By Heather Fabritze
Outgoing News Editor
The Elm was the first thing at Washington College I knew I wanted to do.
I have been a journalist, albeit amateur, since I was 14 years old. I felt a little adrift before then — all of my friends had that one thing that defined them. Whether it was a sport or a hobby, it did not matter, because it belonged to them.
In journalism, I found a vocation that called to me like nothing ever had before. I loved even the parts of it that most found intolerable: interviewing complete strangers broke my introverted shell, learning AP style permanently changed how I write, and even fighting InDesign was not as frustrating when I saw the final product on the page.
Journalism changed me forever, making me into the person I am today. When I came to WC, there was no question that I would be joining the student newspaper as soon as I could.
With one of my first friends, Riley Dauber, in tow, we found an early home at The Elm’s Publication House: her in the Lifestyle section, and me under the tutelage of Emma Russell in Student Life.
It was a hard transition. My high school’s newspaper was incredibly competitive, pushing out 10-page and longer pieces on a regular schedule. Emmaus High School’s Stinger is still one of the most intensive programs I have ever been part of, and The Elm simply had different priorities for a much smaller audience.
As I progressed, though, from a Student Life staff writer, to Student Life Editor, to News Co-Editor, and finally to News Editor, I have learned to love all that we do.
Truth is the backbone of a close-knit community like WC’s. It is so easy to get lost in the mess of gossip and rumors that flood our campus, and The Elm was a steadying hand to grab onto and tread through the waters. All that we do is for other people, elevating their voices, showcasing their successes, and ensuring our community knows itself.
But more than anything, the people I have worked with in this position have made it what it is — so, thank you:
To Emma Russell, my first editor who introduced me to Elm house style and guided me painstakingly through edits, even when I could not shake my high school education for the life of me.
To Emma Reilly and Liv, my first two Editors-in-Chief who bravely led us through budget cuts and campuswide catastrophes. The Elm will always hold little pieces of your love for the craft and not a day goes by in the Pub House that one of you is not mentioned.
To Lucy and Grace Hogsten, our brilliant copywriters and fellow English majors. I cannot believe I will never sit next to you in class or see your brightly colored ink on our copy sheets again.
To Evelyn and the Ellas, my current editors who make my Monday nights a little brighter.
To Dom, my fellow returning editor who has made me laugh so hard I have cried too many times to count. Some of my favorite jokes are with you, even if any outsider would think we are too mean to one another.
To Grace Apostol, my former News Co-Editor who I miss so much. Although running News alone has not been impossible, I miss our daily texts, freak outs, and your never-ending support. I could not be more proud of the journalist you have become.
To Dan, our amazing advisor whose steady presence and love for soccer has kept The Elm afloat.
To Logan, my mentee, staff writer, and future News Editor who I always knew would end up here. From the moment you started writing for me, I saw so much of myself in you. Do not freak out over the little details too much — your compassion and ambition will carry you forward.
And finally, to Riley, whose Elm journey has been intertwined with mine since the beginning. I am so happy I had you as my final Editor-in-Chief. Who knew when we met in our FYS that this is where we would end up?
From April Fools issues, to coverage of our most serious issues, and the occasional sports article, The Elm has tested my range like nothing else and opened my eyes to the best parts of our community. I am so glad I got to do it with you, WC, and I will miss you dearly.
Photo courtesy of Heather Fabritze.
Photo Caption: Fabritze started as Student Life Editor before moving to News Editor her junior year.