When I first joined The UCSD Guardian in October 2017 as an inexperienced Opinion writer, I could never have imagined that I would be sitting here today as News Editor, writing from the comfort of my home in Illinois amidst a global pandemic.

And yet here we are. Hi June 2020, how are ya?

I stepped into the role of News Editor at the end of April 2019, and it has been through this position where I have been able to improve my writing and leadership skills, as well as become a worse person, but in the best way possible [if you know, you know]. Likewise, I have had the privilege of writing “PC Princess,” a column which was initially stifled for a year and a half, but has grown into a body of work I am grateful to call my own.

I truly am proud of the work we have been able to accomplish this past year. Within my section, we have expanded the issues we cover, shed light on a number of important problems, and provided consistent coverage to what the student body cares about most, whether that be the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the COLA protests, or anything in between and beyond.

To my team: thank you so much for your dedication to your craft. This truly was a group effort and I have been so inspired by all that you have done and continue to do. Your passion for fair and honest coverage is something that cannot be said about every student newsroom, and for that, I am grateful.

To my fellow editors: y’all are literally amazing. Thank you all for trusting me to serve as News Editor, listening to my rants ranging from the serious [engagement is a hill I will die on] to the silly [Meghan McCain is most CERTAINLY a gay icon], and providing a sense of community when I had no where else to go.

To our outgoing Opinion Editor Geena: WE F*CKING DID IT. I truly could not have gotten through this year without you, and I am so thankful to call you my work wife and one of my closest friends.

I wish I could tell you, dear reader, that I am on a flight right now across the country to accept a job as a columnist for The New York Times, but that unfortunately is not the case. And while I don’t know what the future holds, what I can tell you is this: even if you have to change from plan A to plan B to plan C, D, or E, as long as you stay motivated, you will accomplish amazing things. This has been a lesson I have learned during my tenure at The UCSD Guardian, and I couldn’t be happier for having had the opportunity to learn this.

Do amazing things, but don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way.