Words are powerful, and change is possible. That is perhaps the greatest lesson I have learned throughout my tenure on the KO News.
I began my journey with the KO News sophomore year, when I took journalism. I have always enjoyed writing, and this course deepened my love in ways I did not expect. It pushed me to experiment with my voice and, more importantly, engage with my community. I was especially drawn to writing features because I got to use my voice to share my community’s stories. It is a privilege like no other.
I joined the staff as an associate editor for both the features and arts departments, where I was given even more space to grow. My time as an associate editor allowed me to further develop my voice, and gain so much more confidence in my writing. That confidence, in combination with my love for writing, ultimately led me to apply to be Editor-in-Chief.
The application process was both exciting and intimidating. I quite literally read every single Wyverns Tale and Editorial on the KO News website, to prepare for my interview (by the way, none of these articles ever came up). As I did, I began understanding the impact that each of their words had on the staff, and the KO community. I learned that the Wyvern Weekly started being sent to students after an editorial article was published criticizing the lack of transparency. I saw countless responses to editorials from administrators at KO and Editors-in-Chiefs who expanded the paper in so many ways. I began to look up to their words and understand the importance of the media, even on small levels.
Without the media, we, as a society, would lack one of our most powerful tools for progress. Which is why (would it really be a Wyvern’s Tale if I didn’t get political), it is so important to have a free press. Seeing the hate that certain journalists are getting from Doanld Trump and Karoline Levit disgusts me. There is no circumstance in which the president should be harassing female reporters calling them “Piggy,” “Ugly,” “Fat,” or telling them they don’t smile enough. Their job is to educate the public, not please men. Allowing journalists to just do their jobs is so crucial to the well-being of our democracy, and the KO News has certainly shown me this (even if it’s on a much smaller scale).
This responsibility made me all the more excited (and nervous) to follow in their footsteps. It made the job seem ten times more important; it was my duty to be a catalyst for change. I have absolutely loved watching each writer grow over the past year, seeing them gain confidence, tackle difficult subjects, and use their words to uplift the community.
The editorial section, in particular, has meant so much to me. It gave us a platform to advocate for change, whether large or small. It felt all the more special to get a response to an editorial written about AI usage from Mrs. Loeb. It showed me that our thoughts, concerns, and words were heard, and reaffirmed why student journalism is so essential.
Nothing, however, will ever come close to what an honor it is to write the Wyvern’s Tale each month. My first Wyverns Tale allowed me to share my backstory while reflecting on recent events that have deeply affected me. This article let me perfectly capture how I was feeling at that time in my life, and hearing that it resonated with others reminded me why I write in the first place. Most importantly, however, it made my family (my most loyal readers) proud.
My most recent Wyverns Tale, about the pressure from society to get in a relationship, felt vulnerable and risky. I was nervous to publish it. But I did. And while it sparked debate, it also sparked connection. It helped others feel seen and validated. To me, that is the purpose of writing; for no one to feel alone in their thoughts or circumstances.
On behalf of Jordan and I, we extend our deepest gratitude to Ms. Schieffelin. Without her, this paper would truly not be possible. She has helped us navigate this new staff and allowed us to grow and blossom in our new positions. She has demonstrated how to be a true leader and we are forever grateful for her guidance.
We would also like to thank the head editors– Aarav, Austin, Gordon, Ishaan, Miles, and Sanya –who took on much more responsibility than head editors have in years past. We will always cherish our editorial meetings, with conversations that feel infinite, and all the work you have put into editing never ending articles.
Finally, thank you KO. Thank you for trusting me with your stories. The KO News is truly my biggest blessing and leading the paper has been the highlight of my senior year. There is no better feeling than holding a copy of the KO News fresh off the press (you know the smell), knowing that every late night, every edit, every word, every conversation was worth it. It is an indescribable sense of pride, excitement, and joy, in which I have felt nowhere else. It is such an honor to tell your stories. To share your successes. To showcase your talents. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
