Hunched over my computer, I silently repeat the famous words of former American tennis legend Billie Jean King as the newspaper deadline inches closer by the minute. Ironically, the excuse of being a second-semester senior proves impossible in this situation.
Countless memories of itchy eyes immediately come to mind as I recall squinting at countless newspaper layouts splayed across my computer. And so are the days of desperately rewording sentences to squeeze information into text boxes. Of course, I could not forget the start of proofreading week – an indicator that some strawberry matcha and honey oat milk lattés might be my key to survival.
There is no denying that journalism is hard work.
However, as I look back on these last three years, my heart is undeniably filled with gratitude for everything from laughing at lighthearted news to eating at Gott’s Roadside on field trips to the ABC7 Studio. I am in awe of how Room 124 has blossomed into more than just another classroom, but the foundation of our brainstorms becoming reality.
I truly would not treasure the craft of journalism so close to my heart if it were not for witnessing the grit and determination displayed by this year’s staff. The privilege of being editor in chief is not for the appeal of a fancy title, but to fully recognize that our monthly newspaper issues compile more than just paragraphs written on a page. Words are not just letters; they dance off the paper. Quotes are not just recordings; they bring out people’s voices. Bylines are not just names; they encompass a writer’s unwavering commitment to authentically inform and advise the school community.
Another lesson I have constantly been reminded of is that the news cannot wait. Not one millisecond can be wasted when viewers or readers are on their toes, anticipating pressing information. Scrambling on one’s feet to contact multiple sources before the crack of dawn to hit publish reveals the not-so-glamorous side of journalism. Yet, that is the beauty of it. Documenting the present, no matter how difficult covering the story may be, has given me the chance to fully cherish the “now” rather than dwelling on the uncertainty of what comes next.
I also reflect on directing a multitude of this year’s Tiger TV episodes. I learned the value of using multimedia outlets, especially long-form feature videos, to paint creative stories in a world where viewers are falling victim to the unreliable realm of 15-second videos.
Though my journey with The Catalyst and Tiger TV is coming to an end, my passion for amplifying stories will last forever. After conducting countless interviews and in-depth research on specific communities, I leave each experience with a deeper sense of empathy and an urge to confront inequalities first-hand. Combining my passion for uncovering the root cause of societal issues and exploring the significance of empirical data, I am excited to study sociology and hopefully double major in statistics at XX.
As I depart from the journalism program, I want to recognize this year’s staff. You have demonstrated, time and time again, that you are not just writers, but students who pour heart and passion into every single piece of news published. To the staff writers: Your aptitude for learning and drive to improve is what has stuck out to me most. Your unique story ideas and willingness to perfect your feature videos have set the standard for future students, and I cannot thank you all enough. To the editorial staff: You all are an integral part of the editing and proofreading process, and I have seen your creativity shine through every issue produced. I know that navigating the time commitment of this role has not always been easy, which is why I want to highlight how much your insight and ingenuity mean to me.
To my fellow graduates: Our time spent writing for The Catalyst has felt extra special considering the memories we cherish of chanting “Go Monarchs” together. To Sports Editor Virginia Fitzgerald, I have no doubt you will thrive as a sports business major at the University of Oregon next year, and I hope you enjoyed covering NDB athletics this past year. To Opinion Co-Editor Lily Henry, thank you for being one of my best friends and I am so glad that journalism brought us even closer together this year.
Thank you to Managing Editor Lauren Zerella, one of my first friends and track teammates here at NDB. You are, without a doubt, a commendable, hardworking journalist, but your kindness and compassion truly define how thoughtful of a person (and runner) you are.
I would also like to recognize the invaluable growth of two juniors, now news co-editors, whom I worked with in the Journalism Club last year. To Alexandra Charnas, your natural eye for detail and creativity has shined through multiple articles and feature videos, and I hope you continue to use that strength to your ability. To Page Krensavage, thank you for taking on the role of editor in chief next year. Your strong work ethic and interpersonal skills have not gone unnoticed, and I am looking forward to what you have planned.
To my parents, thank you for being my built-in best friends and the biggest supporters of my articles. You two are my role models and have instilled values that pushed me through the most mentally taxing aspects of journalism.
To Journalism Adviser Robert Rojas, thank you for creating a platform for your students to spark change and develop their voice. I appreciate your infamous proofreading marathons and unwavering commitment to enhancing NDB’s journalism program.
Finally, thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read The Catalyst and watch Tiger TV, especially those who commended our staff for their work. I feel an overwhelming sadness as I say my last goodbye. It was truly a privilege to serve as your editor in chief for the 2024-2025 school year, and I hope you enjoy Volume 11, Issue 6 of The Catalyst.
