A few months ago, I was talking to the Herald managing editor about who might be opinion editor this semester.

I joked that the job didn’t seem that difficult. Even I could do it.

My little funny got me hired.

My first thought: Keep your mouth shut when appropriate, Amber.

Second thought: I’m going to need some letters to the editor.

That means you guys.

Send your stuff, and we can bring more flavor and passion to the opinion page.

It can be insightful or ridiculous. I’ve written about SGA spending and underwear.

The point is to give everyone in the community a forum to say what they have to say. Free speech is an essential democratic value.

Plus, I have a whole page of the newspaper to fill twice each week, and I’m not interesting enough to write it all myself.

A couple rules: No libel. If you disagree with your new roommate’s life choices, tell you friends, not me. I’m not getting sued over it.

The Herald reserves the right to edit letters for length, content and style. Fair warning.

Include your phone number so I can confirm that you really sent the letter. Otherwise, I can’t publish it. Again, I’m not getting sued.

A couple suggestions: spell and grammar check. I’m sure most of you are pretty decent people, and I don’t want you to look poorly educated in print.

Only send me things when you’re sober. We’ll all be happier that way.

If your letter didn’t get in the issue after you sent it, wait a couple days. It should make it, or I’ll contact you about why it didn’t make it.

I’ll be writing for the page, too.

I’m not Carrie Bradshaw, but I’ll try to make it interesting.

As for me, I’ve worked for the Herald as a reporter, assistant news editor, and then news editor for seven semesters.

I listen to a lot of ’80s hair bands in the car, ’90s alternative walking to class and summer pop hits when no one’s around.

I think Spaghettios should be a food group, and I kind of wish that I was Audrey Hepburn.

Now, you pretty much know me.

Here’s to another semester.

The opinions expressed in this commentary do not reflect those of the Herald or the university.