My time as a journalist began in middle school, back when I was a nervous eighth-grader transferring into KO. I still remember choosing my electives at Accepted Students Day, unsure of what would be the best fit for me. I ultimately decided on journalism hoping to escape taking any art classes, because, admittedly, I am a terrible artist.
It turned out that I really enjoyed taking journalism, and luckily for me, I only had to take one art class that year. In one of our nation’s most polarizing times, trustworthy and unbiased reporting carried a new importance, and I learned to appreciate journalism for what its purpose has always been—to report on the truth.
I should mention that during my journalism class in middle school, the Editor-in-Chief of the KO News at the time, Jaden DiMauro ’20 visited my class. This was the first time I had heard of the KO News, and I was immediately intrigued. Following the visit and my new growing passion for journalism, I knew that joining the KO News was a goal of mine. So, when I entered the Upper School as a freshman, I eagerly signed up for Ms. Schieffelin’s journalism elective. Throughout the semester, I learned about the different forms of journalistic writing and attempted to memorize every single style rule. At the culmination of the class, I applied to be on the KO News and joined the staff my sophomore year as an Associate Features Editor.
As an associate, I became familiar with the ins and outs of the KO News with the guidance of my Head and Managing editors, whom I am still thankful for to this day for their patience and the confidence they instilled in me. I still remember what felt like five hours completing my first InDesign page at KO News Day, wondering if it would ever get any easier. To all the new associates out there, I can promise you it does!
After my first year, I became Head News Editor. I enjoyed taking on more leadership in this position and helping my new associates adjust to their roles, just as I had done the year before.
Now, in my final year on the KO News, I am incredibly humbled and grateful to serve as Editor-in-Chief. Eighth-grade me would have never imagined that I would hold this position, but I can’t express how excited I am to have this opportunity. It is hard for me to believe that this is the last year I will spend on the KO News, but I am extremely optimistic about the future of this publication and working with our exceptionally talented staff this year.
For the past two years, I have felt lucky to be surrounded by such a welcoming and supportive KO News community. It’s hard to wake up at 8:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning, but the KO News staff and bagels (thanks Ms. Schieffelin!) make it worth it. The KO News has not just helped me develop my writing skills, but I have learned invaluable lessons about communication, problem-solving, and teamwork that have carried with me far beyond journalism.
Furthermore, I am especially grateful to have witnessed the leadership of so many previous staff members, all of whom embodied resilience, hard work, and dedication. These are values that I hope to represent throughout my term as Editor-in-Chief.
Looking ahead, my goal for the KO News is to foster creativity and collaboration among our staff, while continuing to prioritize reporting with accuracy and integrity. I hope that the KO News will continue growing as a space for like-minded, passionate writers to find new ways to express themselves. I believe that the KO News can continue to evolve with the changing world of media and consider new, innovative ways to reach our audience. Most of all, I want to help guide other staff members as so many others have done for me.
I have been thinking a lot about the power our voices hold as journalists, and while I am uncertain of the future of my Wyvern’s Tale, I am excited to express my latest opinions and sentiments in this column.
I look forward to sharing my passion for journalism with you all and dedicating myself to making the KO News the best it can be!
