To the readers,

My first Monday at DU was filled with mixed emotions. I still remember walking out of my first college class and thinking that discussing Homer’s Odyssey was the most radical thing I was ever going to do. Then I walked into my first Clarion meeting. 

And the rest is history.

Over the past year, I took one of the greatest challenges of my college career — becoming Editor-in-Chief of the Clarion. My one goal was to lead with kindness; I hope I didn’t let any of you down. 

With each passing Monday, I saw my team flourish, change and become its best version. Our coverage reached thousands of people. From the CAHSS layoffs and university-wide budget cuts to votes of no-confidence, I can confidently say that our run was one of the best yet.

I’m so proud of my editorial team, Liam, Annabelle, Jackie, Hampton, Emma, Nick, Josie, Mason, Delaney, Anna and Alyssa. My most sincere thank you. I couldn’t have done it without you — I wouldn’t want to.

Riley Laub, our Executive Editor, crossword specialist and outstanding journalist — thank you for everything. This was an unforgettable ride, and I couldn’t have chosen anyone better to do this with. 

I have no doubt that my successors, Alyssa Avila and Anna Neumann, will lead the next generation of the Clarion with unwavering commitment to truth and integrity. Alyssa, it was a pleasure watching you grow from Contributing Writer to Unify Editor to incoming Editor-in-Chief. I know you will continue to advocate for the unheard voices on our campus. Anna, your bravery and your sharp mind are unequal. Our team is lucky to have an incoming Executive Editor who’s willing to go above and beyond for a story, never shying away from a challenge. I can’t wait to see all that you both will do.

To the writers who joined this year and the ones who’ll be joining next, you’ll carry the Clarion into its next generation of distinguished student journalism. I hope this journey is just as inspiring and rewarding to you as it was to me. Keep journalism — the Clarion — alive.

Well, the truth is, I don’t know how to say goodbye to the Clarion. Since my first year, the Clarion has been my home away from home. Home to my thoughts and opinions. A place where I could become someone. 

One of the reasons why I wanted to become a journalist was that I was passionate about writing and telling stories. But, I learned that journalism isn’t about telling stories — it’s about listening. Listening to the people and the world around you, paying close attention to the details, and being brave enough to question what you hear. 

Now I know, I’ll be a journalist for the rest of my life.

With love,

Ana Júlia Rodrigues Alves

Editor-in-Chief Emerita