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.
I’m not the first person to admit I’ve cried in The Hatchet’s townhouse before.
Considering I have been involved with this paper since my first month of college, it’s fair to say I’ve felt the highs and lows. Some stories were tougher than others, and student journalists are in a strange position where we feel the pressure of our responsibility to the community, while sometimes making rookie mistakes and learning along the way.
When I first joined as a reporter during my freshman year, I had an image in my head of the perfect journalist: sharp, unwavering and tough-as-nails. Wholly unbreakable and borderline unfeeling.
Over the years, however, I’ve realized that premise is entirely wrong and total objectivity is impossible. While the industry has historically touted objectivity as the gold standard of reporting, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from my time on The Hatchet is that emotion is vital for solid journalism. Showing feeling, and seeing it in my peers, is crucial in reminding us of what we do. Care for our community is at the core of telling its stories, and feeling the pain, intensity, sadness and joy involved in that process is only human.
In fall 2022, when protests erupted all over Iran and worldwide, I was processing a period of intense grief for my home country. Not knowing how else to stand for my people on the other side of the world, I decided to write a story about students involved in Woman, Life, Freedom protests. Being able to tell their stories and having support from my peers to do so gave me hope during a time that felt dire for my people. Speaking with students who had stories that were similar to my own felt cathartic. That story would not have been possible if I had assumed complete objectivity — my own experience had to be welcome in the newsroom for the story to have taken shape
Turning my grief into a piece that reflected a personal struggle was one of my most gratifying experiences from the past four years. I hope The Hatchet continues to foster journalists who lead with their hearts for years to come.
The Hatchet has also given me the hope and reassurance that even in the toughest moments, there are people who are dedicated to telling the truth. Even when the world around us feels hopeless, there will still be students crammed into the townhouse working tirelessly to get honest words on the page.
It’s unclear whether professional journalism is in my future. While I still love to report and write, I’ve developed other passions and career goals during college. But when people ask me about my time at GW, I know I will tell them about this paper.
Past staff:
Isha: My freshman year was really difficult, but you saw something in me that I didn’t even see in myself at the time. Thank you for so warmly taking me, and so many others, under your wing. Your passion for storytelling is infectious.
Abby: My student life Mom! You edited my first-ever Hatchet story and helped me transition into my first staff role. Thank you for your kindness through it all and patience with my never-ending questions.
Lauren: You were such a light in the townhouse, always bringing positive energy to the newsroom. I miss seeing you around!
Sejal: You were made for journalism. You embrace every story with open arms and an open mind. I have felt so inspired by you and I can’t wait to continue seeing you succeed. I hope you’re soaking up the sun in Arizona.
Nick Pasion: I could sense you were from the West Coast even before I knew you were from Seattle — real sees real, of course. I always appreciated how you saw everyone with empathy and humanity. You truly made an impact on the culture of this paper that will be felt for years to come.
Zach: You care so much about The Hatchet and you always had the most creative ideas. Thank you for embracing the lobotomy story so wholeheartedly and for editing it with so much care. Also, I don’t know if I ever told you this, but I really like your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup shirt.
Jarrod: You led this paper with so much poise and consideration. It’s an impossibly hard job, but you made it look easy.
Nicholas Anastácio: Thank you for all of your support when I became CRD. You encouraged me to advocate for myself and gave me the best advice.
Erika: I’ll never forget when you showed up at my door, classic Erika-style, to give me a Persian cookbook for Christmas. I say it’s classic Erika-style because it was funny and abrupt, but also because it was so unbelievably thoughtful. We’re due for a hangout.
Eóighan: Your name still gets brought up in conversation so often. You brought an electric energy to the newsroom and always knew how to make people laugh. Thanks for the lobotomy sources and please come back to the United States.
Sophia: You’re an insanely talented writer and photojournalist — truly the whole package. You have been a part of so many of my favorite Hatchet memories and I have always loved your laid-back vibe. Hope to see you at the next Nothing But Thieves concert.
Amanda: Your sense of humor is impeccable, and you really paved the way for the video section. Thanks for making The Hatchet so fun, I miss you! The quaff lives on, I promise.
Current staff:
Caitlin: Offering you my Lorde concert ticket the same day we met was the best decision I have ever made. Sometimes I think it was something divine or cosmic that drew you to randomly introduce yourself to me at our first reporter training. Whatever it was, I am grateful. This newspaper has given me a lifelong friend and sister.
Lindsay: Although you were already one of my best friends before you joined The Hatchet, you have made my time here even more special. You’re a talented copy editor and even more talented writer, and I will continue to rave about your thesis any chance I get. I can’t wait for more American Studies-minded movie discussions and many, many more laughs. Love you for a long time.
Nick Aguirre Zafiro: I remember one of our first conversations was about how you had just signed up to join The Hatchet’s video team. Since that conversation, we’ve been through a lot and you’ve really forged your own path on this paper. Your passion is so clear in everything you create and I get so excited every time you show me a new project. I love you.
Grace: Since the first time we met, while sipping watery hot chocolate in the newsroom, I knew we would be friends. When you told me you were a Jesus Christ Superstar superfan, I knew we would be friends for a very long time. I’ll always be impressed by your abilities as a journalist and your willingness to assess everything so fairly. Put simply, you are just the coolest.
Faith: I couldn’t have asked for a better student life co-editor. From covering huge protests to frantically brainstorming pitches for Sunday mornings, I feel so lucky to have been by your side for even a sliver of your journey as a journalist. I am constantly in awe of your careful awareness and sharp sensibilities. I cannot wait to see you continue to thrive, and I’ll always be cheering for you.
Ianne: I’ll always recognize another former competitive dancer. You have that dancer discipline and work ethic. You create such intentional work, and I love how you pour creativity into everything you do.
Cristina: We only became close during this past volume, but I truly believe it’s better late than never. I love how you constantly stick to your guns and speak your mind. I’m so glad our paths crossed on this paper.
Nick Perkins and Annie: You both have such creative minds, and I’ve loved reading all your brilliant culture pieces. Keep writing, and I’ll always keep reading.
Josh: You definitely have the coolest style of anyone on Hatchet staff, past and present. I’ve known you for a short time, but I can tell you have a strong sense of self and enthusiasm for getting things done.
Fiona Riley, Rachel, Hannah: I truly couldn’t imagine a stronger team leading management. All of you are fantastic editors with some of the kindest hearts, and I cannot wait to see what you all accomplish with this volume.
Jennifer: Since you were a reporter, I have admired your drive. You have grown immensely as a writer since then, and I know you will continue to tell crucial stories. I am so proud of you.
Sandra: Art history queen! You have the most lively energy and seeing you around always brightens my day. Keep talking about great art and staying true to yourself.
Fiona Bork: You are going to thrive as CRD this volume. You are empathetic, and you know how to navigate tough situations.
Sage and Mathylda: You both are wickedly talented photographers. Thanks for the awesome photos.
Non-Hatchet folks:
Caroline: Although our time at GW together was short, I have no doubt we’ll have a permanent reunion in California soon. Thank you for being a caring and loyal friend, including when you accompanied me to The Hatchet’s open house during the first week of school. You knew it was something I seemed excited about.
Remi: You may be one of the only people who will immediately recognize the title of this piece. You’ve been such a vital part of my college experience and I will forever be grateful for all of the advice you’ve given me and for our bond. You’ll always be our honorary Hatchet member!
Catherine: Thank you for your unconditional support and kindness throughout our past few years of friendship. You’re a gentle communicator!
Maman, Baba, Shayan and Leila: Thanks for supporting me and answering all my frantic FaceTime calls. I hope I have made you all proud.
Lastly, to everyone I have ever interviewed. Thank you for trusting me with your voice.
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