Farewell: Newsletter and social media editor cherishes memories with student publication
Reminiscing about my time at St. Edward’s without being corny is hard. Going into college, honestly, I didn’t know what I was going to do with myself. To be honest, I was at rock bottom. I had recently lost my greatest support and advocate for my passion for writing, my grandmother, and my passion for writing was significantly depleted because of it. Even as I tried to write for Hilltop Views the first year, I discovered that I couldn’t find my place within the organization.
It wasn’t until the pandemic wreaked havoc on our lives that I found myself on Hilltop Views as the newsletter editor. Together with Leidy, a former co-editor of the newsletter, we found ways to reconnect with the student body during an incredibly isolated time. Sharing what our staff covered each week was rewarding, with my teachers always wanting to highlight the work we did in class and encourage other classmates to sign up. Seeing the work of my friends and colleagues flourish and boast brought an indescribable level of joy, and I knew my role here was to support this team in a more behind-the-scenes role. This year I added the social media editor to my title, and while logging in every week was a little exhausting, I found I was tuned in to what was happening on campus at the same way as before the pandemic.
None of the work I’ve done would have been possible without my support system, so I’ll do my best to find the right words to properly thank them!
To the many teachers of writing and rhetoric – like Amy Clements, Mary Rist, Beth Eakman, Moriah McCracken and Sasha West – thank you for seeing me through my words. I had no idea what kind of writer I was supposed to be, and it was your teaching and guidance that led me to realize my full potential. To Jena Heath and Curt Yowell, thank you for guiding my little career as a journalist. Honest feedback has helped me cultivate my digital talents, and you two are the foundation of what we create on this team.
To my friends at Hilltop, thank you for sticking by my side through some of the toughest years of my life. I found myself in each of you and together we created irreplaceable memories that will remain dear to me. Especially for Evie, Esme and Gasvid, we made the most of our last year together, and I wouldn’t change a thing in the world. You are all the most genuinely genuine people I have ever met, and I hope this message makes you cry a little and love me a lot more.
To the chaotic people behind this diary, I thank Nina, Claire, Gracie, Elle, Milo, Gabe, Audrey, Sienna and Isabella for making this last ride memorable. We all got 100% invested and you were the best teammates I could have asked for.
To my family and friends back home, I couldn’t forget you guys. You’re the reason I felt comfortable moving three hours away from my house knowing absolutely no one in Austin, and you’re the driving force behind everything I do. I also want to thank the angels supporting me from heaven, my MawMaw and PawPaw. Even though you are not physically with me, I can still feel your presence and your love, regardless of the distance.
None of this would have been possible without the tremendous support that St. Edward’s has given me. I will always cherish my time here, and it’s time for future writers to continue the legacy of this journal.
