Risa Cidoni

I didn’t have the typical start to Convergence Journalism of joining freshman year and falling in love with the program immediately. In fact, while I was a freshman debating taking the class, I actually strayed away from the course because I didn’t think ‘reporting’ was for me. I loved writing, but so much so that I was nervous that journalism would limit my creativity and descriptive, flowery style of writing. 

But after hearing many friends sing praises of the journalism program and the freedom that came with the course, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to try it out. I joined in my sophomore year, and within the first semester, I found myself learning about so much more than I ever imagined. Rather than just practicing news briefs like I expected, I was learning about photography and narrative lead writing and interview skills and even diversity in coverage. I still won’t forget the day when Mrs. Fluchel taught us about Humans of West for the first time; watching the video from the original creator of Humans of New York, I was marveled by the way he approached interviews, above all, as a way to learn more about people. The stories he picked up from across the street — stories of hardship, love, family, perseverance — were all so widely different and personal, yet mirrored the same snapshots of the human experience. 

That’s what I find most empowering about journalism, and why I’ve remained a part of this program ever since. It’s an opportunity to give a voice to those who never received it, and maybe even represent a reader who has never felt represented too. And I have to say that the Opinions section of the Pathfinder is where I really felt like I learned the impact I wanted to create on my community. For this, I really have to thank my former EIC Elizabeth Franklin. Immediately after joining the program, I grew fascinated with Elizabeth’s stories — not simply her obviously fantastic writing, but the way in which she represented the underrepresented and remained determined to achieve justice for them. When I started writing my own opinions pieces, I knew I wanted to do the same: use my research and opinions to create a lasting effect on the world. In that process, I’ve learned the most about marginalized communities and their distinct experiences — one of the most valuable things I’ve gotten as a journalist. I really believe that Elizabeth’s guidance and editing on my stories, always so thorough yet encouraging, helped me to become a much better journalist. 

On that note, my former EICs — Emily Early, Serena Liu, and Elizabeth — you have been truly unbelievable and the best leaders I could ever ask for. I feel like it requires real effort to build such personal connections with all the staff you work with, but I can safely say I got that from each of you. Emily, I hope my site made you proud, even if it was orange and purple or even completely deleted (blame Samir) at certain points along the way. Serena, your mark continues to remain on the Pathfinder, and even with all that incredible intelligence and writing abilities, I miss your goofiness the most. 

Taking over after these three was a daunting task, but they laid such a strong foundation to help us thrive this year. Now, being an EIC has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had — finally seeing the new site post after months of designing; our Distinguished Site and CSPA awards; and, most importantly, watching our staff writers and editors develop into such strong, capable journalists. Esta, your energy is unmatched, you have such a kind spirit and your videos especially are so captivating. Will, I feel like I learn something new from you every day; you’re truly so brilliant and your commitment to our opinions section has been essential this past year. I also have to give a little shout-out to Sage Kelly; your brilliance, initiative and dedication I’ve seen working with you on your pieces has been inspiring. I want to compel you to embrace the opportunities of leadership that you will have as an editor next year — you remind me a bit of myself at the beginning of my journalism journey, and if there’s one thing I could say to you and my past self: be confident in your abilities, because you are incredible! 

Yein and Ruthvi especially, this past year has been insane to watch you guys really blossom into your best journalistic selves. Ruthvi, I’m always in awe of how quickly you create story ideas and achieve them in such a short time period; Yein, your writing tone is beautiful and you’ve proven to be such a reliant leader for other staff writers to turn to, and I’m thrilled to pass the site design torch down to you (sorry in advance). I’m so excited to see where the Pathfinder heads next year under your guys’ guidance; always feel free to reach out if you need anything, but I’m confident in your vision for our newspaper. 

Finally, Samir Shaik, Cindy Phung and Triya Gudipati — I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive, passionate group to work alongside this past year. I feel like we’ve been through a rollercoaster of times together, but in just the nick of time, we finished strong with our Distinguished Site accomplishment! Truly couldn’t have done it without you, and I know you all are going to continue to do amazing things in the future — I can’t wait to see it!

Last but certainly not least, none of my growth in journalism would have ever been possible without my incredible advisers. Debra Klevens, your boldness and strength in leadership was so captivating, and I thank you for supporting me in my first year in journalism at every point possible — I wish our time together was longer, but your impact was inevitable nonetheless. Lindsey Katz, there aren’t enough words to describe my gratitude for all you’ve done for me and our journalism family. Your energy and bright smile helped us going through the hardest times, and your dedication to our program has caused it to truly thrive. You have always made my ideas heard and my concerns validated, and for that I’m so thankful. I’m always certain that every conversation with you is going to end in a smile or laugh, and that itself just sums up your character perfectly. You have been such a special teacher, and above all, you are such a special person. Keep shining bright as the light of Room 3000!

Okay, let me wrap it up. I can confidently say that this program and the group of people in it is what I will miss the absolutely most from high school. At the same time, I’m so excited to see it continue to grow even more incredible in the next few years; the future of the Pathfinder is definitely bright. My biggest advice: have all the fun you can doing it! It really does go by so fast. And above all, never forget your purpose: you tell the story, so make it a good one. 

With all my love, goodbye P-West Pathfinder — you really were the best. 

Will Gonsoir

I wish I could say I took the initiative to sign up for Convergence Journalism here at West unprompted. Unfortunately, I have to admit that it actually took a good deal of prompting. That came mostly from Erin Fluchel, who realized how much I would enjoy a bully pulpit to write about things. Debra Klevens also did a lot to ensure I actually planned on joining the program. Now, after two years writing for the Pathfinder, I couldn’t be more thankful for the push.

Journalism is storytelling, and the stories we tell are shaped by who we are. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the adults who have invested in me, people like my parents, Andrew Schonhoff, Cara Borgsmiller, Kevin Doherty, and Lindsey Katz. I could give each of you a whole essay here and I wish I had the room to! Your influence has molded who I am in all areas of life, of which this is just one.

In order to translate my stories to the page, I’ve had to learn how to write, and then learn how to write for a newspaper, which is surprisingly quite different! Mrs. Katz and I had to learn on the fly together last year, and her guidance has been invaluable. She’s just one of a plethora of people who’ve taken an interest in furthering my writing: my sixth grade ELA teacher Donny Call, who pushed me to read classic literature; Michelle Kerpash, who’s trained most of the good writers that come out of this school; Borgs, who taught me how to put together a cohesive argument; great English teachers like Mary Byrd and Fluch and Leslie Lindsey and Diana Lurkins who reminded me how much fun writing can be. Audrey Ghosh and Risa Cidoni helped me build off of that foundation, very, very, VERY patiently guiding this very stubborn journalist through the steps of crafting and editing an article. Risa doesn’t get talked about enough as one of the greatest opinion writers that Pathfinder has had; I’m so fortunate to have been in this program at the same time as her.

One thing I’ve learned as an editor this year is how much effort our editors in chief put into setting the tone for this program. It’s been a blessing to have two amazing sets of EICs in my two years in this program. All of our editors this year — okay, maybe just me — okay, I know I’m definitely not the only one — are a little bit starstruck by Elizabeth Franklin, Serena Liu and Emily Early, who are not only legendary writers but also caring, humble, hardworking leaders. A year on, it still hasn’t set in that I edited Early’s last story before her own “Seniors signing off.” It would have been easy to accept that the program just wouldn’t be the same without those three, but Risa, Samir Shaik, Cindy Phung, and Triya Gudipati didn’t let us. They put in countless hours to help keep Pathfinder elite, keeping all of us organized and focused on our goals while still contributing top-notch writing and editing. Every accolade we’ve pulled in this year can truly be attributed to them, and there are a lot. We’re losing a lot by letting them graduate, but our program will still be in good hands with Yein Ahn and Ruthvi Tadakamalla taking over next year and talented underclassmen like Peyton Dean, Raaga Golla, Sage Kelly, Malia McLellan, Rishi Pidikiti and Max Chung lined up as the editors of today and the EICs of tomorrow. Along with Maura Lottes, they will form a great board next year, and I can’t wait to see what Pathfinder looks like under their leadership! Payton, I’m going to tell you what Elizabeth told me in this piece last year — take care of my baby. Opinions is a fragile thing but we couldn’t have put the section in better hands. Raaga, Rishi and Malia, I have a special place in my heart for my double teammates — shoutout to Yusra Khan, Ruthvi, Yein and Triya. Apply what you learn in Room 3000 to what you learn in Borgs’ room, and vice versa. That combo churns out well-rounded leaders and dangerously good writers.

I want to end this letter with one final thank-you. Tree, the last six years of friendship, four years of high school, and two years of journalism would not have been the same without you by my side. Your talent, charisma and determination not only bring you success but also elevate everyone around you, something that I and many others have benefitted from in your time at West. Thank you for never giving up on me, even when it was difficult, and for always being by my side.

To the unique, beautiful, loving, disciplined, creative, kind, messy, decorated, talented, unparalleled home that is Parkway West Publications, this is Willy G, signing off.

Triya Gudipati

As I sit here, writing this — during my final week as a West High student — it has only just begun to hit me that I’m truly saying goodbye to Parkway West Publications. I’m going to be completely honest, back in 8th grade, when I got that mysterious letter in the mail inviting me to the program, I was apprehensive. I mean, writing was a skill I had struggled to develop: should I really be taking additional courses in that area? The instant I stepped into Room 3000 on the first day of my freshman year, though, I knew right off the bat that I was where I needed to be.

Since 2021, journalism has been a constant in my life; rain or shine, success or failure, video or news brief, this program became an unconditional part of my life. I learned how to balance personal style and tone within different standards and formats, I was pushed out of my comfort zone to try different genres and topics, and I was supported for all of my crazy ideas, interview requests, and political-leaning opinions pieces. Beyond growing as a writer though, this publication shaped me as a person. We’re one big family that celebrates each other’s successes (with INCREDIBLE tiny hand clappers might I add) and lends helping hands to whoever may need it. I’ve had the incredible privilege of watching three classes of journalists before me cultivate this culture, and I truly can’t wait to see what the three grades after us do with their talent, passion and care for this program. With that being said, let’s start off with some thank yous.

First, to Mrs. Debra Klevens and Mrs. Lindsey Katz. Mrs. Klevens, the first time you read my writing, you told me I belonged in newspaper and I can’t imagine what my life would be like without that one, simple interaction. Thank you for being the best listener, giving me endless amounts of advice, teaching me the true power of this program and stopping to chat when I run into you at DECA states. My memories in journalism are intertwined with you, and I hope we made you proud this year. Mrs. Katz, our first meeting was the summer prior to last school year, and I instantaneously knew your energy, charisma and passion would take Convergence Journalism to a whole different level. Thank you for supporting me, accommodating my schedule mishaps, keeping me in check when I need it and giving me the chance to work in this capacity for a year. Prepare for a lot of visits from me next year!

Next, to Elle Rotter. You have been my role model and my inspiration within my time as a journalist. I still remember being the eight-year-old kid who followed you around like a puppy and hung to every word, and I hope you know just how much of an impact you’ve had on me. Thank you for always being in my corner, for showing me how to lead with grace and grit, for guiding me as a CJ2 navigating her newfound writing liberties and for pushing me to apply for Editorial Board after that year. The impact you’ve had on this program and myself was transformative, and I wake up every day hoping that I could do half the job you did.

To Emily Early, Elizabeth Franklin and Serena Liu. Thank you for trusting me to have a part in leading this program, and I hope our site this year made you all proud. Watching the three of you navigate your senior year on top of being Editors-in-Chief and battling it OUT to get that multimedia badge has served as the roadmap to my own experience this year. Cookie cake celebrations don’t feel the same without you, and I don’t think Friday morning meetings will ever not be synonymous with you guys in my brain. Watching you all forge your own paths through Instagram stories and spam posts has made the notion of life after Pathfinder seem manageable, and I can’t wait to see the incredible things you all continue to achieve.

To my fellow Editors-in-Chief Risa Cidoni, Samir Shaik and Cindy Phung. You guys have been my anchor this year and for that I can’t thank you enough. I have been so lucky to have worked alongside all of your talent, and I am so proud of what we accomplished through the program this year. Cindy, I distinctly remember being a CJ1 secretly hoping you and I would be in the positions we are this year, and I know our younger selves would be thrilled at where we are now.

To Esta Kamau and Will Gonsior. Thank you for your patience, your perseverance and your unwavering passion for this program. You guys have excelled in your positions as editors and even had our backs when we needed someone extra to lean on. I don’t know what I’m going to do without reading another opinions piece by Willy G or watching Esta’s innovation bring West spirit to our screens in so many ways I would’ve never imagined. You have both served as such incredible, helpful, dedicated lights within this program and no number of words can fully encapsulate my appreciation. 

To Yein and Ruthvi. I am so proud of you both, how you’ve grown as writers and people. Having the honor of knowing you both throughout several activities and years, I know this program is in wonderful hands. If you ever need someone to talk to, a question on CSPA deadlines or literally anything else under the sun, please please please reach out; I’m only ever a call away.

Finally, to Malia, Maura, Max, Payton, Raaga, Rishi and Sage. You all will thrive on Editorial Board next year, and I just know that you all will surpass all hopes and expectations that come with the job. Your EICs are pretty spectacular, and if you guys remember anything, it’s this; be patient with yourselves, with each other and with this program. You will inevitably submit to the wrong workflow or miss an Oxford comma, and that is okay. Mistakes will help everyone in the program learn and grow, and you all have your own pace at which you get the hang of things. Know that there will always be someone out there, reading all of your pieces, who is insanely excited to watch your journey through PAWESEHI.

I’ve dreamed of writing this letter for four years, and now that it’s arrived I’m not all too sure how to feel. But, I am sure that this program has housed some of the most transformative experiences of my life and that I’m incredibly grateful for every interview, photograph, word I’ve gotten to contribute. Thank you for everything, Pathfinder.

This is senior Triya Gudipati, signing off. 

Esta Kamau

It is so hard to accept the fact that my career on this amazing publication is now coming to an end. It feels like it was just yesterday when I was sitting in a packed CJ1 class, being taught how to write captions and making yearbook mods out of twizzlers. All this to say that some of my favorite memories have come out of being in room 3000. Thank you, Pathfinder staff, editorial board, Mrs. Klevens and Mrs. Katz for believing in me and giving me the most cherishable memories out of this class.

My timeline looks a little bit like this, summer after eighth grade I received a letter requesting that I join journalism after being recommended by a teacher. I had always LOVED writing so while jumping into this opportunity did feel a little nerve-wracking at first, I was welcomed in with open arms. While I really did enjoy the first year of journalism, at times, I struggled with the whole concept. Although this was the case, I considered continuing the class and promised myself that I would improve in my writing technique and overall become a more well rounded journalist. 

Thankfully, sophomore year rolled around and I was able to exhibit my true talents in storytelling, photography and collaboration. Junior and senior year I knew my efforts had really shone through after having gotten the pleasure of being on the editorial. I was really captivated by journalism because of these experiences. As storytelling has always been a peak interest of mine, I plan on taking my love for writing with me in the future as I further my education in journalism and performing arts.

Now for some shoutouts (tears are forming as I type this). To Mrs. Klevens, I will forever cherish your insight and incredible teaching strategy. I will always remember the day of both you and I crying as we hugged one last time as you were preparing to leave Pwest. You are such a kind soul, always looking out for the best in people and you always hold our publication to a high standard, knowing that each of us are very talented and capable.

To Elle Rotter and Addie Gleason, I wish I could reach out and give you both huge hugs. I’m so happy to have met the both of you. Thank you for the endless car rides to editorial board meetings, and all of your concise and careful feedback on all of my stories; you both shaped me to be both a better writer and a better person. 

To Emily Early, Serena Liu and Elizabeth Franklin, thank you each for being such beautiful writers and amazing people. Emily I will always think about the lunch days we had in Katz’ room. Serena I will forever remember the endless laughter while working on stories in fifth block. Elizabeth I will always think about the impacts you made with your words through every powerful story you wrote. 

To Sakenah Lajkem, Noor Hacking and Yein Ahn, thank you EACH for dedicating your entire homecoming week to the chaos that was the spirit week videos. You are each talented and captivating filmers, editors, and even more amazing friends. I love you all and will miss you dearly.

To Ruthvi Tadakamalla, I will never forget the times we laughed hysterically with Sakenah and when we went to graduation together. What a fun time that was and I hate to imagine that was already a year ago and I’m now getting ready to walk the stage. I hope you continue being amazing and GOOD LUCK to you and Yein as E.I.Cs next year, I know you’ll be great. 

And to all the seniors graduating with me, I cannot believe that it was just a few years ago that we first made our mark in room 3000. It’s so bittersweet to see the various accomplishments we’ve made over the years — especially that distinguished site badge yayyy — but I know that we will each achieve even bigger and brighter things if we continue to put our mind to it. Congratulations to us, Class of ’25. 

And finally to Mrs. Katz, thank you so incredibly much for being courageous to step into a new role as our journalism teacher. Although our time together has been limited, I feel like I still have learned SO much from you. I will always hold dearly the fuzzy compliments we do each year. Your gracious empathy that you show to each and every one of us is so endearing and has shaped me into the person that I am now. 

Thank you to everyone that once seated in room 3000. Convergence Journalism will truly always hold a special place in my heart. 

So long for now, Parkway West Pathfinder. 

Esta Kamau, signing off. 🙂

Cindy Phung

When my dad handed me a letter addressed to my name in the eighth grade, already, I was flattered. So after the contents stated that multiple teachers praised my skills and recommended me to take Convergence Journalism 1 at the high school, I signed up immediately not even knowing what the course entailed. I only found out later that this was in fact not a personalized letter, but you know, I stuck with the class anyway. And little did I know, that would be the best decision I ever made. During the first weeks, we learned AP Style and went through a scripted fake scenario to practice interviewing and writing a story, and that was a lot of fun, but I still wasn’t completely on board. Then I chose to write my first feature on my friend Alexis Briner. It’s cute looking back on that story every once in a while, cringing at my weak transitions, but Klevens read that and saw my potential. She immediately scooped me up and told me how I was writing just like CJ2-4s and how I should join newspaper the following semester.  As someone who had yet to discover herself, hearing that I was good at writing was enough to persuade me and be my only reason for continuing journalism. But from then on, I wrote a wide variety of stories in a variety of sections, collaborating with other writers, all to chase after a spark. 

If you have ever watched the greatest franchise and honestly peak children’s television aka My Little Pony, you might know what a cutie mark is. If not, that’s okay too, but it is the symbol near their behind, and it appears when they have found their thing, their special talent or passion whether it was in knowledge, teaching, or simply apples. Well, similar to a cutie mark, something clicked for me at the end of sophomore year through junior year when I got involved in making videos. Multimedia came to me a lot easier as a more visually creative person than writing did. It allowed me to continue my love for meeting others and sharing their stories in my own medium. I began to consider pursuing this beyond high school. 

Now, It wasn’t a simple path to discovery and just looking through my staff profile won’t tell you my struggles with timeliness and meeting deadlines, demotivation and writer’s block, or the hardships I faced at home with my dad’s declining health. So this is where I transition into expressing long overdue gratitude for the people who supported me through all of it. First to Mrs. Debra Klevens, for of course being the reason I stayed in journalism and joined newspaper in the first place, but more than that, thank you for being such a caring, supportive teacher. What I appreciate more than the pages of edits, was the one afternoon I was feeling particularly overwhelmed and you noticed. You pulled me aside, gave me the most comforting hug, and told me I was not alone. You made sure I knew that, and I’ve remembered it since. So thank you for helping me stand where I am today. To Mrs. Lindsey Katz, I also can’t thank you enough for being the teacher I needed. Change is difficult, and I struggled at first with adapting to a changing program, but you broke down my walls immediately with your infectious laughter, kindness, and courage. You are constantly true to yourself, ensuring every person and their voices, ideas, and feelings are validated and heard. In a similar manner, when my dad passed, you made sure I knew that I was always welcome in room 3000 to pace, to talk, or to work, with an equally comforting hug anytime. (And now I am tearing up, so I must wrap this up.) Thank you for taking on this position Mrs. Katz, the future of our publications is under such amazing guidance. 

To every upperclassmen, legends I have never met and only admired their work in the Pathfinder Archives as well as those I’ve had the pleasure and privilege to work alongside with, well thank you. It is such a honor to feel the legacy left by every staff member who’s built our site to its greatness today. Although in my high school career, I will give shout outs to Mira and Leah, Tanvi, Madi, Elle, Addie, Ashlyn, Serena, Emily, Elizabeth, for helping me the most. As I’ve taken on each leadership position, I have been inspired in different ways by each of you and just know that you did make a lasting impact. 

To my fellow EICs, Triya, Risa, and Samir, I appreciate and respect you all so much. We each have different strengths that helped balance each other, and that’s what allowed us to help one another without missing a beat and achieve greatness with our beloved Pathfinder. I’ve enjoyed growing alongside Triya since freshman CJ1, teaching Risa the ropes in CJ2, and discovering my passion in multimedia (with multiple crash-outs during editing) with Samir. I’m excited to continue growing and watching all of our future success as we start college. 

To next year’s EICs, our mighty duo Yein and Ruthvi, you two are equipped with everything you need. You guys are so capable, and I know you’ll further the program with your passion, hard work and empathy. Whenever things get overwhelming, unfortunately I know they will, remember that you have a whole staff, Edboard, Katz, and even any of us now alumni to lean on. You guys are never in this alone. Remember that. It’s been such a pleasure to have gotten close to you both, stay in touch!

To Esta and Will, this program wouldn’t function without the two of you. Whether it’s managing the entirety of features and HOW or all of opinions and A&E, you two really stepped up. Esta your creativity and charming people skills will take you far in life. Willy G, oh how I will miss having to google either your niche references or advanced vocabulary, but it’s been an immense pleasure learning from you. I will always be supporting you both in your journeys after high school.

To Payton, Sage, Max, Rishi, Raaga, Malia, and Maura, I thank each of you personally for your dedication and passion to this program. You guys have already made great contributions, and I have no doubts at all that you will continue to make our site great. How lucky are we to have you all. Payton and Sage, continue finding and telling stories and perspectives that are sometimes overlooked, you two are strong writers, so have confidence. To Max, Rishi, Raaga, and Malia, I would also like to tell you all to have confidence as you each are very capable. Take any opportunities and enjoy learning from those around you. To Maura, I’m so glad you joined journalism this year. I have learned as much from you as I have taught you. Keep being a rockstar photographer, and thank you for taking over my precious POTW. One last thing I’d like to say is make sure you all communicate well with each other, and just be the kind, positive leaders to the red of the newspaper staff that I know you will be.

So finally as I end this letter feeling a complicated mix of emotions, I’ll say one last thank you to Pathfinder: to every staff member, PAWESEHI or Pathfinder, CJ1 through CJ4, whether you dropped the class or are currently enrolled in it next year. You have changed my life for the better and I’m happy to have been a part of it. I’ll check in every now and then, but never feel afraid to reach out! 

With SO much love, this is Cindy signing off. <3

Samir Shaik

I was drawn to take journalism after having severe FOMO watching my friends having fun, gallivanting around the school, grabbing interviews and taking photos in Convergence Journalism 1. I’d already loved to write, and the fear that I was missing out on something great consumed me. I finally gave in and decided to take CJ1 my sophomore year with the one, the only: Erin Fluchel. She trusted my abilities as a writer and journalist and allowed me to accelerate up to CJ2 during the second semester of that year. 

My favorite part of this whole program has always been the connections you can make with other people. Through gathering interviews and writing stories, I learned just how diverse the community of Parkway West High School is: how many hidden interests and secret talents that so many of our students have that, had I not been able to interview them about, would have gone completely unseen. I learned that everyone has their own unique story to tell, and as a journalist, it was my responsibility to allow those stories to be seen and heard: to represent the underrepresented, to give voice to the voiceless.

That was my philosophy going into this past school year as one of the Editors-in-Chief. Hands down my favorite part of my role was simply being able to read all the stories, to hear all the perspectives of the other writers. I took on a role as a mentor and a leader, and I was able to work alongside such a talented bunch of fellow EICs and section editors that were able to make the publication run so smoothly. I really can’t believe that it’s over, because this class and this journey have been such an integral part of my development as a high schooler. I’ve always prided myself on being a journalist, because I think our role is so very important to contributing to a greater understanding of those around us. 

So, now for the section where I credit all those who got me to where I am today (there are quite a few, y’all did a lot of the heavy lifting for me). 

To Debra Klevens and Erin Fluchel –– thank you for the motivation and creating a strong foundation on which I could learn and grow. I owe much of my work ethic to you. 

To Emily Early, Serena Liu and Elizabeth Franklin –– you all scare me so much. Your talent, dedication and drive towards the publication really made me worried because I realized that I had some big shoes to fill. However, you all were perfect role models and inspirations, and your legacy on the publication will continue to live on with each subsequent year.

To Risa Cidoni, Cindy Phung and Triya Gudipati –– we did it, guys! I remember when we first met to plan how this year would go back in June, and now the chapter is coming to a close. I can’t thank each of you enough for the work you’ve put into making this publication truly great. It’s been an honor working alongside you for these past three years, and watching you grow into such great journalists and people.

To Will Gonsior and Esta Kamau –– thank you. Thank you for sharing your voices and creating projects that are uniquely yours. I hope you enjoyed creating them just as much as I enjoyed editing/reading them. 

To Ruthvi Tadakamalla and Yein Ahn…enjoy your last bits of free time before pwestpathfinder.com takes over every aspect of your being. I’m kidding. Kind of. You two are such talented and such impressive writers, and I know you will do amazing things next year as EICs. The site is truthfully in such capable hands.

And lastly, to Lindsey Katz –– I really can’t thank you enough for everything that you have done. I know it must not have been easy to transition into teaching a class that has been run by the same person for so many years. However, you were able to do it with so much grace and style (the clappers were my favorite addition). You bring genuine, tangible joy into every room that you go into, and you make Room 3000 feel like a place where I can be myself and express my ideas free of judgement from others. You’ve been a guiding light, a role model and an inspiration for me and countless other students, and I hope that next year you continue just being the awesome teacher/person that you are. We appreciate you so much.

Phew, well that was a very emotional last couple of minutes. I mean it, this publication and the people in it mean the world to me. I’m sad that it’s ending, but I’m also excited to see what you guys do next! Keep me posted; don’t be a stranger. Wherever life ends up taking me, I will always appreciate and remember the skills and lessons I learned as part of Parkway West Publications. I wish you all the best!