The sound of a story breaking starts as a short gasp, which turns into a whisper and progresses into a vocal debate.

As the jaws continue to drop, the news continues to spread, creating a buzz of excitement that surges past the walls of the James Building and into the minds of Penn State students. Often times, our newspaper initiates that ripple.

For The Daily Collegian, starting that diffusion of knowledge isn't just in a day's work -- it's our calling.

Our reporters scour the streets daily, keeping their eyes and ears open for tidbits of information that will lead to a bigger story. Some say it's habit -- others swear it's in their blood.

I knew a reporter who waited for hours on an administrator's doorstep because she wouldn't return his calls. A photographer who climbed into charred, barely standing house to get a photo of an upstairs bedroom. An editor who was pepper-sprayed while covering the Ohio State celebration. And it's all for you.

On a much larger scale, this willingness of reporters to put themselves out in the throws of action can be seen internationally.

It's why reporters brave the perils of war in Iraq and Lebanon despite the chance of being held hostage or even killed.

It's a profession of public service that requires determination and dedication. We work 24 hours a day to get the news to those who need to know it.

In our case, that is you.

At the Collegian, when a huge story breaks, the wheels begin turning. The 250 people who work for this organization switch from being students to journalists as the adrenaline kicks in. Reporters man the phones, editors debate ethical issues, photographers grab their camera and the machine is set into motion. All for you.

We are dedicated to getting the news to our readers. We are dedicated to writing all the news that's fit to print, editing, re-editing and staying up through the night to get you your newspaper the next day.

This is your paper.

And our only hope is that you read it.