By Madisyn Padgett, Editor-in-Chief
Language is limitless; through the complex possibilities in which stories may be told, words have the astonishing power to reshape a world. I spent two years of my college experience not knowing there was a field out there for me– a vivid intersection of language and humanity where lived experiences are the story. That is, until I stumbled upon Madison Sharrock, the editor at the time.
Her passion for journalism encouraged me to pursue an unforeseen journey, a needed redirection on my path to self-discovery. Journalism unleashed an inner storyteller I thought long dead and buried.
This reconnection with my younger self, the one bubbling with curious creativity, the one enraptured by the nuances of language and writing, allowed me to flourish into the person I’ve become.
If anyone asked freshmen year me anything about myself, there wouldn’t have been an answer. Now, I can confidently say, “Oh! I’m a writer.” This publication taught me how to trust my abilities and proceed with conviction.
A journalist has no leg to stand on if not their own.
The challenges of being Editor-in-Chief taught me immeasurable lessons about friendship, leadership, problem solving and the consequences of sleep deprivation. Our community teaches and learns from each other.
As I pass the torch to Leea Port, future editor-in-chief, I have no doubt of her ability to lead with an awe-inspiring passion. Thank you to those who saw a spark I couldn’t see in myself. Your encouragement of my passions truly changed my life. To my Chanticleer family, I love you all dearly. Madison and Frances, I cannot wait to see your names in lights (or print in this case). To the Coastal Carolina campus, thank you for being the beauty I needed in a time of darkness.
EIC out.
By Madison Sharrock, M.E./Content
The experience of standing atop the Empire State Building, my bronze chanticleer trophy sitting on my desk in the newsroom, meeting unique individuals to tell their stories and experiences– none of this would be my reality if I hadn’t joined The Chanticleer.
I was a second-semester freshman seriously contemplating transferring back home to a college in Ohio, when I saw The Chanticleer’s first issue back since their hiatus due to COVID-19. I flipped through the pages, noting articles, graphics and photographs, and I thought to myself: “I could see myself doing this.”
I walked into a random classroom, shaking like a leaf on a tree with nerves, inside the Lib Jackson Student Union for my first pitch meeting. I met a Jersey girl named Brooke Bromberg who joined at the same time I did, and we wrote articles with shaky hands in the same boat.
The editor at the time, Megan Wallace, immediately took me under her wing; for some reason, she saw potential in me. We clicked instantly and became inseparable once I began to work with her as the assistant editor.
I made a lot of mistakes yet learned from each and every one. I had the privilege of being the editor-in-chief, managing editor/digital and now of content. Thanks to my mistakes, curiosity and persistence, I will be reporting for the Coastal Observer in Pawleys Island after graduation.
Thank you to everyone who believed in me; my journalism professors, peers at the newspaper and anyone who ever took me up on an interview. I love this student publication with my entire being, and I hope that was apparent to you all in all I did for The Chanticleer.
I’m saddened to leave, but the next generation of journalists reside in LJSU B-205, and they need your support as readers.
By Frances Ludwig, M.E./Design
I have always been the “art kid,” but at a certain age I began to be discouraged from this passion. I have a distinct memory where I told a family friend that I wanted to be an art director, and she immediately shut me down and made me believe it was unrealistic.
I internalized this interaction and gave up any hope of achieving that goal. When I started my journey at CCU in 2020, the craziness of that year made me realize the world could end at any moment, so I might as well do what I want.
After three years at CCU, I had been a research fellow, a studio assistant, a social media coordinator and a painting instructor. It seemed that every opportunity I said yes to opened the door to another.
On a night that now feels like divine intervention, I could hardly sleep, kept awake by an idea for a zine about the cool pockets of culture I found myself in. The next day I realized that would be an insane undertaking but remembered that CCU had existing publications I could contribute to.
I reached out to Megan Wallace, former Editor-in-Chief of The Chanticleer, and pitched the idea for an arts and culture column. She recommended I apply for one of the staff positions on the paper. Lo and behold, they needed an Art Director, and I was hired.
I could have never imagined where this little whim of mine would take me; from a conference in New York City, winning eight awards from the SC Press Association and most importantly making lifelong friends with incredible people. I still don’t know what the future holds for my career, but I will always keep The Chanticleer close to my heart and the dream it helped to achieve.
