I’ll start this article just as my bio states on The Northerner website, now forever online, and unchanging after I graduate: I had no intent of going into journalism.
Not once had it crossed my mind.
I was on track to be an artist, purely a visual artist. What I observed around me, I painted and drew, not wrote. So when I stumbled upon a journalism class, imagine my surprise when I fell in love with the process.
My first feature story, in particular, revealed what journalism is to me: an immense act of care.
As I sat on the sunny porch of someone’s house who, merely an hour ago, was a stranger, I learned about a life story. As his eyes lit up when I asked certain questions, or filled with tears when reminiscing on a memory, I understood the impact of journalism.
So, when I say it’s a process of care, it is one for everyone involved: the source who gets to share and be seen (and what a lovely feeling that is), the story that is revealed, enlightening others and then there’s me, who gets to listen, learn and use my creativity.
That is what I have been able to do with The Northerner.
It is almost comical to think of my first meeting at The Northerner nearly two years ago. I was shy and quiet, with hunched shoulders and nervous glances. Today, I walk into our weekly meetings and feel as if I am walking into a family.
So, here I will express my love and appreciation for some of those people who have helped me along the way, even though there are many more beyond this list.
My Dedications
To my advisor, Annie Hammock, who instilled confidence within me since day one. I truly do not think I would be on the path I am today without your encouragement and mentorship. You changed the trajectory of my life, and I am forever grateful to you.
To my previous editors, Emily Sisk and Jillian Kohls, you two welcomed me with open arms, engulfing me in warmth, giving me room to make mistakes and grow, all the while being patient and supportive. You both serve as incredible inspirations to me.
To Henry Crawford, your support this year was paramount. I will never forget my first real breaking news coverage, the infamous plight of the Landrum cats, and I don’t think you will either. I’m pretty sure we trauma-bonded over that. Thank you for your constant guidance and care for the Northerner and its people. I admire your intelligence, wit and empathy every single day.
To Holly Keuper, my former arts and life gal, I missed you every day you weren’t here this semester. There was a hole in our section that just never filled. I hold all our memories close to my heart, from working on stories together to swapping romance book recommendations.
To Jakob Staley, my bestie, your tenacity amazes me; I could never keep up with your work ethic even if I tried. You are going to be an incredible Editor-in-Chief, and I know this because you are an incredible writer and, more importantly, an incredible friend. I will forever cherish our Northerner hangouts, our stories and our (always) silly conversations.
To Erin Senn, I remember our first story together. Paired to cover an art exhibition, but not knowing each other, we immediately clicked within our very first conversation. And now, today, you are one of my best friends whom I could not imagine life without. You are full of talent, beauty and kindness, and I am so excited to see how you spend your last two years at NKU.
To my friends and family, thank you for supporting me these past four years. To Sarah, whom I’ve basically known since the womb: thank you for always making me laugh and being the best best friend anyone could ask for. To Gavin, who was essentially my assistant editor this past school year: thank you for helping me brainstorm, supporting all my art and editorial work and lifting me up in every way. To my lovely sisters, Leah and Cassie, I would not be who I am without you two; I cannot stress enough how much you both mean to me. Lastly, to my mom and dad, I love you very much.
There are so many stories I have had the honor of writing, and so many people I have had the honor of meeting. In my time covering Arts and Life, I’ve had the opportunity to talk to all kinds of artists, from painters to filmmakers to actors. I’ve been pushed out of my comfort zone. I’ve covered things I knew nothing about. I’ve covered things I thought I knew a lot about, and yet there was still more to discover.
What I’ve learned is that everyone, everything has a story. If you approach it all with kindness and an open mind, the learning is endless.
– Ella