Arianna Griffiths, Editor-in-Chief–
During my first week of college, I went to my first club meeting after my parents said I should try to get involved. I thought maybe I would take a few photographs for the school newspaper if I had some spare time.
Now, a few years later, I am writing in my last edition as its editor-in-chief.
This goes to show that you never know that amazing opportunities are coming your way, and what may become central to your college experience. So, if you are wondering whether you should try that new club or show up to that extracurricular, hear me out: go for it.
Storytelling is part of why we are all here. I believe telling stories is one of the most important things we can do. It not only shares people’s experiences, but it also memorializes them for years to come. I hope that the work we have contributed to at The Denisonian can be part of that for this college.
When I wrote my first story, I was a freshman photographer without previous journalistic experience. What mattered was that I was willing to try. The same can be said about anyone who is interested in writing for the paper, because if you are willing to try, you will get the support you need. This paper is a platform for your voice, even if you have never written before.
The idea of saying goodbye to the paper brings about many emotions for me. I feel sad to lose such an important part of my routine; going into meetings several times a week with goals for the paper and action plans to accomplish them, late-night editing sessions, meeting with editors to hear how they are doing, working with our faculty advisor, and everything in between. But at the same time, I am happy about the work we did together on the paper. Some highlights include the addition of the Professor Spotlight, which is a recurring column that we began that features a new professor each week and shows their research projects and interests, often as well as life stories, that are part of storytelling on campus. Also, adding the Letter from the President column was one of my favorite things, which included breaking the news on the Doane building renovations. I am so grateful to everyone else who helped me with each of these things.
I have learned an immense amount about leadership, resilience, and so much more through this job. Here are a few of my most meaningful lessons that I want to share with you in case they can apply to your life, too.
1. Lead with grace and kindness.
2. Remember your “why” when things are challenging.
3. Storytelling is so important.
4. When you love something, work hard for it.
I want to thank everyone who has supported me throughout this journey, from photographer to writer to assistant editor to editor to editor-in-chief and, now, editor-in-chief emeritus.
This has been one of the best things to be a part of. As I sit here editing this edition in our office one last time, I am feeling grateful that I even got to do this at all.
Arianna Griffiths ‘26 is a psychology major from Lake Forest, Illinois.