From the Editor’s Desk: An Open Letter to the FDU Community

By MAYA PAGE

Editor-in-Chief

If I have learned one great thing so far in my life, it is that change is inevitable. Fighting that only hinders growth. It takes courage to walk out of a comfort zone into the unknown and embrace a new beginning.

As my senior year is quickly coming to an end and I am staring into the abyss of my future, the last thing I pictured was taking on the role of Editor-in-Chief of The Equinox.

Due to unexpected circumstances, our editorial board was forced to make changes halfway through the 2018-2019 school year. A few significant members of our staff have either graduated or due to unforeseen medical reasons, are not presently working on The Equinox.

Together, with our advisor Professor Mo Krochmal, The Equinox made the decision to appoint me as the new Editor-in-Chief and Cassandra Gilbert as the Managing Editor. Honestly, it was not an easy choice for me to take.

For four years, I sat in The Equinox newsroom, learning from the exceptional editors that have held this position before me. I watched as they tackled tough decisions and made difficult calls. I witnessed The Equinox go through ups and downs, win many awards, and publish inspiring stories.

I will never forget the anxious feeling in my stomach when submitting my first few stories to my editors. At the time, that was my biggest fear. Now, the thought of being on the other side of the newsroom, standing up talking to the staff, instead of sitting in my corner, is my biggest fear. However, if I let fear run my life, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I would be nowhere.

I have taken on this leadership responsibility because I believe in what The Equinox stands for. Especially in today’s society, where journalism is increasingly threatened and the act of free speech is being treated like a gift. I believe that the FDU community benefits from being this bridge of communication between students, staff, and administrators. What we do is important, not only for the campus, but for our staff, both current and in the future.

Seeing my name published in the newspaper for the first time made me feel important and gave me a sense of belonging. Our staff is skilled in so many different and unique areas, and without The Equinox they would have no outlet to express their passions. We have talented graphic designers, cartoonists, photographers, reporters and writers who are gaining real-life experience vital for their future careers.

I know there will be challenges this semester, but I am determined to continue creating a space where all are welcome to voice their opinions, and to give a voice to those who don’t have one.

To our current staff, thank you for working tirelessly to create content that matters. To all FDU students, The Equinox is here to listen to you and we encourage anyone interested to reach out to us and to get involved.

I am asking the FDU community to please support The Equinox and its endeavors.

Photograph by Cindy Kim