In the fall of 2022, I wrote my very first Collegian article: a melodramatic report on how a “critical shortage” of dishware threatened the sanctity of the beloved annual Peircegiving. While I look back on it now and laugh at my disproportionate alarm over missing forks, I also recognize what initially sparked my fondness for the Collegian — having fun with a topic and digging around to find the interesting story behind a seemingly small change.

When I applied to be a news editor a few months after the cutlery exposé, I distinctly remember being asked, “Are you sure? It’s a thankless job.” Thankfully, after three semesters of editing, I disagree. While I didn’t treasure the occasional passive-aggressive email or the time spent frantically tracking down unresponsive writers, the rewards of being an editor came in unexpected forms. Seeing someone read the paper while eating their lunch in Peirce Dining Hall, receiving a kind email praising an article or watching a writer grow in their abilities to the point where they’re ready to lead the section (shoutout Tadhg Sahutske ’27) made some particularly grueling weeks entirely worthwhile.

Although it may have contributed to a minor energy drink addiction, there are plenty of positive outcomes that I owe to the Collegian — most importantly, friendships with some wonderful people I may not have otherwise crossed paths with. Aside from one of my best friends, Katie Sparvero ’25, keeping the office sane and functional week after week, I’d like to thank Audrey Baker ’25 for always making me laugh at inappropriate times and Micah Arenstein ’26 for stepping up and being a great co-editor despite his flagrant favoritism toward the sports section. Other honorable mentions include my parents for their religiously punctual “nice article!” texts, my biology professors for not judging as I struggled to stay awake in 8 a.m. classes following production nights and the many, many interviewees who took time out of their days to give helpful information and entertaining quotes. 

While I would love to dwell on the positive aspects of my experience, I also have to acknowledge what I’ve witnessed through the lens of the news section in the past few months. More and more, our coverage has shifted to Ohio Senate bills targeting institutions of higher education and federal laws defunding research that is deeply important to members of campus. As these changes make many feel powerless, I encourage every student to try their hand at journalism and recognize the value of their own voice. You don’t need to be the strongest storyteller or an avid fan of not using the Oxford comma (if you are, I’m a little scared of you). You need to care about finding relevant information and making it heard, seeking out multiple sides of a story and taking time to enjoy your work. 

For many students, especially those on the verge of leaving the Hill, the past few months have been draining and alarming. In a time where it’s becoming increasingly difficult to tell if artificial intelligence wrote the content you’re reading, your authentic voice is valuable and meaningful — thank you to the Collegian for helping me make that voice a little bit stronger.