Well, well, well. The time has arrived. As I sit here starting this article on the second day of Spring Break (never let anyone tell you I’m not a workaholic to my core), I reflect fondly on the last three years of my life that I’ve spent with The Chant. Bus rides to GSPA, emotional-turned-hilarious Pub Office conversations, and yellow chair chats with Ms. Zavala run through my mind, warming me up inside, but quickly bringing on a feeling of sadness. Truth be told, I’m almost nervous to close this chapter of my life. The big, wide, adult world waits for me, and I’m apprehensive to leave the comfort of my boisterous, bad, mafia Don chair. However, as I think about you — yes, the gaggle of yous staring at me right now as I read this article aloud to you — I’m filled with a sense of hope, excitement, and optimism about the future. After watching you all grow this past year, I have absolutely no doubt that you all will head out to change the world for the better. So, as my (almost) final act as EIC, I will now spend the next two or so odd pages doing the best thing this staff knows how to do — glaze.
Don’t say I never gave you anything.
Part One: My little reporter munchkins
Alyssa: Even if this wasn’t in alphabetical order, it’d be wrong of me to not have my star glazer as the first one listed in this article. From Rally, to Model UN, to this class, to my place of work (stalker), you have been such a big part of my extracurricular experience at NC, and it’s wonderful to watch you lead. I have no doubt in my mind that you are going to be a wonderful Copy Editor!
My favorite thing about Alyssa: How dedicated you are to advocating for others.
Cassidy: If we could nominate a class Disney princess, it’d be you; you’re so filled with whimsy and excitement for everything, and it’s evident in your work. Your creativity is out-of-this-world. You are going to be a fabulous Page Editor, and a great touchstone for the newbies! Never lose that sparkle.
My favorite thing about Cassidy: The way you approach people when you ask them a question — always willing to learn!
Darwin: Darweenie! Seeing your progression from a dorky (positive) wrestler to an even dorkier (positive) reporter has been like watching my little cousin grow up. Thanks to you, I’ll never go without a Premier League advertisement on my TikTok. I’m so excited to see how you can teach the newbies next year about how to stay strong in their opinions — even with the most niche of topics.
My favorite thing about Darwin: How passionate you are about sports beef (and LeBron).
Lidia: Lidia I literally want to put you in my pocket and take you everywhere. Although you’re only a sophomore, your newspaper knowledge is wise beyond your years. You will be an amazing Page Editor, and I can’t wait to see “Highlighting NC Artistry” grow!
My favorite thing about Lidia: How you always greet people with a smile.
London: My literal style icon. London, you have been my favorite surprise of the semester; I thought you were quiet, but you truly have so much personality and zeal for this class that has truly blossomed this semester. Your growth this year has been amazing, and you are going to be so instrumental in the Pub Office next year!
My favorite thing about London: Your adorable hairstyles and outfits.
Marielle: I am so sad you won’t be on staff next year, but I am even more glad I got to read your work this year! You always enter the Pub Office with so much infectious enthusiasm — and it does not go unnoticed. You are totally going to be a theatre superstar next year!
My favorite thing about Marielle: How quick you are to tell people you love them.
River: My guard child and journalism child! River, you are so authentically yourself, and it truly has made this Pub Office better. You are going to have so much fun during junior year, and you will be a thorough, genuine Page Editor next year!
My favorite thing about River: How committed you are to putting your best foot forward.
Sophia: It’s always hard for a mama to leave her baby, especially when that baby is Sophia Lamb. My climate-loving, EcoWarrior queen, I’m so excited to see you thrive as a Copy Editor. You have such a strong voice, both in and out of journalism — hold on to it!
My favorite thing about Sophia: Your tenacity (both on NYT Games and in life).
Part Two: The baddest media team munchkins
Dom: You not only have the coolest style, but some of my favorite content I’ve seen on the website. I love your unique style of art, and how expressive you are in every facet of life. You will be a fantastic Art Editor next year — I can’t wait to stalk your creations!
My favorite thing about Dom: Your ability to burst out into this randomly stunning singing voice.
Mika: I am SO SAD you will be leaving The Chant next year. You have shown not only talent, but passion for everything you create, and it has been awesome to watch. I hope that your next destination allows you to further your skills and love for your craft!
My favorite thing about Mika: How much you value collaborating with others.
Taylor: The other half of my favorite (questionable) workplace duo! Taylor, you’ve already shown up as someone willing to listen and lead on staff. You will be excellent as Media Editor, not only because of your talents, but of your ways of easily connecting with others well; never stop being silly and goofy.
My favorite thing about Taylor: Your vibrant passion for videography and photography.
Part Three: My old Medicaid senior munchkins
Addie: Addie “Aura Arms” Hill, I can’t believe we survived being together every single day this semester for hours at a time. Being your mentorship/online class buddy has been a thrill, and I am so grateful to have a friend like you. Berry will not know what hit them; you’ll take that English department by storm!
My favorite thing about Addie: Your steadfast faithfulness in every situation.
Callie: The newspaper OG! I’m so glad that this class helped us to become friends; you guided me so well during my first year in Journalism, and I am so grateful that we get to be Dawgs together. You will always be the sunshine everywhere you go — especially in the world of PR!
My favorite thing about Callie: How your laugh makes everyone around you laugh.
Citlalli: There aren’t enough words to describe how grateful I am that you joined staff this year. Not only are you my bestie, but you’re so talented and passionate about all of your work. It’ll be so hard being 2,248 miles from you (not that I’m counting) but I know that we will always be in each other’s hearts — and probably in each other’s phones texting about literally everything.
My favorite thing about Citlalli: Your wise perception about any and everything.
Valentina: Another newspaper OG! Valentina is genuinely made out of sugar the way she’s so sweet. I’ve loved growing up with you and seeing you blossom and find your voice; KSU is so lucky to have an owl with as kind of a heart as you; don’t call anyone else Chum though… I’ll be sad.
My favorite thing about Valentina: How willing you are to help teach people something new.
Part Four: The most unstoppable-est Editor in Chief munchkins
Mackenzie: Mackenzie Blanco! I’ve watched you grow up for the majority of our lives, and I’ve been so happy to see your progression through life. You are an empathetic and fierce leader, and I can’t wait to see what you bring to your senior year, and the excitement you’ll bring to the paper! Never stop being curious!
My favorite thing about Mackenzie: How you always find a way to smile through anything.
Rosalyn: Rosalyn! Ros! World War 2 vet! Over the past two years I’ve seen you as a creative and driven leader around NC, and I can’t wait to see how you shake up The Chant. Keep pushing the envelope of your capabilities, and never stop daring to dream!
My favorite thing about Rosalyn: Your ability to always think ten, twenty, or a hundred steps ahead.
Part Five: The best teacher around (yes, I checked)
Mrs. Zavala: For two people who are known to always have something to say, when I think about the impact you’ve had on me and my life, I’m rendered speechless. I’m so grateful for all of our chats, laughs, jokes, emotional conversations, and anything else in between. I’ll miss you (and your hugs, sound advice, and quick quips) when I’m gone, but do not worry — expect SEVERAL texts from me in the coming months. We will never EVER be strangers!
My favorite thing about Mrs. Zavala: Your enviable wit, and even more enviable and infectious joy.
If you couldn’t tell already, I love you guys so incredibly much. I can’t wait to see what everyone achieves within the coming days, weeks, months and years. I could not have asked for a better staff; thank you all for trusting me, and teaching me so much about leadership and being a friend. I will always carry you guys in my heart!!!!!
I’m always one text away, too 😉
Kisses and hugs and hugs and kisses,
Cici
