[466 Swan Song] One Last Story, A Goodbye to the Newspaper

   The moment I was brainstorming ideas for my very first article seems only like yesterday, but here I am, writing my last article. From a nineteen-year-old Cub Reporter to a now-retiring twenty-two-year-old Editor-in-Chief, two years have passes in the blink of an eye. I still remember the rush of excitement and the nerves that came with submitting my very first piece, uncertain how it would be received and worried I had not captured the story well enough. Little did I know that those early articles would set the foundation for countless more, each one teaching me a lesson, each deadline pushing me to grow in ways I had never anticipated. 

   As I rose through the ranks, this newspaper organization became like a second home. I learned not only the mechanics of journalism – how to interview, investigate, write, and edit – but also about responsibility and the art of storytelling. Every article was an opportunity to make an impact, and I learned to ask the right questions, listen carefully, and understand the weight that words carry. 

   The best part of the journey, however, was not just the articles we produced. It was the team I got to work with – people who shared my passion and dedication. Late nights spent editing articles, debating headlines, or struggling over layout designs are memories I will cherish forever. Together, we built a platform that empowered student voices, tackled tough issues, and brought our community closer. This team was a family that supported each other though every deadline, celebrated every success, and lifted each other during setbacks. 

   Today, as I pass on the Editor-in-Chief title, I feel grateful for the experience I had during the last two years. Its has prepared me not only as a writer but as a leader and communicator. Stepping away is bittersweet, but I am proud to leave behind a newsroom that thrives on passion, curiosity, and the drive to spread the stories. I know this legacy will carry on through the next generation of reporters and editors, who will continue to ush boundaries and inspire change. 

   My time in this role may be ending, but the lessons I have learned here will stay with me. As I move forward, I am excited to see what new stories await me, knowing that, wherever I go, I will always carry with me the spirit of that nineteen-year-old reporter, eager to capture the world, one story at a time.