When I arrived in the District four years ago, it felt like the University was thawing from a long winter.
The campus community had endured a pandemic, an unpopular university president and an even more unpopular U.S. president. There was a certain hope in the air. Maybe that’s just how I felt as a first-year Hatchet reporter only beginning to dig into my first beat.
Four years and a few Hatchet editorships later, the future doesn’t feel quite as bright. I’ve learned a lot about campus institutions, and they face new challenges. Anonymity is a more frequent request from sources. GW has grown more corporate. Attempts to silence others are increasingly common everywhere.
Reality takes a toll on a newsroom, even one run by students. After late nights editing this year, I tossed and turned in bed. What did we miss? What did I miss? Every omission, every error, every typo. Messing up sucks every time. A job well done can burn you out.
On Day 1 of this volume, The Hatchet’s staff was publishing live reports on campus protests from park benches. Throughout the year, we held power to account. We tried to do right by the neighbors that entrusted us with stories of injustice, grief, celebration and uncertainty.
We too often forget that what we do isn’t — and shouldn’t be — easy. Journalism at its best is a presence, not a performance. It is not a noble sacrifice. It’s work. It’s learning. It’s hard, and we love it that way.
When we embraced the tough coverage this year, we made a difference. We had fun. Doing hard things at The Hatchet brought me close friends, great internships and lessons that I’ll remember forever. We’re incredibly lucky that what we love to do also matters.
If it’s easy, you’re doing something wrong. Do hard things. That’s what this year was about, and that’s what next year will be about. When you do face the cold of winter, you will find warmth in The Hatchet. For that, I am grateful.
To all the people who made the hard things a little easier:
Vol. 121 staff:
Faith Wardwell: Many of my most treasured memories of student journalism will orbit around you. You injected laughter into so many challenging moments over these past four years, from tedious sourcing trips to Adams Morgan to long phone calls over Hatchet mishaps that we needed to set straight. When I was at my most weary, you welcomed me into your life and made me feel like a human. Thank you for the compassion you’ve shown to me and the rest of The Hatchet. You understand that there’s no shortcuts — to good work and to friendship.
Ianne Salvosa: I’m not sure if the black cat-golden retriever analogy really works for us, but our friendship gives that energy. I was a little intimidated by you as a news editor, and even a bit as a SNE. For good reason: you’re sharp as a tack and had boundless knowledge, specifically in the areas I fell flat. You offset my vulgarity with poise. You’re efficient when I’m dragging my feet. I’m so happy you said yes when I asked you to be managing editor. I’m even more happy that you’ve become a loyal friend.
Cristina Stassis: Lipschitz! Locked! Are you with us? Being your friend creates memorable soundbites. You have always been a kindred spirit on The Hatchet. As a new SNE, it made me feel safe seeing a fellow woman in the basement speak her mind without stuttering. Our shared fire and jokes fueled my endurance on this paper, especially the final sprint.
Nikki Ghaemi: Shortly after the infamous Hatchet hot cocoa party, I remember seeing you once around campus and kicking myself for having not yet reached out to reconnect. I was giddy when we later became editors and when you joined management. Your sensitivity set a standard for this paper and the CRD position, and we’re much better for it.
Fiona Riley: I hope I’ve made it clear how much I think of you. You love to disparage your old reporting, but I instantly spotted your talent as we worked through your first big academics piece in the basement together years ago. I was so proud to watch you stay rock solid under the immense pressure of running news. Your humility is what makes me feel at peace with stepping away from The Hatchet. You remind us that we’re never too good or important for a job. You remind us why we cook.
Rachel Moon: Your passions extend outside of journalism and the walls of the Hatchet townhouse. When you became SNE and ME, you were forced to put some of those interests on the back burner in return for a sometimes-thankless job. In case you ever forget: The diversity of your passions rounds out this paper. I learn something new and cool about you in every conversation we have. You teach us about dinosaur fossils. You look for things that I wouldn’t ever have considered. Keep it up.
Nick Perkins: I asked a lot of you this year, from protest scene pieces to pinch-hit perspectives to editorial board endorsements. You always said yes and blew my socks off. Thank you for showing up. Thank you, also, for indulging me in my extremely serious opinions (Tiny Tim) and my lighter ones (the uncertain future of GW, democracy, etc.). You’ve got a gift for extracting meaningful messages from moments. Wherever you go, don’t stop writing. I’ll be reading.
Caitlin Kitson: Getting another chance to work and play with you this year felt too good to be true. Your intellect is in everything you touch — your academics reporting, culture stories, ed board contributions and even your jokes during wine-soaked girls nights. (You really crack me up.) Thank you for giving me more opportunities to pick your brain.
Sage Russell: The way I see it, we learned to lead in tandem. Last year, we found solidarity in the fact that we were both winging it. We learned how to mess up and move on, together. When we moved up, we were again in lockstep — your hunger to improve Photo nourishing my ambition for the volume (yes, photographic platform and all). You became a source of calm in moments of crisis. Thank you for getting the vision from Day 1.
Hannah Marr: I know you felt like something of a caged bird in student government, but you’ve truly spread your wings in admin. Your coverage has redefined a curmudgeonly beat, and you’ve fought hard to make it more accessible to reporters. I can tell that you’ve always believed in The Hatchet and its role as a learning institution. You’re going to inspire a lot of newbies next year.
Rory Quealy: I’m amazed by where you’ve ended your metro editorship, but when I think about where you started on this paper, I’m not surprised in the slightest. Your first-ever byline was a piece for the midterm election guide. Two years later, you’ve led The Hatchet’s coverage of the presidential election and all the fallout since. Your name is associated with this volume’s biggest news stories. Make a name for yourself in the MD role, too.
Jennifer Igbonoba: Though I didn’t specify it above, one of the main ‘hard things’ about The Hatchet is asking for help. You’ve grown so much over the past few years, and I’m a better editor for it. I learned a lot when we put our heads together to work out a tough piece. Thank you for your vulnerability in those moments.
Cade McAllister: You tame wild beasts without breaking a sweat. Your composure made you one of my best metro reporters and unflappable while wrangling unruly newbies as events editor. You brought the same order to The Hatchet’s business section. Thank you for keeping us buoyant while keeping it light.
Fiona Bork: Last year was an especially rough time to be student life editor, but you never lost the integrity that grounds our storytelling. The nature of the CRD role means you will likely face similar challenges. I trust you to make the right decisions.
Max Porter: I’m proud of how you always get back up. Your determination will take you far, and I see it in the strides you’ve made this volume. Dream big with Pod — your ideas will make the section better.
Tyler Iglesias: I know I mentioned this during my hot seat, but I first really internalized that you have a dawg in you during the encampment flag drop. You saw the value in meeting that moment. Harness that urgency for breaking news as SNE. It’s contagious.
Jenna Lee: Anytime we had to hash out articles late at night on Sundays, you were a good sport, took time to understand what needed to be fixed, and made it happen. That clear-eyed leadership will serve you well next year.
Molly St. Clair: You pushed your beat in a novel direction. Your stories often sparked conversations between editors about the bigger picture of GW’s student government. Thanks for pumping out clean drafts throughout the year and handling guide like a champ.
Sachini Adikari: My birthday was in the middle of the encampment last year, and you slipped a Sonny Angel Hipper in my bag as a present. You were a brand-new editor thrown into 24/7 coverage, and yet somehow you were thinking of me. I saw that same consideration for others in your thoughtful academics reporting.
Ryan J. Karlin: RJK! Sorry again for how I welcomed you to the paper on Hatchet Holiday. Events is an underappreciated beat, and you’ve steered her well this volume while showing up for the rest of the news team. I’ll be looking out for your byline, middle initial and all.
Brooke Forgette: I first met you in Intro to Video Production a few years ago. You were always one step ahead in that class, and your tutoring saved my grade. Your patience served you well navigating nuanced stories in student life. Best of luck with whatever’s next.
Ella Mitchell: You covered all sides of The Aston this year with sensitivity and care. I can’t wait for you to take the helm of the best beat on the paper and embrace all of what metro has to offer.
Dylan Ebs: You were a star reporter and a stand-out fact-checker. The news team is lucky to have you.
To the Volume 122 news team: Being on the news team is a big deal. Wield the responsibility with honesty and deliberation. You’re capable of more than you know.
Andi Mendoza-Melchor: I admire your strength. You were a steady force as we tackled some of the University’s most challenging conversations. Even during tough weeks, you found it in yourself to spread positivity. Whenever things get tough next volume, remember how easy you made it look this year. Push yourself. I believe in you.
Madie Turley: You’re a natural editor. You push others to consider new perspectives during editorial board and you hold high standards for your own contributions. I trust you to run a tight ship and ask writers for more next year. Thanks for coming back.
Lexi Critchett: You juggled a lot this year, but you never once half-assed your work. When courtesies and portraits fell through, you stayed up late and faced the peanut gallery (which was mostly me) while pinch-hitting creative collages and illustrations. We all owe you one. Good luck with your new beat. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Annie O’Brien: In old institutions like The Hatchet, it’s rare to create something completely new. You did that — Ask Annie was an instant hit, and without you signing off, it will be near impossible to ever replicate. Give yourself some well-deserved flowers. I hope you find a new outlet for your writing (and advice-giving) talent soon.
Sandra Koretz: Your big heart nudged our sports reporting to more tender places. It’s not easy to bring out the investigative and intimate side of athletics, and I’m glad you were on our team to bring those guts.
Ben Spitalny: I entered the EIC role with a limited knowledge about GW’s sports, which was probably evident in my clueless questions at that first-ever basketball game we covered together. But your unbridled excitement for the athletics world filled all those gaps, and your ideas for expanding The Hatchet (okay, maybe not the magazine) made me see the paper in a new light.
Ryan Jainchill: After your work this year, it feels ludicrous that we didn’t hire a basketball editor sooner. You jumped on breaking news with enthusiasm and your game blogs never needed more than a few line edits. Don’t let The Hatchet wipe out the laddish streak in you — we’re in short supply of that quality in this townhouse.
Syd Heise: Your addition to staff was also a no-brainer. I admire how you immediately volunteered yourself for tough conversations about athletics and GW as a columnist and ed board member. Your editorial voice is unwavering yet measured. I’m excited to read more of your stuff next volume.
Mathylda Dulian: Thank you for not giving up too much of your data when you fell victim to a Hatchet phishing scam using my name. Jokes aside, you showed courage under fire this year. We all know the working relationship between news and photo needs work — I’m relying on you to build those bridges.
Jordan Tovin: In you, I had something of an unlikely ally. We butt heads a few times but I always felt like you respected my leadership. In turn, I hope you know how much I respect your pure grit for photojournalism. We agree — assholes do get shit done. I know whatever you get done in the future will blow us all away.
Arwen Clemans: I barely knew you before the encampment, but during those two weeks, I realized you would become a Hatchet force to be reckoned with. This year, your photography has leveled up the paper, and your ginger feline friend has brought a bit of joy, too. I can’t wait to watch you make the section your own.
Kaiden J. Yu: You inserted some much-needed silliness and experimentation into Photo. Thanks for the laughs during photo check meetings. Still hoping we see that VSTC photo essay one day.
Nicholas Aguirre-Zafiro: It’s no surprise that you emerged as a leader on The Hatchet, whether it was leading multimedia desk (rip), video or our senior prank operation. Being around you makes us forget that we’re doing work. You remind everyone that people on The Hatchet are people.
Ava Thompson: As a PNW girl, it always made me happy that we had a real outdoors(wo)man on this paper. That title applies to your wilderness survival skills, yes — but more importantly, your down-to-earth creative vision. Thank you for producing some of video’s most powerful and poignant work.
Kiko Gonzalez del Valle: You’re a walking antidote to the pretentious vibes that can fester at institutions like The Hatchet. Your raw, offbeat editing and shooting style was a breath of fresh air. Thanks for highlighting the hilarity (and absurdity) that can come with honest reporting.
Anna Fattizzo: I never doubted that you’d do well in copy, but your command of Hatchet and AP style during read-through a couple weeks ago proved that you’re a master. The section will be in good hands with you at the helm. Make sure it stays sharp.
Lindsay Larson: I’m grateful I got to hear more of your voice this year. Your contributions to ed board made our discussions richer and more thoughtful. Thank you for holding it down in copy. (And for inspiring me to read more books — I feel less scared about the future of libraries after meeting you.)
Shea Carlberg: You’ve always been one the paper’s most loyal cheerleaders, with an eye for welcoming newcomers to the basement. Your love for The Hatchet and its people is palpable. I hope you know that it loves you back.
Carly Cavanaugh: Between culture, ed board and facts, you’re a Hatchet triple threat. You’re a strong writer and you always brought empathy to our Tuesday discussions. Those traits will serve you well next volume and for years to come.
Diana Anos: Thank you for bringing sunshine to the basement this semester. I can’t wait to see you shine (ha) as culture editor. Write some anecdotal ledes. Embrace the serious side of the section. You’ve got this.
Anusha Trivedi: Even when you might’ve been skeptical about my design ideas, I always felt like we were on the same page. Maybe it’s because I can tell you recognize the value of The Hatchet’s tradition. I trust you before anyone to protect our visual identity while keeping things fresh.
Mollie Weiner: In you, we had a talented designer, but also a connoisseur of all things pop culture. It has been a pleasure to trade takes with you in the basement, from Rachel Berry’s best Glee performances to YouTuber scandals. Keep speaking up for yourself and your section.
Livi Tuber: Thank you for jumping in mid-year and putting up with us crazy folks during prodo. I’m glad you joined us.
Josh Hong: Thank you, also, for joining. You took the reins of Graphics with ease and bring good vibes wherever you go. Special shoutout to your BONW map — that was one of my favorite things we’ve ever done. I wish we’d met sooner.
Ethan Valliath: I never worried about shooting off vague ideas for social with you because your creations were always 10 times better than anything I could’ve brainstormed. You made The Hatchet’s digital presence as accessible and striking as our journalism strives to be. Your legacy as the Social GOAT will be hard to shake. (P.S. The editorial board missed you this year.)
Max, Anaya and Carmen: Running socials is no easy job, but you all have the makings of a dream team. Can’t wait to see what you cook up.
Past staff:
Nick Pasion: You taught me fairness — the importance of context, active voice, reaching out for comment, asking the right questions. I’ve parroted so many of your literary devices and jokes. You were the first boss I could call a friend. The warmth you gave to The Hatchet made people stick around and showed me how to be a leader. I’m so grateful our friendship didn’t end when you graduated. I’ll have fond memories of last summer in New York forever. I know you miss D.C., but I (selfishly) couldn’t be happier that we both call Seattle home.
Zach Blackburn: You showed me how to fall in love with the job. Your pure passion for reporting showed me what it meant to break news and whittle down the message of a story. You taught me how to create pockets of fun with staff, even and especially when you were feeling the weight of running the paper. And though you lived a few states away this year, you came to our rescue over and over again. With you as my editor, it’s really no surprise that I followed the metro-SNE-EIC pipeline. Thank you for giving me the bug — one Cheez-It and JFK meme at a time.
Jaden DiMauro: Shortly after my election as EIC last year, you met me at Uptowner to teach me how to cover my first basketball game. You came prepared with reference materials and welcomed my questions. I walked away struck by your generosity. I saw that same generosity last year in your willingness to rewrite half-baked articles and run Business, this year in your invitations to home-cooked dinners, and always in your patience — and at times, kindred rage — with my Hatchet gripes. We all leave this place grumpy editors, but you never stopped being a loyal friend.
Jarrod Wardwell: Much of what I wrote above can be attributed to lessons I learned from you as EIC. You never sugarcoated it — making this paper means nitpicking and, at times, slamming the brakes to get it right. Your edits made me realize that helming The Hatchet means turning over every single stone. Whenever you do find time to pull away from your work, you bring a good time. (It’s no shock that everyone’s fighting over you when you visit D.C.)
Erika Filter: E Filt! We took a bit to warm up to each other, and I can’t put my finger on when exactly we became friends. Man, I’m glad we did. I worried that becoming your editor could sour our relationship, but that was never a problem — you mastered metro with a grindset that kept the whole news team in line. Thanks for keeping it incredibly real. I hope we’re friends for years to come.
Sophia Goedert: We bonded over criticism of the tame social events on this paper and pledged to Make The Hatchet Fun Again (no offense to the old guard). We carried parties on the news team, and when I became SNE and EIC, you forced me out of the house to have some fun outside of The Hatchet. You have been my refuge whenever the going got tough these past four years. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you for that.
Sejal Govindarao: My big sister. It was Greek life that led us to meet, but our sorority wasn’t the reason we stuck together. It also wasn’t your sheer talent, though your long list of internships made you an instant inspiration when we met. No — it was our shared quirks that made me realize I had found a forever friend. You are hilariously unapologetic about the silly, scatter-brained symptoms of The Grind, from acrylic nail applications at Toryumon, to week-old struggle buns, to fake eyelashes that just won’t sit right. Even when you were stressed out of your mind, you created fun.
Eoighan Noonan: I miss you so much. Speaking of fun, you made everyone on the news team realize that we could be having a lot more of it. Following your lead, we learned to relish the humor and oddities that come with the job. Thank you for making me laugh harder than anyone on this paper. I’m counting down the days until you’re back in the states.
Ethan Benn: I savor every opportunity to listen to you talk or read your work. I constantly use your past pieces to guide my edits and feedback for Ops, and even then, I wish I had spent more time learning from you. You’re one of the best writers I’ve ever met.
Jared Gans: It’s always a relief to get a gut check on something from you. Your belief in The Hatchet’s capabilities and protection of its traditions are steadfast. Thank you for your wisdom and for being a friendly face on the Board.
Isha Trivedi: My first-ever editor. I’m sure you can tell from reading recent 30s that you were a role model for an entire generation of Hatchet reporters-turned-editors. We often ask ourselves “What would Isha do?” Thank you for teaching us.
Henry Huvos: I look back at the time we spent working together with a lot of fondness. I wish we had both spent less time fretting about the metro politics and realized that we’d make great friends. I hope our paths cross again.
Abby Kennedy: You interviewed me during my first week on campus for a story about students returning to campus after COVID-19. I hoped that rubbing shoulders with you would bring me closer to joining staff. When I did later join, your kindness made this place less scary.
Grace Miller: I miss our late-night rendezvous in the fralley. You were always there when I needed to rant or ask for advice, and you shared an appreciation for the outdoors and other greenery. Though my home is thousands of miles away, you somehow brought a piece of it to The Hatchet.
Auden Yurman: The mandatory chat that comes with EIC elections was our first real one-on-one conversation. During it, you taught me a valuable lesson — stick up for the little guy. The photo world can quickly grow stuffy with expensive equipment, titles and awards. You reminded me that Photo, like all sections on The Hatchet, is a place of learning.
Isabella MacKinnon: I’m not sure you’d take credit for this, but you left behind a strong team. I know all of the design editors’ quick fixes this year were rooted in your teaching — thank you.
Nicholas Anastacio: Your empathy for others and Hatchet team spirit were sorely missed this year. I’m so happy to see you thrive.
Jenna Baer: You were a pitch machine, and it was an honor to spend a tiny bit of time fielding them. We have a weird amount of Texans on staff, but you’ll always be first on my list.
Jordyn Bailer: You are a really kind person. We missed you this year.
To all the others:
Josh Grossman: I will always appreciate how you looked out for The Hatchet. Thank you.
The Hatchet’s Board of Directors: Together, we navigated what felt like endless bumps in the road this year. Thank you all for taking time out of your lives to stand up for us.
Professors Roberts and Holland: Some of my most cherished memories as an SMPA student came from reporting for your classes. You encourage your students to not only study journalism, but to go out and do it. Thank you for making this work feel possible. (And for your flexibility with deadlines over the last few years.)
Friends and family: Thank you for trying your best to keep track of my world on The Hatchet. For some of you, my role on this paper has looked like a double life, an alter ego, a creative outlet. For others, a great love, a loathed nemesis. Regardless, you broke my falls and toasted my accomplishments every step of the way. I love you all.
Readers and sources: Everything that we graduating Hatchet seniors celebrate in these departing pieces, we owe to you. Thank you.
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