Thanks for Leading Us Through

By SUZANNE VALENZA

This group of JerEcho graduates had to learn remotely, wear masks, sit behind shields, and stay distanced from each other. Yet through all of this, these 11 remarkable young people still managed to produce their own reports, edit those of their peers, work as a team, and lead us through this difficult pandemic. I present to you the New Media Communications Class of 2021.

Jonah Elkowitz is proud of how he “took his reporting beyond the boundaries of Jericho” with his reports on Cuba. Jonah’s photography skills have left an indelible mark on the JerEcho which will be difficult to emulate. Jonah is thrilled to attend Northwestern this fall because of its many programs, resources and journalism residency, and its focus on  multimedia journalism, which will allow him to utilize his photography skills. He advises future New Media students to report on things that interest them, and “make connections with unique individuals who can bring something to your reporting.” 

Jonah, make sure you always use your keen eye to see the truth and beauty around us, and share your stories with the world. 

Alexia Kadota-Browner brought her power and leadership to New Media, and, thankfully, we will never be the same. From designing our Athlete of the Week profile reports, to videos of student demonstrations for the environment, to establishing a collaboration with the music honor society so we could have original scores for our multi media reports, Alexia has impacted our organization in ways for which I will remain truly grateful. She is a stellar reporter who will go on to shake things up at Northwestern University. I cannot wait to read/view/listen to her future reports. Alexia advises younger students to “try everything until you find what you like.” She encourages them to find mentors in older students and classmates. We have all learned so much from our mentor Alexia about reporting, fitness, leadership, and being a person of integrity. 

Go show Medill how it’s done, Alexia. I cannot wait to vote for you someday!

Most people know Lindsey Komson as our resident Mets fanatic, but we in New Media know her as our kind, helpful editor who made the rest of us look good while she worked tirelessly in the background. Lindsey always came to class with her positivity and eagerness. She never hesitated to call “circle time,” and it was always when we truly needed it. Thank you, Lindsey, for improving our sports section and our sense of family. Quinnipiac is lucky to have you next year, and I hope you take advantage of all the media organizations they offer. Lindsey’s advice for younger New Media students is to “make the most of every moment in the class.” She warns that the years go by so fast, so “laugh with your friends and enjoy it.”

Lindsey, go battle sexism in professional sports! I can’t wait to see your name on the Mets’ organization list.

For 4 years, Lindsay Landsberg has been a model of excellent journalism and editorial leadership. She has won awards for her reporting and transformed our website’s look and function as our webmaster last year. We will miss her steady writing skills and her consistent positivity. At Duke, Lindsay plans to study neuroscience and public policy, and knows she will find organizations to volunteer for in the fields of community service, research, and media. Lindsay wants younger New Media students to know that everything happens for a reason, so “don’t let school stress you out too much.” She reminds them that New Media allows for many opportunities, and not to shy away from controversial pieces. Lindsay wants the younger reporters to “always be curious about the world.”

Look out, Duke! Another Landsberg is on her way to make Durham a better place. I can’t wait to watch them all wonder at your abilities, Lindsay.

Charlotte Leigh’s untiring and selfless positive energy will be sorely missed in our New Media Class. Rarely does one individual influence the spirit of an entire group. Charlotte is that unique person. From family trees, to Arbor Day cards, to pilgrim costumes, to uniting us around our seniors’ college commitments, Charlotte has been like our godmother. She takes care of us and keeps us happy. The University of Georgia has no idea what they are in for when the girl from Jericho arrives in Athens. They might think they have spirit now, but just wait. The younger members of New Media can learn much about self expression from Charlotte, and she hopes that they know “it’s OK to scream about your problems” because they will get a positive response from their New Media classmates. 

Charlotte, I look forward to seeing your name on the screen when you realize your dream of working in television!

Aaron Marasia has been a solid core of New Media for 4 years. He provides balance to our coverage and important perspectives to our conversations. His sense of humor and ability to laugh at himself has been so greatly appreciated by us all. His sports writing has been an integral part of that section, and as an editor and leader, he has made the JerEcho a more credible publication. Tulane University is lucky to have Aaron joining them next year. He will bring his “work hard, play hard” attitude to the college which will match perfectly with theirs. Aaron encourages younger New Media students to write about what you enjoy because “it will make you love the class and love writing for the JerEcho.”  We will miss Aaron’s consistent, steady leadership next year, but we know how successful he will be down in New Orleans.

Aaron, go make all your success look easy in the Big Easy!

Julia Penchuk is very excited to “start the next chapter of her life in a new and exciting place” and we wish her all the best in North Carolina next fall. We will be lost without Julia’s almost daily care of the JerEcho via her renowned Instagram posts. Julia hopes that the next social media coordinator will grow our social media presence even more. She advises younger members to appreciate the lessons they’ll learn in New Media about how to succeed in college and the real world. Julia plans to major in elementary education, but is still considering careers in communications and design. She intends to join the newspaper club at Elon University and use all her skills to succeed there.

Julia, take that infectious smile with you wherever you go, and keep making connections and building community!

Tyler Siegmann will miss the sense of community in New Media and how comfortable she feels around her classmates. She appreciates how she can speak her mind in our class without feeling judged. Tyler advises younger members to keep writing and get published because it is “the best feeling ever.” In college, Tyler plans to put her writing and editing skills to good use, and, after graduating from Cornell, she plans to work in public relations for a sports team or fashion company. We will miss Tyler’s editing abilities and her willingness to help out in a variety of capacities.

Go enjoy those hockey games and the Ithaca farmers’ market, Tyler. We know Cornell is going to be a better place when you get there!

As our Editor-in-Chief, Lily Wachtel led us through the pandemic with positive energy and productivity. We will sorely miss her just as she will miss the feeling of home this class provided her and the “safe space” to share issues, news, fun information and new ideas. Lily recommends that younger students take advantage of what New Media has to offer, and even “the annoying little assignments because they too have value.” She wants those who come after her to never be afraid to be honest and express concerns since mental health is so important and New Media’s atmosphere is free of judgment. The University of Michigan is lucky to have Lily joining their ranks, and she looks forward to meeting so many new people from different backgrounds. Lily feels UM is the perfect place for her to pursue her interests as she explores a career in sales. 

Thank you for your commitment to the JerEcho, Lily. Enjoy every moment at UM with your bright smile and good cheer!

Jenna Wiseltier is taking her outgoing spirit to Evanston, Illinois next year where she will attend Northwestern University. She is excited to experience some of that Big Ten school spirit and to take classes she is interested in. Jenna will miss our discussions, the questions of the day, and the community provided in New Media. She advises younger students to “pay attention to the basic rules of reporting” so that when they become editors, knowing these fundamentals will make the job easier. Music is Jenna’s legacy–she leaves us a library of tunes we can use for our videos and podcasts and a new music production program that is part of the New Media experience.

Jenna, thank you for your positive energy that fueled our class. I can’t wait to see your name listed as “Executive Producer” one day.

Michelle Wu will attend Bucknell University this fall and is looking forward to joining a college with school pride that “will push her beyond her limits.” She hopes to explore business management in the fields of music or fashion.  Michelle appreciates a sense of community, and that is why she likes New Media. She encourages new members to “enjoy the support system you build in class” and hopes that all members take time to get to know everyone. Michelle learned the importance of asking questions and supporting her peers in order for everyone to improve. 

Enjoy college life, Michelle, and make sure you pursue all your dreams.