By: Ellie Simmers | Editor-in-Chief
As I stepped back onto the Dell after a long, cold winter break, I knew that my first article out as the new Editor-in-Chief of The Critograph had to set the tone for what I hope the paper will be this semester.
Every time I have sat down to write, I have been too distracted by the world around me to find the right words to convey the swirl of emotions we are all navigating at the moment.
I have been thinking a lot about the importance of words in our world right now.
Even as a child, my words have gotten me in trouble. I never knew when to bite my tongue or think before speaking the first thing that came to my mind.
My words have gotten me in trouble as an adult as well. Even in the newsroom, pieces I have written have angered or rubbed some people the wrong way.
While that is never my intention, I understand how important and powerful all of our words can be.
Our world feels like it’s spiraling right now.
From the ongoing atrocities happening in Gaza, to the over 3,000 US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers occupying Minnesota after the murder of Renee Nicole Good, to the protests in Iran, to the United States’ interference in Venezuela, and the chaos and destruction of the Trump administration.
This semester, the staff at The Critograph will not only cover campus and local events, but many of us will also share our opinions and thoughts on what is happening in the world.
You may not agree with everything we publish, and that is ok. We would love to hear your feedback.
If you feel as if your opinion or voice isn’t being shared, I encourage you to write an opinion piece and send it to us at critograph@lynchburg.edu.
This is not just my paper. This is your Critograph, all of ours as Lynchburg Hornets.
As I’ve learned in recent years, your words and voice are powerful and priceless.
It can be intimidating to use your voice, especially right now, but The Critograph is and will always be a space for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and those who love the University of Lynchburg to feel safe to speak up and speak out.
