As a high schooler, writing was one of my favorite parts of school aside from science. Advanced Placement courses and one journalism class kept that hobby well-fed, but once I was out, the essays turned into reports for classes like biology and chemistry. While I dream to become a neurologist, I also enjoy putting my thoughts into written word, no matter how structured or ambiguous that might be.

Once I began the school year as a junior six months into the pandemic, I finally felt brave enough to once again pursue writing while I completed my pre-medicine requirements. Prior to the start of the semester, I applied to The Daily Evergreen and heard back relatively quickly. Of course, I gushed my excitement to my parents who had always loved to read my writing.

Led by a wise sophomore, I learned my way through the journalistic style that was opinion writing. I loved how diverse this section could be, covering topics from art to environmental issues, from politics to things going on at WSU Pullman — the options were endless. Although I was only able to write a handful of stories before the end of the semester, it was enough to make me want to get further involved with this passionate group of student journalists.

As I now take over my section as opinion editor, my plan is to be as constructive as my predecessor. I inherited a talented group of writers who are as eager to learn as much as I am — a huge bonus. They also seek to improve their skills while still writing about things they are passionate about, as well as things that affect them. Getting to know my writers has been one of the highlights of my semester already, one week in.

By working with their fortes and learning about their writing interests, we are planning a semester that covers as much variety and depth as last semester.

Our goals thus far involve expanding the topics we cover, as well as writing about topics that interest our readers. We want to produce fact-based, well-informed opinion pieces that cover as many bases as each topic needs.

As an editor, I encourage feedback and constructive criticism. As a person, however, I would encourage that feedback to be in good faith. We all diligently work to assure what we produce is also something great, and we are constantly learning from every experience.

This process includes the occasional slip-ups that the New York Times would sure as hell never hear the end of. But the thing about student journalism is the emphasis on the student.

While many people on our staff are part of the renowned Murrow College of Communication and have fostered an abundance of journalistic and communication skills, others may be part of different branches of study and are learning as they go. My point is, we are learning to become better writers to represent WSU, The Daily Evergreen and ourselves as individuals who will soon join the society as working adults.

I am beyond excited to be part of the editorial staff and will continue to work hard to represent the interests of our writers and readers.