Dear The Villanovan,
My entire life there have always been two constants that have helped keep me grounded and shape who I am today: writing and listening to music. There are endless songs I associate with the different chapters of my life, from the highs to the lows. Songs like “You’re Gonna Go Far” by Noah Kahan remind me of studying abroad between sophomore and junior year, and “Beautiful Day” by U2 reminds me of driving in the car with my parents as a kid. Yet, there is one distinct song that comes to mind today as I write this article: “For Good” from the Broadway musical Wicked.
There are many reasons this song resonates with me. Of course, “Wicked: For Good” is the movie everyone is talking about right now, but more importantly, this song shares the story of finding friendships in the most unexpected corners of your life.
“I’ve heard it said / that people come into our lives / for a reason / bringing something we must learn.”
These lyrics, sung in the very beginning of the song, encapsulate how I have felt serving on the editorial board of The Villanovan for the past two years. As I entered the office for the first time as a freshman for the news and sports section meetings, I had no clue these walls would become the place on campus where I could be fully myself.
There is a saying that it is the people who make the place. That is what happens at The Villanovan. These editors and staff writers are the people who make Villanova a home. Their smartness and quick wit, mixed with incredible writing skills and passion drive me to be a better version of myself.
“Because I knew you / I have been changed for good.”
These individuals have grown to be more than just my co-editors. They have grown into my best friends. After all, special bonds are built with people when you spend endless hours every Tuesday night with them, working on one common goal.
It would be remiss if I did not give two incredibly special thank yous in this edition to my Editors-in-Chief, Brooke Ackerman and Nicole Liddicoat.
Brooke has been a part of this paper since she literally stepped foot onto this campus. When I first started writing in the sports section my freshman year, she was the editor in the center of the room who assigned me the men’s tennis beat. However, over this past year of working with Brooke and getting to know her more on a personal level, I can say I am leaving this editorial staff with one of the most genuine and thoughtful friends I have ever had the opportunity to know. There are few people who you can trust to always be truthful with you and that will help grow you into a better version of yourself. Brooke is that kind of friend, the type of friend everyone deserves, and I am lucky to have her, herself, as mine.
Nicole and I stepped into editorial roles at the same time, serving as two of the co-news editors in 2024. Having never really known each other prior to this experience, Nicole showed every week why she was the perfect fit for this role. Not only is she incredibly smart and detail-oriented, she is passionate about her work and her relationships with everyone in the room. Nicole is the type of person who makes it worth it to wake up at 6 a.m. to go for a walk off campus, the type of friend who always knows the right thing to say and creates a friendship you know is special. I mean, I could not have asked for a better News One to my News Two.
I think I speak for more than just myself when I say how lucky this staff has been to work under you two and to witness the love and dedication you put both into this paper and into cultivating a special bond with every editor that walks through the door.
Two years ago I walked into The Villanovan’s office in the basement of Corr Hall as a section editor for the first time. Hands slightly shaky, I did not know what to expect. As I prepare to walk out these doors for the last time as an editor I can say that I have been changed, for good, by the editors I have shared these walls with for the past four semesters.
With love always,
Lauren
