One way or another, another summer has ended, and we are back in the routine of the fall semester. This time of year is always full of excitement across campus with new changes, new faces and the promise of a new academic year in front of us. 

One of the most exciting changes for me is that I am beginning my senior year as The Slate’s Editor-in-Chief for the next academic year. As EIC, I want to address our readers directly and lay out my promises of what you can expect from our organization over the coming months. 

In just 70 days, there will be an election for the next President of the United States. As we saw from this summer’s excitement over the possible Harris-Shapiro ticket, Pennsylvania will continue to play a crucial role in the electoral process. 

My staff and I will do what we can to travel across the area and tell stories about how the next president will impact our campus community as the candidates campaign. Of course, we will continue to report on a wide spectrum of events here on campus: the good, bad and the ugly. 

Last year saw a lot of significant news stories, including a water main break in Naugle Hall, a gas leak, a scooter fire in Seavers Hall and subsequent ban, the interim suspension of Theta Xi and an arrested student. 

Those stories are not why my staff and I put in countless hours to get this paper to your hands. Yes, they must be told, but we do not wake up every day waiting for bad news to drop. We are here to gain experience as journalists and report the news, whatever that may be. 

Most importantly, I want to emphasize that the other hats I wear as a Student Ambassador and a Resident Assistant, and the personal relationships I have developed across campus, will not affect the stories published in The Slate. I have been incredibly lucky over the last three years to build relationships with individuals in Marketing, Dining, Housing, Admissions and Campus Life, but the news is the news. 

I will never refuse to publish a story because it may make an office or organization I am involved with look bad. Wearing my Ambassador or ResLife hat does not mean I will throw away my metaphorical Slate hat. 

I care deeply about this university and its continued success. Every time I take a group of prospective students and their families on tour, I highlight all the amazing things SU offers. But loving this institution also means I will challenge those in power and call things out when they do not meet the standards we should be meeting. 

I see my role as an advocate for members of our student body who do not have the name recognition that I may have. I enjoy asking tough questions, and as long as I have The Slate as a platform, I will do just that. 

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