Editor's Credo (Resprise)

At the beginning of the semester, I analyzed myself as an editor, a journalist and an individual in order to write my personal credo. This is what I wrote:

"I will...
Be confident in my abilities. Approach every task with humility. Be compassionate and patient toward those around me; earn their trust. Take responsibility for my actions and give myself credit where credit is due. Always remain strong in my ethical, moral, personal and professional standards no matter the circumstance." 

After reflecting on my semester of learning the ins and outs of being an editor, I've decided that my credo has remained the same. When I wrote it initially, I tried to combine weaknesses and strengths I see in myself and apply them to being an editor. While I've learned a lot about the techniques and concept and functions of editing, I've remained the same person, which is why my original credo still applies. I'll break it down a bit more.

"Be confident in my abilities. Approach every task with humility." I think this applies to any individual in a professional setting. Sometimes I worry about my ability and knowledge to get things done, which is why I started my credo with confidence. I'll never get anywhere if I don't believe in myself. On the flip side, being an editor puts in in a position of power so humility when dealing with my work and the work of others is crucial.

"Be compassionate and patient toward those around me; earn their trust." Here is a fundamental aspect to being an editor. If I ever expect to be competent and do my job well, I have to support and be supported by my coworkers. Patience is a quality that I have always struggled with and therefore is essential for me to hone if I ever expect to coexist with reporters, especially as an editor.

"Take responsibility for my actions and give myself credit where credit is due." This applies a lot to our recent class discussion about errors. To err is human, even though it is expected of journalists to supersede this general truth. To be a good editor I'll have to take chances and make decision. Some of those with be an astounding success and others epic failures. Whichever way it ends up, I must take responsibility.

"Always remain strong in my ethical, moral, personal and professional standards no matter the circumstance." Finally, I must not waiver. In order to gain respect or credibility I have to stick to what I say and believe. That means that sometimes people may disagree with my standpoint. Oh well. Perhaps they can respect me for standing strong in the standards I have set for myself.

Overall, this has been an enlightening semester of editing that I have thoroughly enjoyed.