When I first stepped into a Clarion meeting in my freshman year, I had no idea how far I would come. To be honest, all I knew was that writing sparked a flame inside of me. But as an international student from Brazil, who had little experience with writing and communicating in English and virtually no journalistic experience, there were challenges galore. So I had to be brave.

Every week I gave my best, overcoming my imposter’s syndrome with every article that got published. The hard work paid off when I first got featured. I was ecstatic. Overwhelmed. Incredibly grateful. All at the same time. I called my mom and even told everyone in my dorm about it. All I want is for every writer to experience this at least once; the thrill and the joy of putting something out there that has an impact on our community.

I took on the role of Copy Editor in the Spring of 2021, when I got to learn about writing on a technical yet interpersonal level. I then moved on to the role of UNIFY Editor in the Winter of 2023, when I got to experience first-hand advocacy journalism and the importance of DEI representation in news writing and reporting. And today, I hang up my hat as Opinions Editor, the section that taught me how to be a journalist.

Being part of the Clarion has shaped me into who I am. I don’t have enough words to express my gratitude towards everyone who voted me into this position. Thank you for trusting me with this role. To the current and future writers, I promise that I’ll do my best to make this experience just as thrilling to you as it has been to me. 

I’m excited to continue this journey, but I must extend my deepest gratitude to those who guided me here first. To my predecessor, Aubrey Cox, I hope I get to be as eloquent, kind and hard-working as you. To Ambriel Speagle, our Executive Editor and InDesign master, thank you for teaching me so much about graciousness and dedication. The legacy of the Clarion in print lives on because of you both. 

To my partner in leadership, Riley Laub, I can’t wait to continue the legacy of the Clarion with you. It’s been a pleasure to see your growth as a Contributing Writer and Sports Editor. I know you’ll do even more amazing things as Executive Editor.  

I’d also like to offer a special ‘thank you’ to the current staff: Annabelle, Anna, Alyssa, Avery, Emma, Jackie, Mason and Andrew—your passion and talent inspire me in every meeting and every article we publish. Let us make the next quarters our best yet.

To my family, I wouldn’t have got here without your support. Papai, obrigada por acreditar em mim desde o primeiro dia. Mamãe, obrigada por nunca me deixar desisitir. Fernando, obrigada por apoiar todos os meus sonhos independente do tamanho.

And to you, the reader. Thank you for your unwavering trust. It was your support that brought us this far. I promise to continue highlighting the best on-campus stories, as well as the charming talent of our writers.

With courage,

Ana Júlia Rodrigues Alves

Editor-in-Chief Incoming