Kenna Harrington: I adjusted from my position change from staff photographer to head editor in one semester through quickly coming out of my comfort zone

Nothing to lose. 

That’s exactly what was running through my head when I applied for Head Photographer Editor after only one semester of taking photos of games and for Harbinger stories. Prior to January of 2023, I had probably picked up a camera three times. 

In what world would I be suited to lead a 16-person staff of photographers? But I truly had nothing to lose — I’d either become an editor or stay a staff photographer. On the last day of school, I opened Instagram and was thrilled to see I ended up getting the position, along with my incredible co-editors Riley and Liv. We were all excited for the next year and began discussing plans in our group chat right away. 

Little did I know, I would be immediately forced out of my comfort zone.

It was hard to transition from a staff photographer to an editor. As a staff photographer, I minded my own business, got my credits, listened to my editors and coasted. Being an editor meant making bi-weekly photo stories, shooting for cover and spread, overseeing an entire photo magazine and much more. 

I realized I could no longer put my Airpods in and do my work — being an editor required much more socialization than I was used to. As a staff photographer, I was intimidated by everyone around me, especially Tate but that wasn’t an option anymore. 

I never understood the hype around Harbinger or the Harbie “family” people on staff would refer to. Minding my own business in Harbinger my first semester did nothing for me, yet becoming an editor changed my life in a way that I would’ve never expected. I quickly and eagerly found a groove in talking to those around me, and the relationships I made with people in Harbinger are a great enough gift for me to walk away feeling fulfilled. 

The J-room now holds some of my favorite memories, something I definitely could not have said last year. I have cried tears of laughter after the Ry Guys continuously roast me for just moving a muscle, learned how to pen tool on InDesign (kind of), and discovered that Tate, Liv and I all share a love for “The Sound of Music.” My stomach will never not hurt from all the laughing I shared with everyone, even Tate, in Harbinger.

Even though my time on staff was short, leaving is nothing but bittersweet, and I can’t thank Tate or the publication enough for forcing me out of my comfort zone. I now can proudly say I will cherish my Harbie family and Tate’s advice forever (even though he still intimidates me a little), and I know the Snapchat group chat will stay active for years to come.