Photo Courtesy of Victoria Bell

In fall 2018, I was a freshman just looking to get as involved at Hofstra as possible. Coming from the high school I did, joining clubs, being involved and showing school spirit was something that was more or less ingrained in me. Even though I never joined the newspaper in high school, I decided to join the Chronicle, not really knowing where it would take me. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I could have made and one of the best clubs I could have joined.

I quickly moved from being a writer to an assistant editor during my freshman year. Before I knew it, I was an editor by my sophomore year. I definitely wouldn’t have been able to predict that within a year’s time. Through the Chronicle I’ve had amazing opportunities to participate in multiple round tables with actors and directors of movies and TV shows, which is something not many people can say they’ve experienced while still in college. Additionally, through the Chronicle I was able to publish my first investigative news piece that was picked up by both Newsday and CBS Radio. Knowing that my journalism made a difference within the community inspired me and confirmed that journalism is for sure the career that I wanted to continue in. 

Now, I can’t write my senior send off without acknowledging the 2019-2020 editor-in-chief Taylor Rose Clarke. First of all, I’ve always said this about the Chronicle editor-in-chiefs, but they are all truly amazing people who I wish nothing but the best for. They’ve gone out of their way to be good people to others, and Taylor was the epitome of that. Taylor helped me get my first internship at Newsday by not only telling me that the internship program existed but also by being one of my references and giving me connections that ended up getting me the role. This internship was the stepping stone to all of the other amazing internships and freelance jobs that I’ve been able to have – and the reason why I’m currently freelancing with Newsday under two of their divisions. 

Taylor also helped me with my aforementioned investigative piece by working side by side with me. I almost debated at one point whether her name should also be in the byline because of how hands-on she was with me on it. I was so eager and excited to just get the piece published, but Taylor was so calm and reminded me in the most gentle way that we had to remain ethical and make sure we had our facts straight before publishing. Her ability to remain professional even with a hot story on the line was honestly so mature of her to do at such a young age. Her love and passion for the Chronicle was infectious, and it was just amazing to see her so passionate about the newspaper and journalism overall. I’m still so inspired by her and her legacy will always have a place in my heart. She was always so happy and positive that you would have never known the issues she was going through behind the scenes. I will always thank her for all she did for me and the Chronicle as a whole. She was just such a bright light, and I truly have so much gratitude for her.

To close, I just would like to give some advice for anyone who still has some time at Hofstra. Definitely take advantage of any and all opportunities. While it is okay to say no, try your best to make things work to your best ability without overworking yourself. Really just try to find enjoyment in everything, because it’ll be over before you know it. 

And with that, thank you, The Hofstra Chronicle.