Julia Kelm: We did it, Joe (Ari) — we were the EIC’s of The Lumberjack! I can say with certainty that The Lumberjack has been the best part of my college experience, and the best part of my life for the past 2-years. I often have trouble living in the moment; fear of missing out or not appreciating the present enough is constantly rattling in my brain. Because of this, I end up feeling like I’m floating through life, but I’ve never felt more passionate, creative, and alive since I joined this fuck-ass — affectionate — paper. As I transition into real-life, I hope I never lose this feeling. I love everyone on this editorial team more than words on paper can describe. Signing out, love Julie Kelp.

Ariana Wilson: This semester has been the swiftest kick out of the nest. It seems like just yesterday, I was driving the short nine hour drive South from Washington State to build a life in Humboldt, a place I didn’t even know existed. The Lost Coast is where I found my voice and developed a deeper love for diving, the ocean and conservation. I have always thought of this place as an extension of the Pacific Northwest, and even though I am graduating and moving on, there will always be a piece of me here. I am proud to be a part of The Lumberjack’s legacy and to have met some of the most formative people in my life. To my fellow journalists and friends, I have yet to recognize the fullness of my gratitude for you. 

Jasmin Shirazian: I can’t believe my time at The Lumberjack is actually wrapping up. I have accomplished so much through this paper, from forever friendships to serious career steps. I am forever grateful for the experiences I’ve had on this paper and all I have learned both as a journalist and as an ever-evolving woman. There is no other department at Cal Poly Humboldt that shines a light to the journalism department, and I am honored to be a part of that small but mighty community. I am a Lumberjack. We are The Lumberjack. I’ll miss The Lumberjack. Goodbye from your favorite award-winning, curly-headed, column-writing copy editor. Xoxo, Jasmin. 

Kaylon Coleman: Words can’t serve to show how truly monumental The Lumberjack has been for me. Aside from some much needed career development before embarking into real life, this paper has offered me so much more than I could’ve hoped. To the lifelong friends I’ve made, working from noon to night every week in the newsroom — thank you. To any person who may’ve picked up one of my articles, whether it be Severance, to passion, to washing your hands — thank you. For providing me an outlet to dish out all my experiences, reflections and reviews — thank you LJ. The Lumberjack will forever remain within my heart and mind and I owe all my future journalistic endeavours to this paper. We are The Lumberjack.  

Nick Escalada: For the past three semesters, I’ve had the honor of reporting and editing for one of California’s most acclaimed print publications, as well as the pleasure of sharing a newsroom with some of California’s kindest and funniest 20-something-year-olds. Much has transpired on our little campus in that time, and we were there to cover it all. As I depart from the paper to finish my wildlife degree, I reflect on all journalism has done for me and all I’ve tried to do with it. I only hope to grow in my skills and impact on whatever outlet I write for next.

Noah Pond: For the past five semesters, The Lumberjack has been my pride and joy. I have nothing but love for this publication and I am going to miss it every day. I will miss all of my fellow editors and reporters, and I am so damn grateful I had the pleasure to be a part of LJ. 

Nico Patakidis: What a pleasure it’s been to be the photo editor. Sometimes when I’m falling asleep on Tuesday night, and even Wednesday morning, I see the Photoshop user interface when I close my eyes. “Dodge, burn. Image, image adjustments, curves. Convert to profile, CMYK. Filter, sharpen, unsharp mask. Channels, black plate, image, image adjustments, brightness/contrast…” I whisper to myself, as if counting sheep. I’ve found the perfect candidate to pass the burden honor of photo editor to; someone that I’m confident will do excellent work. Now, I’ll be the Life & Arts section editor, and I couldn’t be more excited to see how our new photo editor ensures that each wonderful story is accompanied by a beautiful photo. 

Luke Shanafelt: It’s been two years at Humboldt; full of trials, tribulation, Jedi mind tricks and fun. I couldn’t ask for a better team to write these silly little newspapers. Goodbye everybody, if you need me I’ll be at the beach, probably chilling or low-key relaxing. 

Ursula Newman: Farewell for now, faithful readers! I’ll be returning next spring for the last time, after a brief baby-birthing hiatus. My love for journalism is rooted in my love for this area and my appreciation for well-researched writing. As a reporter, you can chase new interests, speak to the experts and share the interesting parts. I strongly encourage anyone who’s even a little curious about journalism to give the paper a try, especially students in STEM fields. It’s a great way to explore your studies while getting your work published. Serving as science editor this semester reminded me how valuable and fun it is to have a diverse team with diverse interests. Good luck to my buddies keeping it going! Much love, Ursula.

Eli Farrington: The Lumberjack has been the candle that guided my way through college for the past five semesters, and now the flame has reached the end of the wick. This glorious outlet for everything that our beautiful community showcases has been more than my home away from home. It has given me something to look forward to every Tuesday — even when times were tough, even when I felt like giving up, even when the future looked bleaker than the sands of a vast desert plane. It has given me a group of friends that feels more like a family than anything else has during my long and winding tenure here at Cal Poly Humboldt. Growing up, I was always one of those kids with a lot of passions and interests. I bounced from one hobby to another, and I never really stuck with anything long enough to truly fall in love with it. I sure am glad I stuck with this. Thanks LJ. Love, Eli. 

Barley Lewis-McCabe: I’ve enjoyed my time as the opinion editor very much, but saying I’m excited to take the reins as editor in chief next semester would be a gross understatement. I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the most talented, creative and passionate journalists in the world, and I promise that I’ll keep the tradition going strong, and work with our incoming team of hot blooded news-hounds to bring our paper to a new level! The Lumberjack is a living, breathing, record of our campus and its history — because of that, we aren’t afraid to adapt to the world we inherit. It’s a new day for The Lumberjack. We’re going to do what seems impossible, and become even better!