What an unforgettable experience I have had over the last six months! I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve as a design intern at Big Bend Sentinel. Working with such a dedicated and supportive team made this experience truly meaningful. First and foremost I am very thankful to Roger Black for giving me this amazing opportunity to learn from a true master of the craft that I am so passionate about. His generous perspective on design and his patience as I learned the rhythms and challenges of newspaper layout did not go under appreciated.

I want also to thank Rob D’Amico, our editor, for his guidance, trust, and ability to make any situation fun; Sam Karas, our reporter, for displaying to me the heartbeat of local storytelling and passion for journalism; and Mary Etherington whose organization and steady presence helped keep everything running smoothly. Each of you played a role in shaping my growth, and I’m truly grateful.

Coming from New Hampshire, via the J-School at Michigan State, my time in Far West Texas has been meaningful to both my professional and personal development. Jumping into the world of community journalism taught me not just the technical skills of newspaper design, but the responsibility and care that go into presenting stories that matter to a place like Marfa. My time in Marfa helped me become more confident in my abilities, more patient with my learning process, and more aware of the impact thoughtful design can have on a community. On a personal level, my time here broadened my perspective and helped me figure out who I am and want to be. It’s an experience I’ll carry with me long after I leave.

Thank you to the people of Marfa and the Big Bend region, who welcomed me with warmth and shared their stories so openly. Your kindness and compassion showed me what makes this community so special.

Some of the most memorable parts of this experience came from everyday moments. The drive from Alpine to Marfa through the mountains was something I came to truly appreciate for its beauty. Meals at Bordo, Dairy Queen tacos with Rob, and spending time at Planet Marfa after submitting the paper every week were small things that made every week fun. This all added to the experience and helped me better understand the people and pace of the area. 

Over the course of the last six months, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the value of hard work and dedication. Seeing the results of the efforts of the Sentinel team in the newspaper reinforced how rewarding it is to invest time and care into something meaningful. I’ve learned that putting effort into work you are passionate about pays off in the long run, not just in the finished product but in the growth and skills you develop along the way. Learning this perspective on work ethic and persistence is something I will possess for the rest of my life.

As my internship comes to an end, I know this isn’t goodbye to Marfa or the Big Bend. I will return to this special place in the future. For now, I will be heading back to East Lansing, where I will graduate this coming spring. I will take with me the skills, lessons, and memories from my time at Big Bend Sentinel that will guide me in this next chapter.

— Andrew Siegfried