Each year, graduating editors are given 30 final column inches – “30” was historically used to signify the end of a story – to reflect on their time at The Hatchet, published in the final issues of the year.

When I first joined The Hatchet’s staff my freshman year, the graduating editors were giants to me. They seemed so much older and wiser, and I looked up to them. Surely, they knew all the answers.

By my senior year, I thought I’d have some big takeaway to share. A major moment, moral of the story, maybe an epiphany. But as my time on The Hatchet – and in college – draws to an end, I sometimes feel like I still don’t know what I’m doing.

I realized there wasn’t some secret wisdom you gain with seniority but rather a willingness to try. A perseverance and grit that comes when you’ve dedicated years to something.

[gwh_image id=”1161983″ credit=”Courtesy of Tyara Estrada” size=”medium” align=”right” /]

The Hatchet is truly about taking it step by step (some larger than others), and suddenly you look up and you’re ready to pass the torch. For me, my time on the paper culminates in not one big lesson, but in all the little hidden ones I learned with each step:

Cold calling taught persistence. Interviewing built compassion. Editing increased patience. Rewrites grew humbleness. Pitching improved creativity.

I guess the moral of the story is that there doesn’t always need to be one – as long as you’ve grown along the way.

It’s safe to say that I wouldn’t be the journalist – or the person – I am today without The Hatchet and the editors of which it is composed.

Thank you to everyone who helped me take a step and gain more lessons along the way.

Molly: The greatest gift The Hatchet ever gave me was your friendship. From day one as culture editors, you were in my corner. When it comes to The Hatchet, there truly is no me without you. I am forever grateful to have you as my teammate, my collaborator, my partner in crime and my best friend. Your drive and talent will take you so far. Thank you for doing life with me.

Anna: The first time our names appeared in the paper, they were next to each other, and I will never forget that. Culture would not be what it is without you. You inspire me with your creativity and continuous dedication to journalism. Your presence brings me pure joy, and I can’t wait to visit you in your beautiful home in Maine one day.

Sarah Roach: Your leadership on The Hatchet meant so much to me. I am so lucky and grateful to have had the privilege to work with you. Your ability to lead with grace and generosity inspires me to this day, and I can’t wait to see everything you accomplish.

Sarah Urtz: Thank you for being my photo editor, but more importantly thank you for being my friend. You are an incredibly talented, incredible person. I know you are going to do big things and have big adventures.

Olivia Dupree: You are a gem. Thank you for chatting with me all of those late nights in the townhouse basement. Thank you for spearheading food discourse. And thank you for sharing your talents with The Hatchet. Your drive and kindness inspire me.

Lindsay: My OG culture queen, food inspiration, and the first person I looked up to as a baby freshman on The Hatchet – thank you for being an amazing editor. Thank you for being you.

Grace Hromin: I am so happy we got to be Hatchet buddies and class buddies this year. Your dedication to the photo team is so inspirational, and I can’t wait to see all you accomplish in the future.

Dante, Amanda & Thais: All three of you make me smile. You all possess such genuine talent and kindness. Dante, I loved collaborating with you when I was culture editor because you were always able to bring a new level of depth and creativity to a piece. Amanda and Thais, you absolutely slay.

Tyara: I have to give The Hatchet credit for introducing me to you, too. Having you as my best friend means the world to me. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, your support and your loyalty. You inspire me to chase my dreams, and I am eternally grateful to have you in my life.

Mom & Dad: I owe everything to you guys. I would not be where I am or who I am without your constant support and love. Thank you for always supporting my dreams.

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