Throughout her time on the KO News, senior Abbie Schiff has grown from a curious writer into a confident editor and leader. Beginning as an Associate Editor for Opinions and Reviews and later stepping into the role of Managing Editor of Opinions and Reviews, Abbie brought creativity, clarity, and a thoughtful editorial voice to every piece she touched.
Looking back, Abbie names her time managing the Opinions and Reviews section as the most rewarding. “It has taught me how to be in a leadership position and what being a leader looks like and the responsibilities that you have to take,” she said. Through her editing work and collaboration with staff writers, she developed not only a sharper eye for writing but also a deep appreciation for teamwork and communication.
Abbie’s journey with the KO News began with a desire to grow. After taking the journalism elective, she was hooked. “I knew I needed to improve my writing,” she said. “But I also really wanted to challenge myself. Seeing my friends do it the year before, I realized it would be a great experience – and it absolutely was.”
That experience extended far beyond writing. Abbie cherished the tight-knit community the paper fostered. “I really enjoyed being part of a team working together to create the newspaper,” she said. “It helped me branch out and meet new people, and it really broadened my writing skills.”
Among the many lessons Abbie takes with her, time management tops the list. Balancing editing responsibilities, article deadlines, and schoolwork taught her discipline, productivity, and the importance of structure. She also learned how to navigate challenges – whether it was working with difficult contributors or navigating deadline stress – and found strength in advocating for herself and her section.
Her reflections show a writer who has grown not just in skill but in perspective. “KO News has taught me to look at things through a more open lens,” Abbie said. “When you read all these articles, you start to think differently. It really broadens your perspective.”
As Abbie wraps up her time on the KO News, she leaves behind a legacy of hard work, leadership, and strength. “I’ll miss the staff the most,” she shared. “It was so great to work as a team together. I really enjoyed it.”
We wish Abbie the best as she majors in biology and economics at Washington University this fall. Her presence on the paper will be deeply missed!
