Two years ago, I joined the Northern Star as a photographer, and looking back, it was truly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life.
Now, as the spring semester of 2025 comes to an end, my time here is slowly drawing to a close.
Looking back on my time here, I had the opportunity to expand my photography skills, capture incredible moments, especially in sports, and take the lead on managing our social media.
I want to thank some former and current staffers who helped me the most along this journey.
Thank you to my first editor, Sean Reed, for giving me the opportunity to join the Star and helping me grow as a photographer. I appreciate your encouragement and support in motivating me to lead the photo section as editor last fall.
A special thanks to my former photo editor, Nyla Owens, for stepping up during my second semester at the Star and for encouraging me to take on a larger role as senior photojournalist, which ultimately led to me becoming photo editor.
I’m grateful to former Editor-in-Chief Olivia Zapf for guiding me in my role as photo editor last fall. Although it was challenging at times, I learned a great deal from the leadership experience.
Also, thank you to the current editor-in-chief, Brynn Krug, for hiring me as social media manager this semester. I’m proud of what we accomplished in growing the Star’s presence on social media.
Looking back on my time here, the most meaningful experience has been witnessing and capturing moments in NIU sports.
Some of the most memorable sports moments I had the chance to photograph include the men’s basketball team’s upset of Kent State, the wrestling team’s MAC West victory over Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2024, and the women’s basketball team’s thrilling double-overtime win against Bowling Green this past season.
However, the most unforgettable moment came on Sept. 7, when our football team achieved the impossible, defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in South Bend, Indiana. Being on the field to photograph and witness that historic victory is, without a doubt, one of the most thrilling moments of my life.
I also want to thank Skyler Kisellus, our senior sports reporter, and Totus Tuus Keely, our senior photojournalist. Working with both of you has been such a memorable experience, from our 13-hour drive to cover NIU football at North Carolina State University last season to seeing the incredible work you’ve both contributed to the Star. I’m excited to see the great things you’ll continue to achieve in the future.
Thank you to everyone I’ve had the pleasure of working with and connecting with the most during my time at the Star, including Sarah Rose, Edison Miller, Lucy Atkinson, Lucas Didier, Ethan Gonzales, Devin Oommen, Emily Beebe, Ethan Rodriguez, Jenny Javkhlantugs, Jonathan Shelby, Kahlil Kambui, Kalin Schaefer, Austin Lamb and Ryan Day.
Finally, thank you to those who advised us, Shelley Hendricks and Maria Krull, for always guiding the Star when we, as student journalists, needed your support and for offering valuable advice on how I can become a better journalist.
Only time will tell what the future holds for me, but I already know I’ll deeply miss this place and the incredible people I’ve had the chance to work with. I believe I gave everything I had for the legacy of the Star – and in doing so, inspired others to give their all too. I look forward to seeing what our team accomplishes in the fall. Go Huskies!
