Sydney Newton: Harbinger was the first place that gave Sydney an opportunity to finally express her voice

My nickname growing up was “chatterbox.” 

It was a fitting name for a kid who belts “Don’t Stop Believin’” in crowded restaurants and walks up to strangers in grocery stores to say hello.

That’s just who I am — I’ve always been loud. I literally never shut up, whether I’m talking about my latest TV show obsession or thoughts on everything from the new episode of “The Bachelor” to Colleen Hoover’s newest book release. 

My friends shush me at least seven times a day — probably more — and I’ve had my share of stern talks from almost every teacher I’ve ever had about distracting other students. But growing up, I never had a place to use my knack for talking (or shouting) where I wouldn’t be shushed.

Until Harbinger. 

Harbinger — a place full of laughs and tears, coffee rings staining the latest issue and dry erase marker scribbles on every whiteboard. A place where someone’s always skateboarding across the J-room or attempting to fix the perpetually broken LED lights. But most importantly, it’s a haven for writing, storytelling and designing — and the perfect place for people who have too much to say. The first place I could really talk. 

My first year on staff, I used my talkative nature to my advantage. I chatted with interviewees asking dozens of curious (and sometimes off-topic) questions, but they worked — I found details I wouldn’t have otherwise. As a writer, I talk through ways to structure a first draft out loud and nail specifics in a news or sports story. I even had the opportunity to tell other people’s stories, whether through an individual feature story or a design sidebar. 

My junior and senior years, when I became an Assistant Print Editor and Co-Print Editor-in-Chief, I found another use for my voice — leading others. From explaining what on Earth an ads credit is in front of the class or how the hell to place a story to a new staffer, I’ve used my excessive talking skills to teach others.

Just now, my first three attempts at this column were 700-word rants about the people I’ll miss, the lessons I’ve learned and the person Harbinger has made me. But the truth is there are no words to describe all that Harbinger has given me. 

Even I — the ultimate chatterbox — am left speechless. So I’ll keep my thank-you’s short. 

Harbinger, you caused more tears and sleepless nights than I’d like to admit, but you also taught me greater time management and leadership lessons than anything I’ve ever known. Thank you Ceils, Pmo and Chez for being the most supportive and helpful team I could ask for. And thank you Tate. Without your guidance and edits — even though sometimes harsh — I wouldn’t be the journalist I am today. 

And a huge thank you to my staff — the 70+ people I’ve found who listen to my countless rants and random questions at 1 a.m. Whether it’s chatting with Ben and Emily about which Harry Potter house the sorting hat would send us to or bonding with Anna over our freakishly-similar personalities, I know I’ve finally found people who will actually listen when I talk. I’ve found a second family. 

So, thank you Harbinger — you let me be myself, a talker.