Graduating Editors Reflect on Their Time at The Phoenix

After spending countless hours writing and editing stories, graduating editors look back on their time at The Phoenix.

Editor-in-Chief Austin Hojdar 

Before I started writing for The Phoenix, I barely even knew Loyola had a student newspaper. For the past two years, I’ve read and edited every story that’s been published online and in print. However many stories you looked at, thank you for reading.

Managing Editor Ella Govrik

In “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft,” which was gifted to me by Deputy News Editor Hunter Minné, Stephen King writes, “In the end, it’s about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life, as well.” 

In the end of my time at The Phoenix, I can say without doubt that my life has been enriched far beyond what I could’ve imagined. The work, support and passion of those around me has taught me as much about journalism as it has about community. I’m so proud of the work we’ve done, and I’m so confident in the future of The Loyola Phoenix.

News Editor Isabella Grosso 

So much to say, less than 150 words to say it. The news section of The Phoenix has been my life for the last four years. Through all the good and the bad, I have nothing but everlasting love for my time as a writer, my hours spent editing and the relationships I will forever cherish with my Phoens. To my dearest friends and co-workers on the paper, thank you for trusting me these last two years with the news section. This paper will forever be a part of me and I am so honored to have worked among such bright and intelligent journalists. To the next staff, I know you will do great things next year. The Loyola Phoenix, you have all of my love. 

Opinion Editor Aidan Cahill

While I originally planned on writing only 20 words, looking back, I realize that I owe an impossible debt of gratitude to so many people who helped me over the last four years. From everyone I’ve interviewed and spoken with while reporting to the editors, friends and mentors who helped me through challenging times. I wish I could find the right words to express how much they’ve meant to me. Until I gain that ability, I’ll have to settle on just seven parting words to summarize my feelings. To everyone and for everything, thank you. 

Arts Editor Hanna Houser 

“Onto bigger and better things.” It’s a phrase said often by friends and family as I tell them my time with The Phoenix is over. When I first joined, The Phoenix felt big. I was one of many writers hoping to be more involved, never sure of my footing. Like a child’s sweater, I grew into The Phoenix until eventually, it shrunk. Now, us graduates chase bigger ventures, but who’s to say if they’ll be better than the experiences shared here. Somehow, in the dingy basement of the School of Communications, my life was bettered. To the writers growing alongside me, this is yours now. 

Deputy Arts Editor Angela Ramírez 

I met my best friends in the world, all thanks to The Bird. 

I have never felt more supported than during my time as an editor on The Phoenix. Navigating the realm of journalism alongside other dedicated, impassioned and wonderful humans has been nothing short of a pleasure. This job, and the wonderful people that contribute to it, have defined my college experience — I wouldn’t have flown so freely, so assuredly, without them. My only hope is that I gave back to this newspaper just as much, if not more, than what it gave me. 

Audio Editor Jackson Hamrick

I don’t know if you listened, but I was there! 

Featured image by Hunter Minné / The Phoenix