Eshna Das | St. John's School | NSPA Writer of the Year Submission

Only a select few carry the responsibility of broadcasting closed stories to the world. This year, recognizing that responsibility, I made it my mission to highlight the passion and purpose behind every story published in the newspaper. 

To complete my goal, I needed to both guide other students to excel as writers and also amplify as many voices as I could by myself. Thus, I learned a lot about the importance of observing. Almost every conversation I had and every circumstance I was in, I was also thinking about the significance of the moment and how I could convert it into an article. 

From simply looking at the newest water bottles students held in their hands to contemplating the impacts of elitism within the school, I held the mindset that almost every moment had a story worth encapsulating. 

As one of three Online Editor-in-Chiefs for my school newspaper, The Review, I used my observations to facilitate the production of over 100 articles and helped the newspaper achieve the accolade of Distinguished Site. Oftentimes, I would sit with each writer for almost an hour to ensure that they felt comfortable with the process, also allowing myself to connect with the staff. I even developed a complex spreadsheet split into months that organized articles by color-coded categories and status in order to optimize our efficiency and quality.

On top of serving as an active Online EIC, I was also dedicated and passionate about writing for the print newspaper. Specifically, I wanted to make sure my articles had both an impact and true depth. 

The first article I wrote this year covered the use of ZYN by students on campus. Instead of straying away from the topic, I wanted to amplify the student body’s understanding of ZYN usage and emphasize both stories and implications. Another piece that reflected both my dedication and passion was about incarceration, articulating the flaws of the death penalty system. 

I also deeply valued writing stories about specific individuals rather than broad narratives and trends — amplifying the stories of students and faculty who were not often in the spotlight. For example, I wrote a long-form article about a student who won a nationally recognized accolade after beating cancer and returning to play basketball. By shining a light on this student, I could showcase a story of perseverance and dedication that could inspire many others.

I worked tirelessly this year and ultimately wrote two center spreads this year, seven additional print articles, and 4 pieces for online. By staying active both as a writer and an editor, I showed my passion and dedication towards making a difference in the publication room. 

Next year, I will serve as a Print EIC where I will continue writing and editing for others. I will continue my mission of making a profound impact on both the writers and the readers. It never has been (and likely never will be) easy, but I will always be here trying my best.