The first time I walked into The Maroon newsroom, I didn’t really know what I was doing. I just knew I liked writing and wanted to be part of something that felt important.

I didn’t know that moment would end up shaping so much of who I am today.

Now, stepping into the role of editor-in-chief, it feels a little unreal. Not because I ever planned it, but because of how much I’ve grown along the way. From just a writer to Campus News Editor, to Breaking News Editor, and now Pre-Content Director, every step in this newsroom has pushed me to become more confident, more curious and more intentional about the kind of journalist and leader I want to be.

Over the past two years, The Maroon has become more than just a student organization to me. It’s where I learned how to ask better questions, how to listen, how to walk into a room and talk to people I didn’t know, and how to tell stories that actually matter. It’s where I learned that journalism isn’t just about writing, it’s about people.

And that’s why this role means so much to me.

The Maroon is more than just a newspaper we publish every week. It’s how students stay informed. It’s how voices are heard. It’s how moments on this campus are documented and remembered. And sometimes, it’s how people are held accountable. That responsibility is something I carry with a lot of care.

Going into this next year, my goal is not just to continue what we’ve been doing, but to grow. I want our coverage to feel real, relevant and centered around students. I want us to tell stories that reflect the full experience of Loyola, the good, the complicated and the things that don’t always get talked about. Whether it’s campus policies, student experiences or issues that go beyond our campus but still impact us, our reporting should always feel meaningful.

At the same time, I want to focus on how we work as a newsroom. I want The Maroon to feel more organized, more collaborative and more supportive. Journalism can be stressful, especially in a student environment, but it should also be something we feel proud of. I want writers, editors, photographers and everyone involved to feel confident in their work and supported in their growth.

Because for me, leadership isn’t just about running a newsroom. It’s about taking care of the people in it.

Another big focus moving forward is making sure our work actually reaches people. Not everyone is picking up a print paper anymore, and that’s okay. We have to meet students where they are, whether that’s online, on social media or through digital storytelling. Our work matters, and it deserves to be seen.

Looking back, I’ve watched this newsroom cover so much, from major campus conversations to everyday student stories that might not seem big at first, but still matter. And every time, it reminds me why student journalism is so important.

It’s not just about reporting news. It’s about building something that represents the people around us.

I know there’s a lot of work ahead, but I also know what this team is capable of. I’ve seen it firsthand.

And I’m ready to take that next step, not just as editor-in-chief, but as someone who truly believes in what The Maroon can be.