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Opinion

New editor assumes heavy burden

Editor's note

Zach Lee

This is a new year, a new semester and a largely new staff here at The Daily Cougar. It is a new beginning, and I'm both nervous and excited. I've spent the last five semesters working in various capacities at The Daily Cougar, and now I've made it to the top as editor in chief. 

This position is far more important than any role I have played so far, and though I have worked two or more jobs for most of my three years at UH, I am sure this will be my most stressful semester. I have always worked behind-the-scenes, and there was a certain luxury that came with that. 

As a copy editor or staff writer, I could always refer questions and complaints to someone higher up the ladder, and even as the editor of the Arts & Entertainment section, I could honestly say that there were pieces of every day's issue I had nothing to do with. That is no longer the case. 

I am now accountable -- in varying degrees -- for every typo, factual error and offensive cartoon published in this newspaper, and that is something I do not take lightly. I am prepared to spend 80 hours on campus each week, and I do not plan on getting eight hours of sleep in one night until May 12. 

It will be a lot of work, but I have no doubt that I am up to the task. Of course, I'm not in it alone. I am very happy with the staff I have hired, and I believe each section editor is more than capable of providing you with the quality publication you deserve as students, faculty and alumni of UH.

That being said, I am excited to have the opportunity to inform and entertain the people associated with the University. In my time as editor in chief, I hope to put out a newspaper that every reader can be proud of, and I hope to do it every weekday. At the same time, I hope you let me know if there is something wrong. 

This is your newspaper, and I hope you will help it evolve. We are always looking for new opinion writers of every political leaning, and grammar nuts should make sure we know how to use a comma by applying to be copy editors. Whatever your interests are, I hope you will use them to help make The Daily Cougar something better.

My number is (713) 743-5362 and my e-mail address is dcougar@mail.uh.edu. Also, I'll usually be in my office or the newsroom, Room 151, Communication Building, if you'd like to come in and let me know how you feel. I will take every complaint -- and compliment -- seriously. 

I look forward to whatever the new year may bring.

Lee, editor in chief of The Daily Cougar, 
is just glad the paper got out today.

Send comments to dccampus@mail.uh.edu