I have mentally been writing this send-off since I first became an assistant in 2018. Now that this moment is finally here, I feel unusually emotional and don’t know where to begin. I suppose I could tell you all about our responsibility as journalists. Discuss the change that the paper has – and will continue – to create at this school. But, all of that has been said and done before. So instead, I offer you this: When it felt like the world was crashing around me, without fail, The Chronicle was there for me.
On its surface, The Chronicle is a voice of reason, a platform for advocacy, a way to be heard. For some, it’s just another club tucked away in the corner of the Student Center. But I like to believe I got the best part of The Chronicle. In that small brick-walled office filled with an unreasonable number of chairs, I found something rare: family.
This paper has given me more than my freshman self could have ever imagined. Coming to Hofstra, I was determined to double major in journalism and political science and become a political correspondent. Today, I barely recognize that version of me. The paper gave me a space unlike any other. I was provided the opportunity to tell the stories of people that felt like their voice was diminished in a crowd. I developed a voice and writing style that’s unique to me. Most of all, I got to experience how rewarding it is to have someone trust you enough to tell their story.
Everything I know about writing, accountability, the inevitable pitfalls surrounding objectivity and dealing with conflict is a direct result of my time at the paper. I have told stories of minority students on campus, taken strides toward creating a more inclusive environment and had the opportunity to see this paper transform in the best way possible. But, all of this experience isn’t necessarily from writing. A lot of it comes from having the privilege of being around a group of people that are opinionated and willing to voice their ideas and concerns to create a better paper.
Over the past year, I have had the distinct honor of leading this paper alongside Melanie Haid. I got a first-hand look at how deeply everyone cares for this paper, and their commitment made this job feel easy. We were lucky enough to have a staff committed to covering the protests over the summer, discussing international politics and critiquing government in powerful op-eds and continuously working to actively practice anti-racism in their daily lives.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank the writers that made the paper what it is today, the e-board that put their heart and soul into every article, photo, graphic and social media post and to everyone that played a role in making our office and paper feel like home.
To Betty and Audra, a girl couldn’t have asked for better assistants. It’s been a pleasure watching you both grow into the wonderful editors you are today. I’m immensely proud of where you’ve taken the features section this past year.
To the incoming leaders, Micaela and Jess, I have no doubt that you two will bring this paper to new heights. It’s not going to be easy to adjust to whatever the Fall semester may bring, but know that you’re capable of handling unforeseen challenges, you are allowed to take a break and I will always have your back.
While this would be a fine place to stop talking, I have a few more thanks that need to be made. Between the onset of the pandemic, and the challenges I faced with the unexpected loss of my father in January, there a few people without whom it wouldn’t have been possible for me to make it through the semester.
First, to my co-editor and partner in crime this year, Mel, thank you for keeping me sane and for giving me the time I needed to grieve. You have no idea how much that meant to me. I’m so grateful to have had you by my side. Reflecting on this year, all the challenges we faced don’t seem so bad because we got through them together. You are one of the most hardworking people I know, and I’m thrilled to see what the future holds for you. Any fashion publication would be lucky to have you.
Vis and Eleni, there simply aren’t enough words to explain how much you mean to me and how much I was able to get through knowing you’re always by my side. I can’t wait to see all that you have yet to accomplish, and I look forward to many future conversations on our favorite topic: Hallmark Christmas movies. You both always know exactly what to say. I am always learning and endlessly inspired by both of you. Thank you for giving me the strength and the push I needed to get back into the swing of things.
A special thank you to our copy chief Odessa and the Op-Ed team for encouraging me to get my opinions out on paper. I have become a stronger person because of all of you. I am also pretty sure that a couple of my pieces may have gotten me banned from ever going to India, but that’s alright. Your encouragement has meant the world, and I know I’m not alone when I say that each of you has had an immense impact on the content we’ve put out this past year.
Lastly, to Professor Brian McFadden, Dean Adria Marlowe, Dean Mark Lukasiewicz, Professor Carol Fletcher, David Henne and Karla Schuster, there genuinely are not enough words to thoroughly express how I grateful I am for each you and the impact you have made in my life. I am eternally thankful for all the advice, laughs and random mid-day conversations. Thank you for continually supporting me and this paper. We couldn’t have done it without you.
Since I have every intention to crash at least a couple of budget meetings, know that this is a temporary farewell. Here’s to 4 a.m. layouts, inevitable InDesign crashes, the cramped office, unruly desk chairs and dingy couches.
To my peers, colleagues and friends at The Chronicle, you have and will continue to create so much change, your voices are powerful and I wish you all the very best of luck.
