an entirely different style of editing. I got to engage more with the substance of the pieces I was working on, and in so doing I learned more than I ever expected about topics ranging from U.S. military readiness to portable benefits to AI policy to Renaissance art.
I also had the opportunity to develop skills beyond editing, such as initiating and maintaining relationships with Discourse’s many talented writers; generating and pitching story ideas; writing my own articles for the magazine; and even doing a bit of fundraising. I’ve learned so much from this job and am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to try new things and grow professionally.
And speaking of gratitude, words can’t express how truly thankful I am for the past five years working with the Discourse team. Editor-in-chief David Masci took a chance in bringing me on board, since I had no previous journalism experience, and I hope I’ve been able, at least in part, to repay his faith in me. He is one of the kindest, friendliest, most generous people I’ve ever met, and he’s been the best champion of this magazine—and this team—I could have asked for. And executive editor Jen Tiedemann brought so much to the magazine, from her enthusiasm and creativity to her media and PR experience. But more than that, she’s sharp and snarky and excellent company; I’m lucky to call her a friend. Working with these two has been an absolute career highlight for me, and I know we’ll keep in touch as friends if not as colleagues.
Finally, to Discourse’s amazingly talented writers, freelance editors, designers and readers: “I can no other answer make but thanks, / And thanks, and ever thanks.” Together we built something great. And even though this chapter is over, I hope we’ll meet again someday.