The Hofstra Chronicle was never meant to be such an important part of my college experience. I joined as a sophomore in 2019, and I was satisfied with writing sports recaps, attending home games and just being a part of a college newspaper. It was the first club I joined in college; I was still figuring out what I wanted to do with my career, and if being a sports journalist was truly the dream job that I wanted to pursue when I graduated. 

I never really got the answer to that question. The following year, a global pandemic forced me to put my time at Hofstra University on hold. I didn’t think I’d ever come back, and I wasn’t sure how to feel about that. 

When I finally had the opportunity to return in 2024 and finish my degree, I committed to making the most of what became my second chance. My first thought after being readmitted was, “I have to join the Chronicle again.”

Walking back into Room 203 of the Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center was like what I’d imagine stepping out of a time machine would feel like. I was overflowing with nerves and excitement. Honestly, I was scared, but I quickly remembered what made the Chronicle so special. It was a chance for students to come together, connect and create something to be proud of.

The Chronicle became a safe space for me, and budget meetings soon became what I looked forward to the most every week. I desperately wanted to become a better writer, and being surrounded by so many talented people motivated me even more. 

Becoming an editor has been one of my biggest accomplishments since returning to Hofstra. The sports section has grown so much since I first joined. The quality of our content is the best I’ve ever seen it. At first, I didn’t think I deserved to be in the role of editor, but I’m so proud to have been a part of that improvement while working alongside some of the smartest, hardest working and kindest people. 

To Olivia Hillestad, Ethan Poole and Shannon Bickert, thank you for everything. You three made Mondays the day I most looked forward to. Whether it was figuring out captions for the back cover, fighting with Adobe InDesign or spending nights at layout with whatever sports game was on at the time, I wouldn’t choose anyone else to do it all over again with. I’m lucky to call you my friends and can’t wait to see the great things you will achieve in the future.

To all the editors at the Chronicle, thank you so much for making me feel so welcome in my return and inspiring me every day. I’m constantly in awe of your dedication to your craft and your continued push to advance student journalism. The work you do is so important and I’m grateful for the chance to contribute to such an amazing organization. 

I must thank my parents as well. I don’t always show you my appreciation, but your support has meant the world to me, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without all the love and encouragement you give me every day. 

It still hasn’t sunk in that my time with the Chronicle is coming to an end, that this will be the last time I see my name in print. I’m going to miss writing for the Chronicle so much. I’ll miss sitting in the press box at the James M. Shuart Stadium, courtside at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex (aka, the Mack) and beautiful spring afternoons at University Field or Bill Edwards Stadium. I’ll miss the post-game interviews with all the wonderful head coaches and players. 

While there will be so much that I miss, that’s a good thing. The last two years have been so incredibly healing for someone who felt robbed of their college experience. I learned so many lessons about patience, perseverance and living in the moment. I learned that progress is not linear; time is a construct, and it’s never too late to go back and make up for lost time. 

To any current or future Hofstra student, please consider joining the Chronicle. While print newspapers seem to be going out of style, they still provide such important value to our community, and the opportunities to do truly great work are unlike anywhere else at Hofstra.

A piece of my heart will always belong to the Chronicle, and no matter what the future has in store, I’ll be sure to cherish the memories made here forever.