When I was in high school, I wrote an essay comparing one’s life journey to writing a book. The different stages in our life are different chapters in that book. As we grow, we write new chapters as our story unfolds.
It is with sadness and excitement that I write this month’s editorial column. I am sad because by the time you read this issue, this chapter in my book will have come to an end — I will no longer be Editor in Chief of Aircraft Maintenance Technology. But the exciting part is that the reason I am leaving the company is to begin a new chapter pursuing a new business opportunity.
It has been a fun journey the last seven and a half years with Aircraft Maintenance Technology. I remember that first article I wrote. Talk about a nervous A&P! I knew that 41,000 fellow mechanics would be reading my words. Sure, I had done some writing in college and for Raytheon Aerospace (my former employer). But this was totally different.
Thankfully, I got through that first article just fine. But I couldn’t have completed this chapter in my book without a lot of help.
First, I would like to thank AMT for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime. Although I had absolutely no journalism experience coming into this job, the AMT staff hired me and gave me the tools to grow.
I must also thank my coworkers. The hardest part of leaving the magazine is the fact that I will be leaving some wonderful coworkers and good friends. They made coming into work each day a fun experience.
They helped me grow professionally and taught me what it takes to be the editor of a trade publication. I have learned a lot from just about each and every one of them, and will miss them.
Most of all, I would like to thank you, the readers. Without you, I couldn’t have made it happen. Your feedback and support helped me keep AMT focused on the editorial you wanted to read.
Even though I am leaving, AMT will go on. Although my homely mugshot has graced this editorial page for seven and a half years, this magazine has never been about me. I have always told readers, “This isn’t my magazine, it’s yours!”
That’s right, it is your magazine. Your feedback and suggestions guide AMT’s editorial direction. It is your readership that has made AMT successful. As long as you continue to provide your feedback and input on what you like about the magazine, I am confident the new editor will provide the editorial you have come to expect from the magazine.
As for me, what can I say. It has been an exciting chapter! I have learned a lot and have met a lot of great people along the way. Thanks to everybody that helped me write this exciting chapter in my book!
Now it is time to move on to the opportunities, challenges, and continued personal and professional growth my next chapter will bring.
Thanks for reading.
