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.
Believe it or not, speaking was not always part of my life.
I know, it’s unreal — after all, I’ve been The Hatchet’s podcast host for three out of four years of my time at GW. But I was not always the talkative person I am today.
For most of my early years growing up in Western Connecticut, I didn’t have confidence. I went to school and came back home without saying much because I didn’t connect with many people.
But in 7th grade, I switched schools. It was a fresh start that I knew I needed to take advantage of. That’s when I really began to speak.
I started by introducing myself to my peers and making my first real friends — people who are still my best friends. From there, I gained the courage to speak with my teachers who encouraged me to use my voice more because what I had to say had value.
I then began using my voice to stand up for myself when I felt I was wronged. I began using my voice to advocate for political changes I wanted to see. I began using my voice to sing — well, not really, I did stupid lip-sync videos with my friends for my school’s online student news publication. And, in junior year of high school, I began using my voice to speak on my first news podcast: The Drive Home Podcast with Max Porter.
I will admit now, it was pretty bad. Episodes were long-drawn-out and my squeaky voice pierced the ears. But, from this experience, I learned that I wanted to go to school at GW in a city where the news takes place and report on the news for The Hatchet.
Just a few months into my first year at GW, I became the youngest staff member of volume 119 when I assumed the role of host for the paper’s Getting to the Bottom of It news podcast alongside the legendary Sejal Govindarao. My “Hatchet older sister,” she showed me the ropes of the University, The Hatchet and the podcast.
In sophomore year, we wanted new experiences: Sejal joined The Hatchet’s investigations team and I became contributing news editor for the metro beat of the news section. I was super excited to get into the weeds of local politics, crime and legal news, but it didn’t turn out the way I wanted it to. Journalistic oversights and setbacks (iykyk), team disputes (iykyk) and a realization that journalism was not what I wanted to do with my life led me to lose motivation in the role.
I almost quit.
But, before I knew it, the year was done, and I decided to stay on The Hatchet in a capacity I would enjoy once again as host of the podcast. My Hatchet rebirth and using my voice again has been a joy.
I’ve covered a lot of different but fascinating things with my partner in crime Lizzie Jensen. We’ve done odd stories, like pandas’ return to the National Zoo, prediction market bars and sewage spills. But we have also worked on more serious projects with real impact, like speaking with residents of cleared homeless encampments and Ukrainian-American students affected by the war. I’ve met interesting people and formed friendships I will cherish forever on the paper. I’ve stayed connected to campus in a meaningful way alongside internships across the city.
Law and politics are what’s next for me, but if there is one thing I’ve learned in life and podcast journalism, it’s this: your voice matters, make sure to use it.
With that, thank you to the people who got me to where I am today.
Current Staff:
Hannah Marr: Did you think I forgot about you? To my girlfriend (and boss), you are the main reason I love The Hatchet. From the moment I met you in April 2023 at our incoming news editor introduction dinner, I knew I wanted to stick with the paper so I could see you every single day. You are the best journalist I know — breaking CRAZY stories across beats, holding powerful people accountable, covering stories that make lives better and leading a paper with kindness and dedication — but you are also the best person I know. I can’t wait for what’s to come for you and us.
Lizzie Jensen: My Hatchet experience would not have been the same without you! I felt so good leaving the podcast in your hands when I left the section and have enjoyed every minute working with you since I returned. I am glad to call you a friend. You are going to KILL it reporting in whatever distant land you work in after graduation, and I look forward to seeing you on the air one day!
Fiona Riley: You have alternated between being a co-editor, senior news editor and editor in chief to me, but you have remained a dear friend. Thank you for all you have done for this paper.
Ben Spitalny: I have always admired your dedication to the sports section and paper at large now as managing director. I will miss your fun presence in the townhouse, but I hope to stay in touch outside of it.
Fiona Bork: You were one of the first people I met on The Hatchet and have made it a great community to be part of ever since.
Jenna Lee and Tyler Iglesias: Throughout all the work you had this year as senior news editors, you always made time for podcast and showed that you valued our work just like any other beat. The Hatchet has a bright future with you at the helm.
Max Gaffin: Whenever anyone says “Max” in the townhouse, I know they’re talking about you. You are crucial to this paper, and it has been such a pleasure getting to know you all these years.
Everyone else: I didn’t get to know many of you as much as I would have liked, but my experience on The Hatchet would not have been as great as it was without you.
Former staff:
Sejal Govindarao: The GOAT! Working on podcast, playing pickleball, talking tea and hanging out with you are some of my favorite GW memories. You are a role model and friend, and I am thrilled you are now back on the East Coast. See you soon!
Erika Filter: The epitome of Hatchet grit. Journalism needs more people like you, and I am grateful to have worked with you.
Grace Chinowsky: You were a great editor, senior news editor and editor in chief. Thank you for having faith in me and supporting me throughout the ups and downs.
Zach Blackburn and Nick Pasion: You did not expect to lead the paper, but I am glad you did. You were a great team and made the paper a great operation to be part of.
Jarrod Wardwell: You made The Hatchet feel like a home as soon as I stepped in the townhouse door as a first-year. I am lucky to have learned from you and gotten to know you so early in college.
Guiness crew (Rachel Moon, Rory Quealy, Jennifer Igbonoba, and Cade McAllister): OGs! You made my early years on The Hatchet a blast. If you’re in D.C. after graduation, I hope to see you around.
Future Staff:
Maddie Flesch: You were made for podcast, and I am so glad you will be a host next year. Thank you for your loyalty and dedication to the section.
Ida Liben: You’ve been a constant presence this year in podcast, and the section is better for it. Your grit will take you far as host and beyond.
Aadarshini Vijesh: While news podcast is what you know, you are going to make waves as host of the culture podcast. I will be listening.
Everyone else:
Mom, Dad, Teddy and Henry: My favorite people. Thank you for allowing me to go to school where I belong in D.C. and being my biggest cheerleaders.
Nana and Papa: You helped me discover my love of history, politics and learning. There is no way I would be in D.C. or who I am today without you.
Patti Milton: The best journalist out there, thank you for being a constant presence in D.C. for Hannah and me. Your friendship and mentorship mean everything.
Will Sacco and Brooke Thaler: I doubt you will ever see this, but you made me realize my passion for journalism early on in high school. Thank you for believing in me.
Adam Galland and Justin Skarupa: You’ve been with me every step of the way at GW. I couldn’t have done it without you.
All my other friends: Yes, I do a podcast. Surprise! Do some retroactive listening, boost the stats.
To my loyal listeners: Thank you for making my effort each week worth it. Don’t stop listening in the future, give Maddie, Ida and Aaadarshini some love.
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