I’ve always found it hard to find my voice; however, when it came to writing, I did not just find my voice, but I also became comfortable expressing myself. From the moment I stepped on campus freshman year, The Hofstra Chronicle helped me solidify my voice and strengthened my love for writing. Being able to tell a story through words is very powerful, whether it’s through sports, music, television, fashion or whatever it may be, there’s a story to be told everywhere.
The transition from high school to college was startling. It was difficult to get accustomed to an “on-your-own lifestyle” with people that I’d never met before. I’d be lying if I said my first two years of college were great. I struggled to find my place at Hofstra University, but the one thing I did have to my benefit was the Chronicle. During freshman year, I would sit at the weekly sport budget meetings and raise my hand to cover every single game possible. I mean, nobody else was volunteering, so why not?
My first position, outside of being a staff writer, was being named one of the new sports editors during my first spring semester at Hofstra. I was really excited that all my hard work in getting involved – even in certain sports that I wasn’t familiar with – was paying off. It was a tumultuous first year but becoming Sports Editor made me feel, even for a moment, that things were finally turning around.
However, the same day I was announced as sports editor, my personal life drastically changed. Not to ruin the mood, but on that night, I was told that my mother was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. It rightfully sucked a lot of joy out of me. How could it not? I remember my family trying to keep me positive and focusing my attention squarely on myself.
It was challenging, and things didn’t get any better because my mom unfortunately passed away in December of 2022. That fall semester was already hectic, since I took a break from classes to stay at home and regroup. I weighed out all my options when deciding if I should return to Hofstra. In full transparency, I didn’t have much to come back to at the time, except for the Chronicle. Without the Chronicle, I probably would not have come back to Hofstra.
I thank whatever force is out there that guided me to the conclusion that Hofstra was still the place for me. Without it, I wouldn’t have met the most fabulous friends I’ve had the pleasure of meeting, and I wouldn’t have gotten the chance to be involved in as many extracurricular activities on campus as I did. When I returned, I met former Arts & Entertainment Editor Aidan Judge – whose name I thought was Gavin. Thank you, Aidan, for being the best friend I could ask for and thank you for always uplifting me rather than putting me down, especially during a time when I truly needed a confidence boost.
I would also like to shout out the 2024-2025 Editor-in-Chief, Makenzie Hurt, who I had the pleasure of working alongside as Managing Editor during that school year. Thank you for trusting me in helping to form a clear vision of what the Chronicle could become. There’s no
body else I would’ve wanted to work with and I’m very excited to see you become the amazing lawyer I know you’ll be.
Finally, I want to thank Mike Senatore, Will Wiegelman, Andrew Fantucchio and Max
Edelman for giving me a chance. That alone led me to being a part of such a safe family with the
Chronicle. To our advisor, Brian McFadden, thank you for being a tremendous leader and role model
for us all to look up to.
Within the walls of a rectangular office space lies a staff with the strongest work ethic I’ve ever seen. In a world where journalism is constantly being targeted, continue to lead with integrity and passion. You all are bright lights, and I can’t wait to see where you take this paper next.
After positions such as Sports Editor, Managing Editor and Editor-at-Large, countless budget meetings, layout nights that would go to 3 a.m. and many articles written, I can confidently say that the Chronicle will forever be home and a safe space. I can’t put into words how fortunate I am to have been with this organization for four years. All the memories will accompany me after graduation and into this next phase of my life.
I have one final piece of advice. Remember to always be yourself and to never change for anyone. Make sure to raise that hand, ask questions and be confident. And most importantly, cherish these moments. It may feel like a lot, but in the blink of an eye, this chapter will end. Don’t leave with any regrets and do as much as you can. The four years of college will be the most transformative years of your life.
