Here we are: the last issue of the year. Since July, I have been aware that April will come sooner than I expect and I will have to say goodbye to the organization I have been a part of for four years. Being editor-in-chief of The Cord has been the biggest challenge I have ever faced, but it has also been the most rewarding one.
When I started working for the paper in my second year, I was nervous about making my voice heard and I certainly never thought I would get the role of managing editor of the paper in my final two years at Wilfrid Laurier University. Being managing editor of the paper, however, showed me that perhaps I could take the next step forward and apply for editor-in-chief as I left my days as an undergraduate student behind me. Once I got the role, I quickly realized the many moving parts that come as a part of it and that despite my initial platform, I would not get everything done that I wanted to. This seems to be a simple truth about any creative position — you will never be fully satisfied with your work.
When I came to the end of my first term as editor-in-chief, I did not feel ready to leave yet. The paper was set to go through a rebrand, and I was eager to be a part of the process. So, after signing on for another year, I threw myself into giving the Cord a new look. If you’ve seen the paper prior to this year, you will be aware of how much it has changed — and I am incredibly proud of what my team and I have been able to accomplish with the rebrand. My favourite part of the rebranding process was the creation of Desma – the paper’s mascot. I wanted a recognizable symbol of the paper and a dragon (while being inherently cool on its own) also reflected the more classical style I was going for with the rebranding of the paper. I hope those reading enjoy the paper’s new style as much as I do and future editor-in-chiefs continue to add to it with their own unique perspectives.
Now, coming out with my last issue as editor-in-chief, I am excited for the future of the paper — even if I will not be the one working on it. Journalism is more important than ever as our jobs are threatened by the continued prevalence of artificial intelligence. Student papers like The Cord are uniquely positioned as they have more freedom in what they are able to report on. And, with a diverse student body in a number of different disciplines, there are a lot of talented writers at our disposal.
Even if you are not in an arts program, I encourage you to volunteer for The Cord – even if you feel that the things you discuss in your lectures might not be interesting to those outside your field, there is still a story there. At The Cord, we always do what we can to write stories and share content that reflects the unique student body at Laurier and brings attention to crucial issues. Each person has a unique perspective to share, and we encourage you to share yours with us.
While my time with The Cord is ending, had I not shared my own perspective with the paper, I would be a far lesser person for it.
Speak up — we want to hear from you.
