Hey there, Fanshawe. It’s been a while. For those of you who don’t know me, I am a Broadcast Journalism graduate who wrote for The Interrobang from 2021 to 2023. It’s unfortunate the circumstances, but it feels great to be writing for you again.

The Interrobang has been an integral part of the college for so many years and I can’t believe it’s come to an end. This newspaper helped me branch out and meet more people within the college community and helped me further improve my writing skills. In addition to my writing skills, I improved upon my interview skills and on-air performance, all are incredibly prevalent in my current role.

Through my time reporting, I covered so many amazing stories, including the lack of diversity in London’s 2023 council, Fanshawe alumni achieving big things in the music industry, and most memorable, the discussion around armed security at Foundry First. Yeah, that was crazy.

I also had so much fun working alongside likeminded people and friends. I became so much closer with people I knew through my program but spent a lot of time with for work outside of the classroom. Those people I consider lifelong friends and those relationships were fostered within these pages.

So where am I now? I currently work at CTV News Windsor as a Multimedia Journalist. But, you may have seen my name locally for CTV News London. I work out of Windsor but cover both as needed. It’s insane to think that in a few short years after I left Fanshawe, I am now working for my dream company.

This job came up in 2024 and I jumped at the chance to take it, even though it was a scary thought to move three hours from home. Because of my demo reel, and all content created during my time at Fanshawe, I secured that job and I am now living out my dream. I couldn’t be happier.

For those reading this who participated in the decision to have the paper that advocates for and educates students on their school community, I hope you see how detrimental this really is. This decision causes many people to lose their jobs, many of whom are using this to help pay off school. Take it from a former student… College is expensive! Although we couldn’t dedicate a ton of hours a week to a part-time job, at least the hours we could help fund our way through college. Whether that’s paying tuition or making it possible to buy groceries that week, every little bit helps. I hope you reconsider this decision, even if it means students pitch in a couple of dollars to help it work.

To the students, please keep asking the tough questions. The team at The Interrobang works hard to hold your school accountable and transparent on pressing topics. Just because there aren’t reporters asking those questions, doesn’t mean they don’t need to be asked. Know what’s going on around the halls, use your voice for what matters! It might seem like your opinion isn’t going to make a difference in a school of so many… But it only takes one student to stand up and say something.

To the staff of The Interrobang, thank you so much for two amazing years working for you. It was an absolute pleasure to get to know you and those days spent in the FSU building are fond memories of mine. Whatever you do next, take care of yourselves. You are all great people and I know you will do big things.

It is with great sadness and tears in my eyes that I bid farewell to the newspaper that taught me so much and introduced me to so many. Interrobang, you are loved and you will be missed. For the last time, for The Interrobang, I’m Kate Otterbein.