I remember the first time I met The Catalyst’s former Editor in Chief Amelia Kyle ‘21 and how intimidated I felt to be one of only two freshmen on her staff. I also remember the millions of edits that she made to my first article published in September of 2020. I’m not joking – the comments went on forever. Although my fragile freshman self-esteem was slightly wounded at the sight of all her suggestions, I absorbed each and every one, determined to have less the next time. Now, four years later, I have written 70 articles for The Catalyst, all of which wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the remarkable young women I have had the privilege of working with. Former Editors in Chief Amelia Kyle, Peyton Daley ‘22 and Molly Phan ‘23 have taught me what it means to be a student journalist, and I am so grateful for their leadership and unrelenting support throughout my work on The Catalyst.
I have served as a Staff Writer, the Arts & Life Editor, Managing Editor and now Editor in Chief. Each of these experiences was different, to say the least, but I could not be more thankful to them for showing me what it means to be passionate. There is no better feeling than the day that the newspaper is delivered to campus and seeing our work as a staff take a physical form. When the paper arrives, we all rush to go see it, grabbing copies for family members and, in my case, adding to the growing pile of newspapers on my bedroom floor. Freshly printed, the ink bleeds onto our hands as we count out the 500 papers to distribute to our fellow classmates, the proof of our hard work visible on every page.
But, by far the most rewarding part is that, as student journalists, we take on the role as advocates. Working on The Catalyst and having a platform to share our voice is incredibly valuable, and it is something that I could never take for granted. We have the unique ability to serve our community through representation in both our print and online publications, bringing awareness to issues important to us. Without sounding too cliche, we say that “The Catalyst is written for students by students” and there is inherent truth in this statement. I hope that as we begin the year, our new staff will feel the same sense of pride that I have been so fortunate to know, and that they, too, will go home with five copies under their arm, excited to show their amazing work to those at home.
I am so honored for the opportunity to lead such a talented group of young women – know that your voice is both important and valued. The Catalyst would not exist without each and every one of you, and I look forward to seeing all that you will produce this year.
To my returning journalism buddy and Senior Editor Francesca Arbelaez: Thank you for being here by my side for the last three years. Your loyalty to our paper and staff is exemplary.
To The Catalyst’s Managing Editors, Ashley Strain and Ashley Turner: It is a privilege to work with both of you. Your amazing ideas and constant support do not go unnoticed, and I would not be here without our many late night FaceTime calls, asking which picture fits best or if midnight is too late to start proofing.
To Robert Rojas, our Journalism Advisor and favorite Star Wars enthusiast, whom I cannot thank enough (or, as Yoda would say, “You enough, I cannot thank”): Your dedication to The Catalyst is truly contagious, and I am proud to be a part of your tenth year working on the publication. Your unwavering belief in my abilities has been instrumental in my growth as a writer, editor and journalist.
And, to our readers, who of which The Catalyst would not be possible without. Thank you.
