They say that all good things must come to an end. I’d like to continue contributing to National Review from time to time (feel free to harangue your local NR editor if you’d like that too), but for now, at least, my time here is up.
I wrote in my application for this internship that I hoped to become “a more effective advocate for the American tradition.” Ultimately, it’s up to you, our readers, to decide whether I accomplished that goal, but if not, it wasn’t for a lack of good mentors. I can’t thank Jack Butler, Judson Berger, and the rest of my editors enough for helping me to hone my writing and to find the stories worth telling.
The journalism game is fast-paced, but everyone from Rich Lowry on down took the time to share their expertise and offer advice. I’m not sure what I’ll do without the inside scoop from our morning editorial meetings — I suppose I’ll just have to go back to reading the paper when it hits the newsstands.
Many writers, including the incomparable Jay Nordlinger, also took the time to make sure we interns weren’t becoming bored in the city. The National Review office, as you might expect, is filled with Buckley memorabilia, but Jay’s anecdotes really bring his legacy to life. If one day I have half as many good stories of my own, I might just become a real writer too.
My fellow interns have truly been a blessing to work alongside. Scott, Jack, Sahar, and Natan — I am glad to know that the conservative movement will have leaders such as you, and I look forward to saying “I knew you when.” Even if you make the competition for future Buckley Fellowships fierce.
I’ve covered some rather unfortunate news this summer, but this opportunity to immerse myself in the conservative tradition has given me renewed hope in the American experiment. We cannot deny the reality of change, but most people still want to live in a friendly, strong, and orderly society, and I want to help maintain it.
Our duty remains the same as it was when Kirk spoke of “lead[ing] the waters of novelty into the canals of custom.” It has been a privilege to contribute my editorial efforts to that task alongside the men and women who do it best.
As I’m told WFB used to conclude his meetings — Entonces.