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 was a high school senior torn between American University and GW for my next four years, I decided to check out the websites for both student newspapers. I knew I wanted to pursue journalism, so I figured it’d make sense to see which paper seemed like the stronger one.
It’s safe to say I think I made the right choice.
I joined The Hatchet my first semester, knowing I wanted to write but not much else. GW was new to me, and covering Faculty Senate meetings and reading the Form 990s seemed daunting. But I’ve grown so much in my four years on this paper. I’ve chased stories about graduate students unionizing, the fight for the Graduate School of Education and Human Development’s future and adjunct union pay.
My journalism classes were great, but there’s no substitute for real-world reporting experience with a paper that’s published twice a week. The feeling of getting a tip because you did the grunt work to cover a topic no one else did is so satisfying and will always be my mission in journalism. GW is a large, unique school, and there’s so much to cover — we’re just trying to scratch the surface.
I’ve loved spending this past year as an assistant news editor, but some of my favorite memories though were from being a fact-checker. I was so excited to join staff and realize that The Hatchet can be a tight-knit community. From the basement to Subway and CVS runs, I really got to feel more like an involved member of The Hatchet. The Basement Gang group chat was such a good source of joy and laughter, especially when it was a particularly stressful Sunday night (or Monday morning).
It makes me a little sad that I will never have an experience like The Hatchet again. It is so special that so many of us take time — maybe too much time — out of our weeks to report, edit, shoot, make and promote content for what is not just a newspaper but really a multimedia brand. In a time where newsrooms are shrinking, and more local newspapers are closing, it is reassuring that there’s so many people committed to still producing good, local journalism.
I’m glad I could do my part.
Some shoutouts:
Arjun: I couldn’t have asked for a better contrib. Your passion has really shown, and you’re capable of taking on any story or challenge. I’m excited to see what you do with culture pod next year! And I still think it’s so funny our first time meeting was in-person cold sourcing for a FAFSA story. Very grateful that we have not had to do more trips like that.
Tyler: It’s pretty nice when your senior news editor is a former academics editor! You’ve been such a helpful resource, and I always love hearing all the Graduate School of Political Management and GSEHD lore. You ask the right questions, and you’re so knowledgeable about GW. Every time I turn in MR drafts, I always feel slightly ashamed because I know it’s going to come back so much better. Best of luck next year!
Jenna: I didn’t think I’d be editing health and research coverage, but here we are. You have such a good grasp of what makes a good story, especially for H&R, and you always push me to make things more clear and accessible. That’s a really important trait and will serve you well. I know you will do great things as editor in chief next volume.
Fiona + Hannah: You guys have crushed it this year! Your edits have made my stories so much better, and even when I groan that a story’s been held, it’s always for a good reason. That thoughtfulness matters, and I can’t wait to see what y’all do next!
Gianna: You’ve been such a great admin editor and will be an even-better senior news editor! Best of luck.
Ryan: I still feel bad for ditching student life for academics, but you’ve done such a great job doing the jobs of two people. You’re so passionate about this paper, and it will serve you well.
Anna: I miss being in the basement with you! You’re such a kind and warm person, and I’m so glad you became copy chief — very well-deserved.
Brooke: Hatchet Prom 2023 will forever be such a core memory of mine. You quickly became one of my good friends on staff, and you helped make the work feel less like work.
Jennifer: JI!! Still salty you never took a story for me, but it’s okay. I’m glad to have gotten to know you both through The Hatchet and outside of it. You’re such a fun person, and you’re going to kill it at Bloomberg.
Past staff:
Ianne: Admin and finance can be such an overwhelming beat, but you owned it. I learned so much from your reporter meetings, and I know that I wouldn’t be in the position that I am today without your guidance. Keep crushing it in Baton Rouge.
Tara: You edited the first story I ever did, and your top comment was so nice, I still remember it. It was a great motivation boost and helped me realize I belonged on The Hatchet.
Grace: I remember being kinda scared to bring up a big flag on a story when it was like 1 a.m. during prodo, but you were glad I did. You always supported the fact-checkers, and I’m really grateful for that.
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