I never thought the day would come when I had to say goodbye to The Catalyst. For four years, this extraordinary newspaper has led me through life as a constant reminder that I can impact my community in ways I never thought possible. It is difficult for me to fully describe just how much my time on The Catalyst has impacted me, both academically and personally. I wrote my first article when I was fourteen years old, and now, at eighteen, I write my last. Somewhere in between them, I grew up.
So, how do I summarize four years into one letter? Any arrangement would exclude at least one valuable memory. The time that we ate two dozen donuts from Krispy Kreme after publishing our first issue of the year. The many late-night calls where we realized we needed to stop debating headlines and straining our eyes for typos because the clock had finally hit 2:30 a.m. Or, the day I watched departing Editor in Chief Molly Phan walk across the stage and receive her diploma.
The truth is that working on The Catalyst has formed me into the person that I am today. I have developed an innate sense of curiosity, leadership and responsibility, as well as the courage to advocate for what I believe in, unapologetically.
Its name, “The Catalyst,” is very reflective of its ability to spark change. Writing for an all-girls newspaper has fostered an environment of empowerment, and I have seen firsthand the accomplishments that young women are capable of. Our monthly paper, in accordance with its name, has allowed us the opportunity to speak out for ourselves and our peers, and to take initiative in addressing complex issues. We write through an entirely female lens and are not afraid for our voices to be heard. That alone is why I have loved every minute of my experience in NDB’s journalism program. All of the late nights spent editing were worth it as I continuously saw the impact our publications had on our community.
My experience working on The Catalyst was nothing short of memorable. I, alongside my peers, have learned so many valuable lessons, ones that I will take with me to college and beyond. I plan to pursue a major in journalism or English, and while I do not yet know where I will be attending school in the fall, I am excited to continue advocating for my community as a student journalist.
As we finish our last issue of the year, I wanted to recognize the remarkable job this year’s staff has done. You have tackled complicated issues and given voices to groups that needed it most, even if it meant adding another to-do to your already schedules. I am beyond appreciative of your abilities and efforts, as The Catalyst would not print without them. So, thank you.
We had four freshmen on our staff this year: Mika Cary, Cadence Goblirsch, Madison Mosso and Allison Wright. I hope this year has been as transformative to you all as it was for me at your age. I have seen you grow so much throughout your time with The Catalyst, both in your confidence and writing, and I hope to see your names continue to appear in future publications.
And, to our senior staff, who are at the end of their journeys at NDB, I wish you the best of luck.
I would also like to thank my spectacular Managing Editors and close friends, Ashley Strain and Ashley Turner. I could not have kept my sanity without the two of you, and it has been the most wonderful experience to see your passion for reporting grow alongside mine.
Another thank you to our News Editor Andie Wong, who will assume the role of editor in chief next year. I look forward to seeing all that you have planned and I know that The Catalyst will continue to flourish under your leadership.
To Robert Rojas, our journalism advisor and the only teacher I have had at NDB for all four years. Thank you for the many lessons on AP Style, interview etiquette and ledes; I could not have undertaken this role without your guidance. More importantly, thank you for teaching me the invaluable lesson of what it means to be passionate about the power of storytelling.
And to our readers: It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye. Thank you for your encouragement and unyielding support. It was an honor to serve as your editor in chief for the past year, and I hope you enjoyed reading Volume 10, the final issue of The Catalyst for the 2023-2024 school year.
