Ever since I was a sophomore at the College of Media, I wondered if journalism would be a career I wanted to pursue. 

It was a thought — nothing more. 

One random night, one of my friends picked up a newspaper in her building’s lobby and said, “I need something to put on my coffee table, and I love the smell of newspaper.” I laughed at her, not realizing that in just a few months I would become a news reporter, then a news editor a couple of months later, and, funnily enough, an editor-in-chief exactly one year after joining.

I have had the privilege to gain so many experiences and knowledge that I couldn’t have learned in any class or YouTube tutorial. 

As a reporter, I was able to cover campus news, breaking stories and anything worth talking about in the greater community. It was exhilarating. I finally felt like I was doing something important. 

When I was given the opportunity to be news editor, I knew that I had to uphold the long line of editors who allowed this news source to hold the name it has today. I dug deeper, pushed boundaries and challenged myself and the news reporting staff. 

Fast forward two months, and I rose to the position of editor-in-chief. I was determined to broaden our coverage, develop our overall visual appearance and get people talking about The DI once again. 

With the amazing editorial and executive team that helped me along the way, this was all possible. 

I would like to say thank you to my editorial team. You have reached new heights in all aspects of journalism and continue to persevere and create content. Thank you to my executive team who took all of my crazy ideas and helped me make them a reality. Thank you to the entire staff for coming in with new ideas and bringing them to life. 

Finally, thank you to all of the fantastic people that I have met along the way. I have made the greatest friends who have helped me grow as a journalist, leader and person. The memories I have made here will stay with me forever. 

As I look at the team coming in to continue our 153-year-old legacy, I am excited to see what changes they will make to better the paper and how they will continue to bring the community the news they deserve. 

Even though my tenure ending saddens me, I will never forget this chapter of my life. 

Sincerely, 

Your editor-in-chief

Lika Lezhava, 2023-24

[email protected]

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