It’s hard to believe my Vanguard tenure began around the time of the now-infamous freshman editorial (See — or don’t see — Volume 51, Issue 8: “Words of encouragement for the Frosh <3”). As a freshman, reading an editorial that congratulated us for our supposed naïveté was a humbling experience. Ironically, it also became my first lesson in the responsibility that comes with publishing. From my role on the Freshman Grade Council, I saw how The Vanguard’s words rippled through our community. And I figured that if I couldn’t beat The Vanguard, I might as well join it.
Turns out, journalism isn’t just about witty takedowns; it’s about helping others better understand our community and even possibly shaping it. That lesson deepened last March, when the senior team traveled to a Columbia journalism conference. Between scribbling notes with professional reporters, laughing at absurd headline examples and debating which page layout was better, we began to rethink what The Vanguard could be. We learned just as much outside of the conference, where conversations about journalism blended with everything else.
When we returned to The Vanguard, this board embraced change and learned on the fly. Together, we wrote punchier heads, redesigned pages to showcase student artwork, reconsidered our columns, upgraded our photos and mentored our contributors. We paid close attention to how we framed our articles and how we got more perspectives. Not every change we made worked at first, and that wasn’t our goal. What mattered was creating a culture of openness, kindness and persistence.
One of the intentional choices we made this year was leaning into the difficult topics on our community’s mind. This board approached complex issues — like student gambling, the college process, polarizing current events and burnout — with courage, thought and a willingness to listen. In a news environment that often feels loud and heated, we tried to take the temperature down and create space for nuanced coverage. I’m especially grateful for our administration’s support; they engaged with our reporting, asked thoughtful questions and trusted The Vanguard to cover sensitive topics responsibly.
Before Volume 54 comes to a close, I owe many thanks to our fantastic team. To Yancheng, for sharing the unending work that it takes to make this publication great. Your range in writing, editing, production and kindness never fails to impress me; I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in this role or a better friend to share it with. Ayana, for your warmth, humor and ability to run with projects. Sonja, for articulating our editors’ ideas with clarity and confidence.
To Matthew, for carving out something entirely your own — a column that I looked forward to each issue. Vartan, for overhauling our website so efficiently. Olivia, for your eye for detail in photo editing and for making even our longest meetings feel lighter. Carl, for elevating our pages with your truly brilliant vision and creativity. Charlotte, for being the person willing to edit our final PDF beside me at 11 p.m. when I needed you and your patience most. And to Ms. Whitney for your humor, clarity and guidance and for trusting us to grow while always being there when the going got tough.
Thank you to the juniors — Lucia, Mimi, Christine, Scarlett, Ethan, Katy, Harper, Sydney and Adi — for bringing creativity, laughter and teamwork to our newsroom. It’s been so special to watch you thrive, and in the process, you helped me grow, too. I have tremendous confidence in your leadership of The Vanguard.
And thank you, reader, for shaping our volume’s 154 pages with your ideas, achievements, concerns and perspective. As you flip through our final issue, know that these pages only mean something when they’re read, shared and talked about.
When I first read that freshman editorial, I never imagined I’d be writing this one. But this paper has a way of turning readers into writers and challenges into opportunities for growth.
The Vanguard is at its best when people care enough to show up and trust that their voice belongs. So, take the chance. Write that article. Share that idea. You, like me, might be surprised by where it leads.
Gabe Cooper
Editor-in-Chief
Volume 54
