With the end of each semester there comes time to reflect on all that has been accomplished — papers are submitted, projects are presented, stories make it in before final deadlines. What also comes with the end of a semester is bittersweet goodbyes, and this semester The Eagle’s staff is saying goodbye to numerous extremely talented staff members.
Our 2024-2025 editor-in-chief Abby Turner, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, bid her farewell to The Eagle in our April print edition. She highlighted the special learning environment that The Eagle creates on campus, which she both felt and observed.
“There are few places on college campuses where students have the unique opportunity to teach and mentor each other,” Turner said. “In no other place have I seen the time, care and dedication Eagle staffers take to empower and hold each other up.”
For the rest of the paper’s graduating class, they reflected on their time at American University and as a part of our student news community. Packing into McKinley 305 for editorial board meetings, scrambling to respond to breaking news and passing out print editions are all highlights — but what many of our seniors note is that it’s the people that make this paper remarkable.
While the absence of each of their immense contributions to The Eagle will be acutely felt, we couldn’t be more excited to see where they go next. Congratulations to our graduating Eaglets!
Aaron Russell, Assistant Operations Editor, Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science and American Studies
I have enjoyed being on the social media team for The Eagle during my time at AU. I have loved getting to know so many amazing people and I am incredibly grateful for the awesome social media team that works so hard to get these stories out to the AU community.
Ava Agostinelli, News Staff Writer, Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics & Government
Being a news staff writer for the past three years has not only been monumental in shaping my writing skills, but also my ability to connect with others and experience a perspective different from my own. My favorite part about writing for The Eagle has always been meeting new people and highlighting their story, whether they are a small business owner, professor, artist, or student. Two stories I hold close to my heart are my interviews with Tracy Weitz, College of Arts and Sciences professor and expert in abortion, and Chris Girardot, owner of RavenHook Bakehouse. They are just two examples of many people who have taught me something new and touched me with their life lessons, all while being able to do what I love — writing. I’m grateful for the trust The Eagle has put in me to amplify the voices of these important figures in our community. I’m proud to have been part of this hardworking group and have confidence that this experience has prepared me well for the next step in my life. Thank you to everyone who helped me along the way!
Ella Rousseau, Assistant Copy Editor, Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
The practical education The Eagle gave me these last three years has sometimes gone beyond what I’ve learned in my journalism classes; that’s not at all a knock to the incredible AU journalism curriculum, but rather a compliment to the opportunities The Eagle provides.
The first article I ever wrote was actually for The Eagle during my first week as a news staff reporter — it was about a new metro bill in the D.C. legislature. I remember feeling like a fish out of water as soon as I picked up the pitch. I knew next to nothing about D.C. transportation, policy, interviewing or journalistic writing. I found out, though, that the beautiful thing about journalism is that your job is to learn. From then on, I began to soak up new information like a sponge and wax on about topics I never imagined I could confidently talk about, from gun violence prevention to religion to harm reduction. I began to lose the fear of not knowing things and instead became excited to dive into new topics.
This journey continued when, as a community health beat reporter my junior year, I got to apply my passion for (and my studies in) public health to my role at The Eagle and talk to people working on the ground to improve population-level health in the District. Now as an assistant copy editor, I take joy every day in helping my fellow Eaglets make their writing stronger while protecting and preserving the high caliber of consistency and accuracy The Eagle is known for.
I’m so grateful for my time at The Eagle, and I look forward to reading it post-grad as I stay in touch with the goings-on of my alma mater. Thanks to the entire staff for an unforgettable three years!
Emilia Rodriguez, El Águila Copy Editor, Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
Joining The Eagle as a copy editor during my sophomore year was one of the most unexpected but fulfilling parts of my college experience. I didn’t come in with any journalism experience — I wasn’t even sure what AP style was — but I stayed because I found a space where words mattered, and where every story, no matter how small, deserved clarity and care.
One of the things I’ve loved most is editing in Spanish. It gave me a way to connect more deeply to my culture and to share that part of myself with others in a meaningful way. Getting to use my language in a journalistic setting made the work feel personal, and it reminded me that language is not just about grammar — it’s about identity and community.
While I don’t have a favorite article I’ve edited, I’ve always loved being part of preparing print issues. There’s something so special about seeing all the pieces come together — the long nights, last-minute edits and the quiet pride of holding the finished paper in your hands. Those memories — of late production nights, collective deadlines and tiny victories in red ink — will stay with me.
Thank you to everyone at The Eagle for creating a space where precision, voice and collaboration thrive. It’s been an honor to be part of this newsroom.
Hannah Langenfeld, Assistant Copy Editor, Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
When I joined The Eagle’s staff in May 2021, I could not have predicted the fun, passionate commitment and growth that awaited me. I jumped across three sections (Life, News and Copy) which granted me the privilege of writing and reading about fascinating people on our campus and beyond. I grew my confidence as a reporter and person, and met one of my best friends today, Maria Tedesco. What I thought was just a club turned into the most rewarding job ever, and a formative, unforgettable aspect of my undergraduate experience.
From taking short power naps in the student media lounge to adding a goofy or outrageous quote on the whiteboard (if you know, you know) to bonding during “Staff Jeopardy,” The Eagle holds a very special place in my heart. Numerous people who are and were on staff positively shaped who I am as a journalist, and that is a gift I cherish. Thank you to my first journalism mentor and 2021-22 editor-in-chief, Clare Mulroy, who welcomed me with open arms, Olivia Kozlevcar who reminded me to laugh and was gracious about my work during that first year, Sara Winick for her confidence and grounding me whenever I would overthink, Connor Sturniolo for teaching me about sports copy rules and Soumya Sahay for showing me what executing fresh and creative pitches and stories looks like.
Student journalists, including those at The Eagle, are doing strong, necessary work for local news as the zone is flooded. Building trust with various communities by showing up and listening, and upholding values of diversity and inclusion in the newsroom is critical, and I am excited to watch how all Eaglets will keep building this newspaper into the strongest and best it can be.
Izzy Fantini, Managing Editor of Multimedia, Bachelor of Arts in Justice & Law and Psychology
The biggest thing I have learned while on staff at The Eagle, was the importance of stepping outside of my comfort zone. This paper brought me my best friends, the confidence to apply for things even when I don’t think I’ll get the job, and more than enough experience mediating between my peers. With the help of people like Carly Johnson to help me be more confident in my work, and Gavin O’Malley to show me how that confidence can be passed on to the staff I’m so lucky to have led for so long, I couldn’t be more proud of the work The Eagle — and the Multimedia section — is doing and will continue to do. From working on photo essays with the incredible Taraji Ellington, to being trapped in an office doing print mockups with a total of five incredibly talented editors-in-chief, I wouldn’t trade a single day I’ve had one this paper for the world — except for maybe the day I got pepper sprayed by Capitol Police.
Josh Shevlin, Sports Staff Writer, Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
While I started out on The Eagle in my sophomore year, I didn’t really get involved with it until the first semester of my junior year. I remember applying for The Eagle and worrying about whether or not I was up to the task. Being on The Eagle surrounded by many talented journalists made me a better journalist. Joining The Eagle was one of the best decisions I made when coming to AU, and it helped me become a better writer, speaker and reporter. The interview skills I learned from The Eagle helped me in my pursuits not only for journalism, but also living abroad and working a job in a foreign country. I remember when I first joined and struggled with different tasks, but I slowly improved over time and utilized the skills I learned for other endeavors in life.
I would love to thank Jordan Young, Penelope Jennings and Zoe Bell for helping me thrive and grow as a writer on The Eagle. Although Jordan and Zoe have already graduated from AU, they gave me the push that I needed at a time when I needed it. I will never forget your generosity to me and will take the lessons you all taught me as I continue in my career. The work that Penelope and the rest of the others do on the Sports section is fantastic, and I enjoyed covering the events I did. I will always continue to read and support you all, as I know good things are coming in the future.
Luna Jinks, Managing Editor of Copy, Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
The Eagle swept into my life all at once. I applied for an assistant copy editor position on a whim, knowing I wanted to be more involved in journalism at AU but not knowing how. Two and a half years later, it has given me some of my most memorable college experiences. I’ve edited more than 1000 articles in my time here and each semester has come with its own set of lessons to learn and take in.
First, I want to thank every member of the Copy team throughout my time at The Eagle, I am so proud of all we’ve accomplished. Copy has only been a part of the paper for a few years and we have made it indispensable. I’d also like to thank my rocks throughout my time as managing editor, Isabelle Kravis, Charlie Mennuti and Olivia Citarella, I couldn’t have done it without you. Thanks for always being around for a late night edit or a nitpicking question. Sabine Kanter-Huchting, you’ve been a light ever since you joined The Eagle and I can’t wait to see all you’ll accomplish.
My editors-in-chief: Abigail Pritchard, Abby Turner and Walker Whalen, you’ve absolutely made this experience for me. Your support and collaboration has meant everything. The Eagle has also brought me some of my dearest and most talented friends. Tyler Davis and Gabrielle McNamee, I can’t imagine life without you. Being a part of this wonderful group has been a thrill and an honor, and I cannot wait to watch all the amazing work to come. I’ve found it impossible to write this and summarize my years here. If you’re reading this and you haven’t already, join The Eagle. You won’t regret it.
Mackenzie Konjoyan, Local News Reporter, Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Bachelor of Arts in Literature
It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to a publication and a people that I have learned so much from over the past four years. Thank you to each one on The Eagle staff who supported me through each obstacle and challenged me to write even better work. I am amazed by the talent of this team and can’t wait to see what you come up with next. Thank you to the readers who passionately support student journalism and give us the opportunity to do what we love to do. I give credit to The Eagle for planting the seed of my passion for journalism and nurturing its growth throughout the many stages of its development. Shout out to the News team who has shown me what it looks to share the truth confidently and courageously. To those continuing on The Eagle, your voices matter and the stories you are creating need to be told. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. As I move onto the next, I will always carry with me the memories and lessons I have learned crammed in the media office room. Over and out!
Maria Tedesco, Food, Wellness and Style Editor, Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
“Hello, what are we supposed to be doing?” I said as I joined a news shift on Zoom. I joined The Eagle as a second-semester freshman, while meetings were still on Zoom — I did not have a clue what a news shift even was.
Flash forward to my senior year, I had become a section editor, wrote countless articles, including two pieces for print and was featured in Multimedia. Some of my favorites, or the most fun, were covering D.C. Fashion Week, art at the AU Archives and film screeners. Through this, I developed my passion for reporting and meeting people where they are. Speaking of fun, leave it to me to throw in a punchy headline or lede, such as “It was a dark and stormy night,” or take a “Trek through Czech.”
But The Eagle was never just about journalism. I made my closest friends here. I will cherish the memories I made in the office, such as realizing I had the same exact Spotify as Sara Winick, to freaking out about a biology assignment that slipped my mind. Even debating who would be announced as the next sexiest man alive — you just had to be there.
To my bestie and roommate, Hannah Langenfeld, thank you for always taking my complaints about being on deadline. You’re never getting rid of me. To the entire Life section, you all make me so proud. I cannot wait to see everything you accomplish. Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing now (kind of).
Maya Cederlund, DEI and Community Engagement Editor, Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
When I joined The Eagle my freshman year as Life section contributing writer, I never thought I’d be (this sounds so cliché, sorry) 2024-2025 academic year DEI and Community Engagement Editor. The Eagle has taught me a lot about myself but, more importantly, what it means to be a journalist. Working for The Eagle has reaffirmed my notion that there is no greater public service than quality, accessible journalism. I’ve had the privilege to cover the George Washington University Gaza solidarity encampment and a vigil that honored the majority Asian and Latino victims of a mass shooting and called out the administration’s deafening silence.
It was also through The Eagle that the amazing Sydney Hsu and I would finally publish our two-year Title IX investigation, a project that has solidified my desire to become a full-time investigative journalist. Writing for The Eagle nurtured my passion for amplifying the voices of historically marginalized communities, impactful storytelling and building community. More importantly, it also solidified the importance of advancing representation in the newsroom, something I have constantly advocated for as the academic year’s DEI Editor.
As I wrote in an Eagle newsletter: “I’m a staunch advocate that newsrooms should be representative of the communities that they cover. … We, as journalists, need to hold ourselves accountable and acknowledge that our work and reporting have perpetuated and exacerbated the very systemic inequalities we seek to shed light on and combat.” The Eagle, like any newsroom, has much to improve upon but is taking significant steps in the right direction. I am immeasurably grateful to The Eagle for all it has given me personally and professionally, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without it and its people –– shoutout to Abby Turner, Sydney Hsu, Owen Auston-Babcock and Penelope Jennings!
Sarai Batallas, Managing Editor of El Águila, Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Literature
I was one week into my freshman year when I decided to apply for The Eagle as a copy editor. As I was scrolling through the open positions, I saw a position open for copy editor for El Águila, The Eagle’s Spanish section. Now, being in college was already turning out to be a slew of “out-of-my-comfort-zone” experiences, and I decided to challenge myself by applying to this position. Thus, September 29, 2022 marked the beginning of what would become the most important aspect of my collegiate experience. I spent 2 years as copy editor of El Águila, working with Managing Editors Dani Jimenez and Aline Behar Kado, and Translation Editor Abigail Hatting. During that time, I learned everything you needed to know about AP Style writing (Isabelle Kravis, you have engrained it in my mind forever), and built rapport with the writers and translators who would pass through our section. When El Águila faced some difficult times, I watched as the staff came together to keep the section alive through translation, everyone with even a little bit of Spanish knowledge pitching in. At the end of the Spring 2024 semester, I had the privilege of working with Abigail and one of my future staffers, Maxwell Brothers, to compile weeks’ worth of coverage of the DMV school encampments into a roughly 4500-word article and the biggest one of my career thus far.
Shortly after this experience, I took over as managing editor for the past scholastic year. Propelled by the mission and unique role that El Águila has on our campus as the only media organization that focuses on Spanish journalism at AU, it became my mission to grow our section and establish a concrete and consistent system that would bring stability and further exposure to our community. While the work was intense at times, our incredible staff made every minute worth it. Thomas, Elba, Marina, Carlos, Diana, Max: you have fulfilled everything and more with your writing. Sophia and Emilia: your editing is the true cornerstone of our paper and I couldn’t be more grateful. The 8 of you will live in my heart forever and I can’t wait to proudly watch you succeed.
As I get ready to say goodbye to this position, I am filled with contentment. It has been the privilege of my life to grow alongside our section, and I cannot wait to see where this paper goes next.
¡Hasta la proxima, El Águila!
Sophia Rocha, El Águila Copy Editor, Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
The Eagle has been the most constant part of my life for the past four years. I started on staff the summer before my freshman year and have held a variety of positions, and ended up on the El Águila team for the last year.
I could not have asked for a better experience. Everyone at The Eagle made me feel at home, whether they knew me and were on the same team or if we just happened to have a news shift together.
This is hands down the most impressive group of people I have ever met, and will always sing their praises. Since I am not a journalism student I was worried about my capabilities of fitting in with other members, but they never once looked at me any differently.
I would like to specifically shout out the El Águila editing team — Sarai Batallas our ME and Emilia Rodriguez my fellow copy editor — for making this year special. We have worked hard to revive the El Águila section and give it a new life, and I am so proud of what we were able to accomplish. From hiring a whole new writing staff to doing research on Spanish AP style and revamping the style guide, I am happy to say that we are leaving behind a strong foundation for the future of El Águila.
Soumya Sahay, Investigative Reporter, Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and International Studies
My last three years as a writer for The Eagle have taken me around the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area, allowed me to chat with many unique sources and introduced me to some wonderful friends in the Journalism community, giving me some irreplaceable memories in the process. I remember one of my first stories I wrote for The Eagle — covering an event at the National Arboretum — and how nervous I was to talk to the attendees, feeling unqualified and intimidated. What brought me confidence was my fellow Life staff members at the time, who shared their personal experiences with sources and encouraged me to take risks with my reporting. The Eagle honestly has such a supportive staff with students who are powerfully creative and wildly inspiring.
I love an adventure, and the projects I’ve worked on while on staff have certainly taken me on a few. I’ve spoken with AU administrators, local restaurant owners, federal employees, batboys and aca-mazing singers — the list goes on. With each interaction, I have felt a bit closer to the city, and to AU. I am incredibly grateful to The Eagle for the memories and friends I have made, and for the stories I have been lucky to be a small part of.
Sydney Hsu, News Staff Writer, Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Literature
When I think back about my time on The Eagle years from now, I won’t remember trying (and failing) to find sources or reading through hundreds of articles relating to Title IX, but instead, I’ll remember sitting in news shift and finding out the Julius Caesar was indeed a real person (true story).
I first joined The Eagle in my sophomore year at AU. I applied to be a copy editor with the intention of making friends and learning about how a newspaper functions. And while I’m still not sure how papers stay afloat (one part duct tape, the other magic), I did meet colleagues that I would later grow to love as friends.
My experience at The Eagle wouldn’t have been what it was without Penelope Jennings or Kathryn Squyres teasing me for carrying around a glue stick wherever I go (something that comes in handy quite often I’ll have you know). Nor would it have been even remotely as fun without Jordan Young, who was always ready to walk home together and chat about articles we were working on (as well as life, apartment hunting and people we had crushes on). Couch Potatoes, a podcast about quirky TV, was born from weekly chats Sara Winick and I had before the Life section’s pitch.
This was what made The Eagle. Not the awards, but the people who made it a community.
Taraji Ellington, Assistant Online Editor, Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
This will be the closest thing I have to my first and last byline during my time at The Eagle. This is my ninth semester on staff, counting my time abroad when I consistently stalked The Eagle’s social media presence as I traveled throughout East Africa. Like a few other seniors, I joined The Eagle the summer before freshman year; but unlike some, I didn’t join because I dreamed of one day working for The New York Times or The Washington Post. I joined because I had been on my high school newspaper — and even then, only because my friends were part of it. I figured it would be a good way to branch out a little more in college.
At one point, I wanted to be an art teacher but ended up changing my mind, and since there was no way I was going to be writing, graphics felt like the best fit. Because the Multimedia team seemed like it required too much expertise, I joined the Online team instead — and honestly, I’m so glad I did. Over the past four and a half years, I’ve made more than 200 graphics: some sad, some happy. Through The Eagle, and with the help of Izzy Fantini, I found my way back to art and design in a way I didn’t know I needed.
I’ll miss the countless hours spent crafting the perfect graphics, and I’ll always be grateful that the legacy I’m leaving can be seen with a quick Google search. Even though my time at The Eagle is ending, the memories and friendships I’ve made will stay with me — including my roommate.
It’s hard to say goodbye, but it’s a lot easier knowing the Online team is in such good hands. Thank you, Manuela Gonzalez, Aaron Russell, Gabe Michelangelo, Max Borgenicht, Wallace Lau and Ridha Ratyani, for making my last semester so special. I couldn’t have asked for a better team — or a better ending — to my time at The Eagle.
Tyler Davis, Managing Editor of News, Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
I say this with absolutely no hyperbole — thank God for The Eagle. My time at the silly little college paper has undeniably shaped my college career. My best friends and memories have come from the long hours spent trapped in the office, debating every single thing we published from images to word choice. Thank you to Abby Turner and Luna Jinks, who were always willing to answer the same questions over and over again. Thank you Gabrielle McNamee, for being incredible at everything you do — including being my friend. Thank you Walker Whalen, for knowing what I’m thinking before I think to think it. Thank you to the Multimedia and Copy staff for making our stories the best they can be. Thank you to the News staffers, for letting me be your News ME. This paper is one of my great achievements. #nomoreeagling
This piece was edited by Walker Whalen. Copy editing done by Luna Jinks.
