Mentally, I have been writing this retrospective since sophomore spring, when I grappled with the classic do-I-transfer-or-can-I-make-it conundrum. Spoiler alert: I made it.
Over the years, this piece has taken several forms. At my lowest, it was a call to action for our community to further open our minds and hearts so the Vassar bubble might feel less individualistic. When I became Editor-in-Chief, I cycled between writing one final opinion about campus or finding an extended metaphor to expand my creative abilities and stick true to the liberal arts. As I type and delete, I still cannot find the words to adequately encapsulate what this paper and campus mean to me.
The Misc has been a mainstay of my life not just in my weekly routine, but my daily thoughts. As many other editors will tell you, the class of 2025 has been heavily involved from the get go. Four of us have been Editors-in-Chief, and many others have had three year long tenures on the Editorial Board. In the process of watching boards come and go, my internal dialogue has become a mosaic of the words of people I have admired.
In Janet Song’s retrospective, she reflects on what it means to have been part of only a handful of women of color to hold the Editor-in-Chief position. When I read her retrospective during my own tenure, it reframed the way I thought about my leadership. I am proud to have contributed yet another name for women of color on the wall of our office.
Each semester as I read through yet another batch of Exec applications, I am reminded of the legacy of each team. In one of my own statements, I reflected on the happy tears that often spring up when reading about my peers’ dedication and genuine love for our paper. Specifically, a previous candidate concluded their statement with a list of tasks they were explicitly not done with as reasoning behind their application to a new executive position. Each time I complete one of the tasks myself, their words echo in my mind. Another candidate wrote about interviews being their favorite aspect of journalism because of the intimate, human-centered nature. Their words beautifully capture the reasoning behind my obsession with profiles and feature-type articles.
Beyond the written word, I have gained so much from the people around me.
From Nick Villamil I have gained confidence in belonging on the paper. His kindness and drive have been a pillar of my success writing sports articles and dedicating myself to the Misc.
Carina’s fearlessness and girliepop energy have been an important lesson in taking chances, and I have the most admiration for her. Similarly, Luke’s warmth, positivity, and silent dedication has been a grounding force this year, and I am so excited to see the paper under their leadership.
Jesse and Allen started as model section editors who quickly became friends. From reading their eloquent prose to sharing space around the coffee table, they have exposed me to new music and philosophy that this STEM major would otherwise be uninformed about.
Though I was once hesitant to express my thoughts, Soren’s consistent “Why don’t you write an opinion about it?” bolstered my confidence in writing what is on my mind. Beyond my own writing, I have learned from and cherished Soren’s articles and stories over last minute lunches.
In Sufana and Sasha, I found dear friends and role models whom I will treasure for as long as they are willing to put up with my 1 a.m. texts. Both were dedicated students in the truest sense of the term, and imparted essential organizational skills and giggles during our shared Exec time.
A phrase I have been uttering all too often is “From the perspective of a second semester senior…” before I begin a ramble of things I now look fondly upon from atop the TH hill. As I conclude my reflection on the Misc, I have a few words for future students:
To the young editor who might stumble upon this while procrastinating her ever-growing pile of work, know that this campus and its people are truly unlike any other, so take advantage of your time and learn as much as you can outside of the classroom. To someone who might be vaguely interested in the Misc and does not know where to start, take the plunge, you will find the most welcoming community and foster skills you do not realize are possible. And to any prospective students who might have read this far, apply to Vassar and immerse yourself, you will not regret it.
Most importantly, to my fellow editors and staff, you mean more to me than I have ever been able to mention. The Misc is a large part of the reason I chose to stay instead of transfer, and from the perspective of a second semester senior, I am endlessly grateful.