I’m not gonna lie, I’m currently sitting on my couch after a closing shift — following a poodle half my size snatching a pup cup out of my hand, mind you — not knowing how to express my emotions. I’ve procrastinated typing this out because I didn’t want to admit that my days on The Chant were actually one day in the near future—sometime soon—legitimately coming to a close. This class has revealed my greatest passion to me and brought me my favorite people. Now I get to tell you all why I love you!  

MY NEWBIESSS

Megan: Aka the only one signed up for the AP Lunch exam. Anyways, haha, you didn’t fear to show me your real personality when we first met, and I adore you for that. I’ve learned a lot from you, mostly odd pop culture references, and I will never not think of you when the college kids bring up Strawberina. But for real, you are such an outstanding young woman who is going to go really, really far. I can’t wait to see all that you will accomplish as you continue through high school :)! 

What you’ve taught me: to be more confident in myself and how to live carefree 

Devyn: DEVYN! My sports queen! You have been such a joy to get to know these past few months we’ve had together. Your calm demeanor is so encouraging, and I hope you know that you are one of the very, very few people I know who can have a million things on their plate and still have a smile on their face. I’ll see you on the sideline when I visit! 

What you’ve taught me: how to be joyful under pressure

Sloane: The sweetest of the bunch! You are sooo wise beyond your years. You definitely came across as this shy, smartie pants queen, and while you are a smartie pants queen, I have seen this class kick you out of your comfort zone. Seeing your growth even in the past semester has left me in awe and peace knowing you’re only going up from here! You have so much ahead of you 😉 I can’t wait to see all that you will contribute to The Chant!

What you’ve taught me: that wisdom and wit can coexist and thrive

Vaughn: You have the sweetest smile that lights up the room! I deeply admire your passion and determination for The Chant! Even though we kinda threw you into an editor position (sorry, not sorry), your flexibility and excitement just reaffirm the decision we made. I KNOW you are going to be great && you got this in the bag. 

What you’ve taught me: how to be classy and fun

Faith: FAITH! Your calm nature has been such a gift to The Chant this year! Even though it took you a hot minute to warm up to us, you opened up your silly personality, and I’m so grateful. I know you won’t be on staff next year, but don’t forget to keep in touch! The Pub Office will always be around the corner 🙂

What you’ve taught me: to unleash my inner personality

Bella: Having you on staff has been such a blessing! You are so calm in the face of stress, and you are one of the most put-together people I know. You’re so great at accepting constructive criticism, and you’re never afraid to learn something new! Your character is a joy to be around!! 

What you’ve taught me: that curiosity can take one far in life 

Memphis: You have grown so much over this past year, and it has been such a joy to see it! Your personality has fit perfectly with the staff since day 1, omg. You are so bright, and I admire the passion you have for your hobbies, even if it’s the cornhole club. Keep it up!!

What you’ve taught me: that hobbies are so valuable

Jeremiah: Mr. Side eye, actually. I genuinely think my first impression of you was that you were giving me a side eye accidentally. Anyways, you are so silly, and I love that about you! You literally never fail to make me laugh, even when I’m stressed. You are such a light, like I don’t think I’ve actually ever seen you mad in the Pub Office or at a marching band rehearsal lol. I’m gonna miss you!! 

What you’ve taught me: how to be okay with being side-eyed

THE TRAPEZOID (I’ll explain)

Lidia: My future EIC!! I’m so beyond proud of your continuous hard work over these past two years! I fully trust that you are more than capable of leading this staff to success, and I’m sooo excited to see it. You have such a radiant personality, and one of my favorite things about you is how much you care for others! 

What you’ve taught me: how to be very patient with newbies

Sophie: Without your honest and sometimes out-of-pocket personality, The Chant office would definitely be significantly duller. I’m glad you joined us! Your fire for this class is unbelievable, and I know you won’t fail to make the newbies aware that no one can overrule your opinion, lol.

What you’ve taught me: to always stand firm 

Cassidy: You’re literally the definition of best of both worlds. With theater, art, The Chant, and everything you have going on in your life, you still manage to do it all. I don’t know how! You never fail to be your silly self, and you are the bestttt at showering people with love! I’m so grateful for you!!

What you’ve taught me: how to make others always feel so appreciated 

Taylor: Taylor!! I’ve loved getting to see you flourish as an outstanding individual and artist. It has been so awesome seeing you work with our new media team and be willing to test the waters with new additions! You sometimes surprise me with your sass, but I love it. I will definitely be checking in next year, miss Media EIC!!

What you’ve taught me: how to be more creative

THE ZIEGLERS + Token Man

Sophia: My all-time BTS queen! We’ve gotten so close in this past year, and I’ve loved getting to see you mature and grow into the woman of God you are! I know this year isn’t the end of us, but I’ll forever miss my Chant buddy and favorite co-writer. You are so talented and driven, and I’m SO ready to see what UGA will offer you!

What you’ve taught me: to live outside my comfort zone

Alyssa: The boss herself. I’ve learned a lotttt about you in the past two years, and all I can say is keep being awesome. You juggle a lot on your plate, but you always have a smile on your face, which is so encouraging! Even though Mr. Auld still gets us confused, I’m glad we can still joke about it rather than flame him because it has only been like four years. I’ll see you in red & black!!

What you’ve taught me: to be okay asking for help in times of need

Token Man: DARWIN! Even though your time was cut short by a few months, you were such an icon on The Chant! You are always the sweetest friend and never say no when I ask you to get me a fork from the cafeteria. You are simply the best. 

What you’ve taught me: to always have fun

MY OTHER HALF <3: Ros!! We’ve learned and grown together as we managed two editors as EIC, and I’m so happy it was with you! We literally could not be more different, but I think that is what makes us the perfect duo. You are so silly, witty, and never fail to make me a little bit confused about your jokes LOL. You’re one of a kind, and I mean it! I’ll be your #1 accounting fan, don’t worry 😉

What you’ve taught me: my sentence can always be more whimsy

MY BESTIE FOR THE RESTIE: Mrs. Zavala! I could give a hundred reasons why I love you, but first, thank you! You have become a second mother to me in so many ways, and I’m so grateful for how you treat every one of us like your own. Sometimes I feel even more connected to you because you’re married to a Mexican man, if that says anything LOL. You’ve seen me cry, you’ve written all the letters of rec, and you’ve become a space of comfort for me when I really need it. Your silly AP Lit remarks and constant high energy are things I will never forget about you because I’ll remember all the times you’ve made me laugh like no other. Those are feelings that are really hard to forget. You have been such a light in my life as I’ve grown up here, and I’ll never fret to reach out when I mess up. I love ya! 

What you’ve taught me: a lotttt but to disconnect every once in a while and go camping

Although I’ve said this a million and one times, I’m so beyond proud of each of you guys, and you should be too. I’m thankful for you guys, and thank you for making this year the sweetest one yet! Please don’t be strangers!

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It’s been a year, and in that time, I’ve gotten to know each and every one of you so much better than I ever would have without this class. I’ve watched you learn, grow, find new interests and become more and more comfortable in who you are and how you approach the world. I’m so grateful for every conversation I’ve had with each of you, every semicolon I’ve put in your articles, and every chuckle I earned as I begged for ad sales and fewer hits. I’m so excited to check back in now and then, both on the site and with you all, but I know nothing will compare to the daily interaction we get in this super fab class!!

Like every EIC that came before Kenzie and me, I have the pleasure of writing a little blurb about each of y’all. I’ll be sure to throw something whimsical in there also, but we’ll just have to wait and see, won’t we!? Just remember, I love each and every one of y’all so much my teeny tiny little heart could just give out.

To my favorite reporters (and Jeremiah):

Vaughn

You bring a powerful intelligence and unique style to the Pub Office that doesn’t go unnoticed or unappreciated. Your articles are so, so, so uniquely you, and that’s a skill it takes some people years to develop (if they do at all). I enjoy your matter-of-fact sweetness and your ability to make good judgments in the moment.

If you were a tree, you’d be one of those really pretty acacias with branches that stretch out and create more shade than you’d expect, because your care for others comes through simply in your existence and the beauty you carry — inside and out.

Megan

Girllll, with your sharp wit and incredibly colorful way with words (both in your articles and in conversation), every interaction just sparkles. It’s great to have someone to yap about The Sims with, and I’m so, so excited about every topic you write about because I know you bring your best to it.

If you were a Sims 4 expansion pack, you’d be Seasons, because once you’re in the game, you completely restructure and improve it so it’s almost impossible to imagine it without you.

Devyn

Devyn! Your talent as a writer, an athlete and a community member comes together to make you an absolute force in his class and beyond it. I appreciate that, while maintaining eternal kindness and acceptance for everyone, you stay loyal to yourself and your values. While I hope everyone here pursues journalism, I’m so glad to know it’s what you want to do in the future, because you are going to make sports journalism a more informative and more enjoyable place without a doubt.

If you were a type of natural light, you’d be the type of sunshine that peaks through clouds after a long rainstorm, reminding people about the brightness that awaits.

Bella

Bella, my queen, if I had to pick someone to be dressed by friendly forest creatures in the morning and overthrow authoritarianism that night, it would be you. You have a personality which, although quieter in this class than in other settings, combines healthy fire with cool collectedness. In everything you set your mind to, you have an evident passion that I know will bring you success.

If you were a scent, you’d be the smell of fresh-baked banana bread. Warm and welcoming, you’re too hot to touch (I’m thinking of your skill on the soccer field, especially), but you reassure people of your capacity to make things better.

Sloane

Sloane, you are such a genuinely intelligent and curious mind. I love watching your ambition as you explore topics and spaces I can’t imagine you would have been as comfortable with earlier in the year. I so enjoyed yapping with you at GSPA and genuinely, anyone you tell about your aspirations can absolutely see you achieving them. You’re such a talented writer and a kind person, and I’m so excited to see what your future holds! 

If you were a type of weather, you’d be the type of wind Pocahontas sings about because, while usually you’ve got the quiet composure of a light breeze, you can capture the thundering assertion of a hurricane, and however the wind blows, you fill it with color, creativity and critical thought.

Memphis

Mr. Performative Male, Memphis, you are truly the embodiment of care-free kindness and uplifting resilience. Every story you tell is woven with humor with a skill that genuinely enraptures the listener, and that is a great feat. You’re such a truly interesting person and your mix of nerdiness (ahem, cornhole) and extroversion makes it impossible for me not to be your biggest fan.

If you were a pair of shoes, you’d be hiking boots. Your grounded attitude and the whimsical journeys you always seem to go on and tell us about make this an obvious choice.

Faith

What’s that? Grace? Beauty? Reflectiveness? Oh! It’s Faith! GIRLLL, if you aren’t one of the most empathetic people in this room, I’m not sure what Nobel Prize winner just walked in. Even in the first few moments of knowing you, I could see your genuine care for others shining through your reserved exterior. Also, your fashion sense is incredible (just btw).

If you were a pattern, you’d be polka dots. Though not the loudest in the room, you are a powerful force. Your fashionable persona speaks for itself, and I know you’ll only continue developing that iconicness.

Jeremiah

Can I just open by saying I’m so obsessed with you? You have such a fully developed and enjoyable personality, which makes your humor impeccable, your thoughts intelligent and your interests deeply genuine. You’re a Wasian baddie, an enrapturing voice behind podcasts and an artist who blends creativity with humor. Mr. Evans had better know how lucky he is to see you around another year, and I’m certain Ms. Zavala is completely aware.

If you were a type of rock (sedimentary, metamorphic or igneous), you’d be metamorphic because I’m not sure what type of pressure formed you into the impeccable being you are now, but you have to be the flawless final form of years of different prototypes.

Darwin

DUDE, WHERE WERE YOU!? Darwin, even though you weren’t with us for this past semester, your presence haunts the Pub Office with every laugh, horrible piece of brain-rot, and confusing sports take. You are such an iconic mythical creature, and I truly wish you so, so much joy across all areas of life. Anyone who gets to know you is so much luckier for it.

If you were a nostalgic packing item (?), you’d be bubble wrap. You bring so much utility to the table wherever you are, but you pair that with a fun-lovingness that makes it easy to sometimes put down the task at hand and just enjoy your super awesome qualities.

That owl’s not going to know what hit her when you get to college!

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To the girls who have seen EVERYTHING:

Taylor

Taylor, with your ability to connect so well with people wherever they are, it’s easy to momentarily forget how hard you work on this publication, but your talent and skill as a leader, artist and creative cannot go long unnoticed. Your work — podcast, video, cover or otherwise — is always excellent, but beyond that, you bring such a positive and witty energy to every interaction. I love the way you can find joy in any situation and make it so much better. You’ve got a great sense of style, and I mean that in your outfits and the way you carry yourself.

If you were fiber art, you’d be sun printing, because you are the type of person that can take a negative (that’s part of the process, I’m not just yapping) and make something a million times better than it ever would have been.

Cassidy

Cassidy, our lives have intersected so many times throughout the years, and every time, you’ve proven yourself to be a passionate, detail-oriented and sensitive person. I am so grateful for how well you beat hits and grammatical issues out of articles, but beyond that, I’m grateful for the care you bring to every task that crosses your path. Whether you need to talk to a reporter about an issue, write a killer article or shape your dearest vision in ceramics, the outcome is ALWAYS something that tops the last, which is impressive given the talent you bring to every situation already.

If you were a sleeve shape, you’d be a billowing butterfly sleeve on a 1930s summer dress: Your refinement and whimsy combine to create beauty, functionality and love in every sphere of your life.

Hooty hoo!!!!! You’re gonna knock KSU’s socks off!!

Sophie

Girl, if you ever wonder if I love you, remember you’ve met my dad because you know that’s a PRIVILEGE! You’re so entirely true to yourself, your convictions and your honesty in everything you do, and I admire you so fully for that. I love talking to you about David Bowie (everyone’s favorite white boy), D&D and the political and economic state of the world, and those are topics rarely touched on all together in the absence of a middle-aged man, so basically, you and I talking is inherently feminist. I’m so, so excited to see how far you go as you continue to explore the world, your options and (hopefully not) becoming Kevin Shumaker.

If you were a marsupial, and prepare to hate this, you’d be a yellow-bellied glider. Think bat-possum. You’re so cool, so unique and so open to new experiences. I think you truly have a presence that commands respect, and I’m so incredibly excited to watch you continue to fly.

The dynamic duo themselves:

Sophia

Baddilicious, you’re so locked in in so many ways, I’m truly in awe of you with everything you do. Whether you’re discussing the environment, K-pop, or your endeavors in animal rescue, I always find reason to be more impressed by your intelligence, passion and kindness. You are such a sociable person and are so skilled at making people feel welcomed. I’m so excited to watch you thrive as you continue to grow and change.

If you were a nail polish shade, you’d be Olive & June BP icy blue. You’ve got spunk to you, which pairs well with your bubbly attitude and impeccable intelligence. 

Alyssa

Gorgina, if you look up mysterious in the dictionary, I think you’d come up. Even with how long I’ve been around you, your way of always knowing something about someone is so sincerely impressive. You bring that connectivity to your work and it makes it 1000 times better, and when I see it in action — the things you explore, the people you surround yourself with, and more — I know you’ve got such a bright life ahead of you.

If you were a wall hanging, you’d be a brass sculptural piece of something celestial. You’ve got a quality about you which pairs intelligence and ambition with a genuine enjoyment of all the amazing things the world has to offer. 

I’m so excited to see both of y’all around Athens! GO DAWGS!!!

My absolutely stunning co-EIC:

Mackenzie

The Yin to my Yang, this year would have been a steeper hill to climb without you, and who knows how the view at the top would have changed? You’re such a level-headed, kind-hearted and faithful person, and those qualities come through in the meticulous nature of both your work and your leadership. Every conversation with you, whether about some niche rule of AP Style or the state of North Cobb, is such a treat. I’m so thrilled I got to work alongside the next Christiane Amanpour (Gilmore Girls reference intended).

If you were an item of clothing, you’d be the best, warmest and most goes-with-anything sweater in a closet. In the Pub Office and in every situation beyond, you bring a self-assured persona that sets everyone around you at ease.

I DIDN’T FORGET YA! GO DAWGS! I’M HYPE TO VIEW YOUR BEAUTIFUL FACE AT UGA!

The shockingly gorgeous incoming EIC:

Lidia

My Russian baddie, you’re such a calming force on everyone around you, and your intelligence takes shape both in your desire to learn and your ability to call people out for missing or misrepresenting information. Peer Court adventures and quippy conversations have cemented you in my mind as a competent, witty and thorough young leader who will doubtlessly lead The Chant into success.

If you were a potato-based food item, you’d be hash browns! (Not perogies. Though I was tempted.) You’re the type of person who can be surrounded by anything, could have anything running through her mind and be in any condition, but you’d manage to make the people around you feel secure. To me, nothing but my favorite breakfast food could be compared.

And our ever-beloved teacher, mentor and shoulder to cry on:

Ms. Zavala,

A high school experience without a Ms. Zavala sounds, to me, like a cookie without sugar: Sure, it’s possible, but what’s the point!? Coming up to you with rants, bits and wins has been so formative for me since I joined speech and debate in freshman year and then this class. Your perspective, anecdotes and hot takes all come together to create not just a beacon of literary and journalistic knowledge, but a role model for what a woman, mother and community member can be. Thank you so much for being exactly who you are.

If you were a piece of stationery, you’d be a sticky note. Though I know it’s a bit on-the-nose, these fairly modern iterations of paper are foundational to our class and education as a whole, but they also hold so much potential for funky colors, patterns and creative use. There’s no better colorful square in all the world to be compared to.

If it isn’t obvious, I’m so, so grateful to each of you: Not just for your contributions to the website and staff, though there were many, but simply for your existences. Every single person in this room makes the world a little (or a lot!) better. I love each and every one of you so deeply, and though I know my nit-picking and tearing-up may have made this hard to see, I thoroughly believe that each one of you is incredibly talented, intelligent, kind and driven. I don’t know where you’ll go in life, but I’m so excited to find out. Best believe I’ll be checking in on the site from time to time, but remember that if you EVER need me for ANYTHING, I’m only a text away. I really mean that too. I’ll walk across the world in falling-apart thrifted stilettos just to help you tie your shoe if that’s what you need at that moment. I might complain about the blisters, though, just a fair warning.

Thank you all so much for making my last year on The Chant so special!

Stay whimsy,

Rosalyn

P.S. What’s a synonym for excellent? I know that’s how you’ll do it next year, but I can’t think of another way to phrase it.

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