Sophia Byl
It’s funny how I’ve only been with this newspaper for two years, but I feel like it’s been way longer that I’ve been writing silly little animal articles exploring everything from medical applications of zoology to gay penguins. Writing in a reporter-like style, especially on such a regular basis, isn’t an easy task, and I commend everyone in this club that writes at least one article per issue consistently. I’m super lucky to have gotten the opportunity to oversee the whole writing and editing process, especially considering I wasn’t in an editorial position last year and was simply on the writing grind. I hope that shows an example to all of you that want to break into any sort of field – not just writing, but really anything – willpower and determination are half the effort towards getting where you want. Show up consistently, demonstrate genuine interest to others, and they’ll take notice of you. Enthusiasm seems to be sorely lacking in today’s youth, due to fear of judgement.
If you remember one thing from this short letter, let it be this: suppressing what makes you unique in order to conform to what you think others want to see will get you nowhere. This applies to friendships, to college applications, and practically everything in life. If you’re afraid to write about something because you’re nervous you won’t do the topic justice, stop right there and remember that no one has written an article about said topic yet, and you’re the one setting your own standards.
I’ve had such a great time writing about all different animals for this newspaper, and I don’t plan on stopping in college. And I look forward to seeing what direction you all take this newspaper in in the coming years. I’ll be checking in on the website, which probably sounds like a threat, but I promise you, I genuinely look forward to seeing the kinds of writers this newspaper will attract. Have a good time with it and work hard. 🙂