I sat at my desk in my dorm as a first year in 2020 not knowing what to do with my life. There was a new pandemic on the loose and with nothing but time and an existential crisis on my hands, I had to figure out a strategy to make friends.

My plan before was to join both the film club and the theatre department (as I had done in high school) but since both seemed relatively hard to not do in-person, I opted to go outside my comfort zone. An email from The Winonan popped up in my emails. It was creative. It was remote. It was paid! I was in.

When I was given the News Reporter position, I did not know that decision would change the course of my life in Winona forever. My first big story that I was given to write was WSU ‘condemns’ anti-Asian hate, staff & students share on-campus experiences in March of 2021.

I had never done a hard-hitting piece like this before, but this article shifted my perspective on journalism and my future in journalism drastically. I now knew that change and democracy could be a big part of my writing and eventually The Winonan in general, so I ended up being one of the writers that wrote about larger topics.

When I became the News Editor in Aug. 2021, my passion for the newspaper grew as I exceedingly knew that student voice could have more importance in the newspaper, and I made that a goal in both my writing and the news section’s writing.

In Oct. of 2021, I wrote the article Tenured professor receives student criticism over language in their syllabus which gained a lot of action in result of that article being published. I remember watching the livestream of Student Senate speaking about this article and said professor and realizing the impact that journalism can have.

In Oct. of 2022, I was told that “the soccer coach hasn’t been at the games in a while” which I investigated and that spiraled into Head soccer coach resigns after verbal abuse allegations. That article was the toughest to create, as it was happening while I was writing about it, and my article was the first to speak about the allegations.

I became Editor-in-Chief in Aug. 2023, which has been my favorite part of the Winona State experience. Getting to work with people as this culture at Winona State is changing has been both challenging and fulfilling. Feeling like I had a hand in amplifying voices and keeping the weakest voice heard has been a privilege to say the least.

To McKenna, my first Winona friend (my News Editor and Editor-in-Chief later on), I cannot thank you enough for welcoming me into this community. You made me feel so normal in a time that was anything but, and I thank you for everything that you gave me while you were here.

To Gabriel, (my Editor-in-Chief last year) but also who was my partner in crime, thank you for everything. You are such an amazing human and an amazing friend. I could count on you for anything, and you would always be there. You’re killing it at the Winona Post, and hopefully someday you’ll move to the cities, and we’ll get to gossip like two old ladies again.

To Doug, my bestie, I know I will see you again, just please retire soon. There’s a lot I could say about how you have been my safe place for four years, about how you always have understood me even when I haven’t understood myself, or how you have stood up for what’s right when others don’t. But really, I have just treasured being able to call you my friend. You are so witty, and smart, and capable. Thank you for the countless gifts that you have given me, and everything that you continue to do for the students of this department.

To Heidi, I am so excited for your journey in Housing. You are so passionate about your job, and you thrive in everything you do. The Winonan is sad to see you go for this reason, but you will flourish. You have an organic beauty and light to you that gravitates people towards you that I have always loved, and I can’t wait to see where life takes you.

To Elly, you are awesome. You are the literal definition of awesome. I cannot wait to see where you take the Winonan as new Editor-in-Chief. You have passion, grit, and creativity that make me so excited for you to take over this position. Every second that I have spent with you I am always in smiles because of how you make everyone around you feel. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend.

To Alayna, thank you so much for joining the Winonan. There is no doubt that you will kill it as Features Editor. You have so many inspiring ideas, and you will make Winona State a better place. You are what this newspaper needs, your passion and strength as a writer is impenetrable, and you always have a killer look to boot.

To Karleigh, you know how wonderful you are. Your laugh lights up any room, and you always have a funny line for any situation.

To Kailey, I have loved working with you. I honestly don’t know how you juggle being both a sports editor and doing theatre, but somehow you manage it. Your acting and singing skills are magical, as well as your writing skills. You’re amazing, and I am so happy I met you, thank you so much for joining the Winonan.

To Kara, you are such a calming presence. You are fantastic to work with, and I love seeing you thrive as Photo Editor. I cannot wait to see what you do next!

The next team is going to kill it at the Winonan, there is no doubt. I have cherished every moment here and am anxiously waiting for the next chapter of my life!