By Emma Reilly
Outgoing Editor-in-Chief
These past few months, I’ve been struggling — as I think many graduating seniors do — with the idea of leaving it all behind. Still, amidst all the bittersweet sensations that come with moving on, the one aspect of my life here at Washington College that I haven’t given much thought to parting with is The Elm.
I think the main reason that I haven’t thought about my departure too critically is because I’d like to pretend that it isn’t happening. But I guess going to graduate school is more important than my plan to graduate, squat in the Publications House, and serve as The Elm’s resident gremlin for the next decade.
The Elm shaped my college career from start to finish. In 2020, it offered up tenuous ties to a community that otherwise would have felt inaccessible from my bedroom back at home. Being a staff writer for news and opinion forced me to break out of my shell and talk to people, which is something I’m known to stubbornly resist. For introducing me to the publication, showing me the ropes of journalism, and encouraging me to apply for an editorship the following year: thank you, Emma Campbell.
As opinion editor, I learned to manage a staff and curate a section that spoke to issues that matter. I made my voice heard, and so did you all (I think reading YikYak feedback was the best part of spearheading opinion). Most importantly, I conquered the demon that is InDesign.
I am forever indebted to my predecessor, Erica Quinones, for showing me what it means to be an effective leader, advocate, and journalist. You handled the chieftainship with grace and wit, and in your absence your name has developed an omnipresence you should take pride in. The Elm wouldn’t have been the same without your leadership.
Thank you, Erica, for encouraging me to apply to be editor-in-chief. I was certain I couldn’t handle it, I won’t lie. But you pushed me to take on the job I knew, deep down, I wanted. The confidence and expertise I’ve gained over the past year has already proven itself invaluable; I’m grateful to you for seeing that potential in me.
Thank you to Elm advisor Dan Divilio for being the mentor I needed to guide the publication in the right direction. Thank you to Jake, Katie, and Sabrina at the Delaware Business Times for forcing me to cold call, sending me to press conferences, and pitching me a cover story. You all made me feel, even when I was doubting myself, like I was a legitimate journalist.
Last, but certainly not least, thank you to my team.
Lexi, Olivia, and Sam: you kept operations running smoothly behind the scenes, and for that I’m more grateful than you know.
Emma, Noah, and Vee: you kept me sane, made me laugh, and saved us from publishing hundreds of little errors. You’re lifesavers, truly.
Grace A., Grace H., Heather, Jack, Riley, Sophie: boy, do you all make me wish I wasn’t graduating after three years. I’m going to miss you all so much and I’m ridiculously proud of the work you’ve done and the improvements you’ve made this year. I couldn’t have asked for a more lively and passionate group of editors to lead.
Liv: You have so many big ideas. I’m beyond excited to see how you execute them as editor-in-chief next year. I couldn’t have asked for a more well-equipped journalist to pass the publication along to. Remember: advocate for yourself. Advocate for your team. Take care of my baby. Full sends only. Most importantly, don’t forget that you’ve got this, in absolutely every way. I know you’ll crush it.
I hope our readers will take it to heart when I say that I’m leaving The Elm in good hands. If you’re reading, keep reading. If you’re subscribed, keep subscribing. Student journalism is the key to maintaining a spirit of accountability, transparency, and advocacy at WC. We need your support. Our readership is our sounding board, a source pool, and a genuine critic all of which we would flounder without.
Here’s to The Elm, for which I hope to be a perpetual reader and resource, no matter where the future takes me.