The first article I ever wrote for The Record in the fall of my first year was about the homecoming one-act; a bilingual play called: “A Comedy Renaissance (Un renacimiento de la comedia).” Despite knowing practically nothing about journalistic writing, I was excited for the challenge and determined to succeed.  

When I picked up The Record that Thursday, I was thrilled to see my byline on the arts page. I read through it and remember thinking, “Wait, I didn’t write that paragraph…” As it turns out, one cannot perfect AP Style or journalistic writing from simply reading over the introductory document they send new writers, despite my best efforts to do exactly that.

I have found that learning the ins and outs of journalism is best done with “repetition and frequency” as said best by one Jason Samuel, head disc golf coach and associate professor of communication. Being involved in The Record has been easily one of my favorite and most rewarding parts of my time at Goshen College. The hundreds of hours of sleep lost to late night layouts is of little consequence when I think about the relationships I’ve built, the fun I’ve had and the lessons I’ve learned that I will take with me far beyond the walls of the newsroom. 

The high-achieving energy you see during my first attempt to write an article is also the reason that I knew I wanted to be executive editor the first time I walked into The Record layout later that year. Honestly, it was an expectation I held myself to — and I sure put in the hours to get there.

As I start my senior year of college, there’s a ponderance about legacy. Not in an “I’m Alexander Hamilton and care more about people knowing I would never embezzle government funds so I’m going to ruin my marriage” levels of caring about my legacy, but more in a “What have I accomplished these four years, and will it matter?” kind of way.

As executive editor, my name will be added to a long list on the Newcomer West Wing wall along with everyone else who has served in this position. I imagine the Chapel Singing Team rebrand to Inspirited Singers — a name I suggested — will last for a few years. I hope that Peace and Justice Collective — a student organization I founded and now help lead — will see many years of student organizing around topics of peace and justice. 

Within The Record, there are two fairly major things we’re implementing this semester for the first time. The first is an email newsletter sent out with each new issue of The Record. 

The second is our AI Policy. In spring of 2025, Tyson Miller ’25, executive editor at the time, added the line, “The Record is made without the use of AI,” to our masthead. We have now outlined in more detail and in an official capacity that, to uphold journalistic integrity and the learning environment of The Record as a communication co-curricular, we are not going to use AI. You can read our public facing policy on our website: record.goshen.edu/ai-policy. 

While I would never claim to be an expert in journalism or The Record, I have gained enough proficiency and leadership skills since that first semester to feel mostly excited about my semester as executive editor. 

I hope you pick up each new edition of The Record this semester with anticipation to learn something new, and with trust that you’re receiving quality reporting from real humans who care.