Dear readers,

Class of 2026… We did it!

As May’s doting weather and perfumed flowers lull us into the promise of summer, I try to turn my tears to crystals that will decorate my legacy at The Plant. I knew I’d cry when I’d have to greet “Goodbye.” In my heart, I will forever hold 35 crystals for each member of the team that became my anchor. 

When hard nights of work kept me up until the moon came down, it was the dedication, talent, and perseverance of those surrounding me. What I would have done without my happy band of creators, I’m not quite sure.

At 19 years old, I stand taller and more loved than I ever thought I would be. I raise my glass to your next Executive team—Orion, Chloe, Elsie, and Martin—and the miracles they will bring to The Plant.

Thank you Dawson for having me.

Thank you The Plant for making me.

Thank you Jackie, my partner in crime and the Good Cop to my Bad Cop, for shining your light on me.

This is not the end of the story,

With all my undying love,
Minola

Reader, 
September 2024. 17. Anxious. Aimless. 
Regretting my program choice constantly. 

Then, at the Fall clubs fair, I discovered it. The Plant. I consumed every issue hungrily. Desperate to be a part of an important conversation. And then, I applied. Winter 2025. I submitted a stupid article about Musical Theatre that has since been refurbished and published (see “Voices” Fall 2025). A shaky interview. Then, Arts and Culture Correspondent! First ever for The Plant. 

My journey at The Plant has been beyond rewarding. I have gained experience, and knowledge; and had the privilege to work with an extremely talented community of intellects and writers. I am in forever debt to this impeccable print team, who are no doubt going to be the future of journalism. This experience and this team are  utterly irreplaceable.

To Maya for trusting to hire me and listen to all my silly ideas. To my dad and nana for encouraging me to make my start here. And to Minola, always by my side, for sharing her position with me, for dealing with all of my frantic thoughts and reminders at 2am, and being the incredible friend I needed to find.

The Plant has given me a place to belong in CEGEP. To discover a career path that excites me. To give me the experience of a lifetime I could never have even dreamt of. 
Running a non-profit newspaper at 18/19 and carrying a 50+ year legacy was not in my peripheral view for college by any means. But I am so beyond lucky that I got to call myself Editor-in-Chief.

Thank you.

Reader, you’re in great hands with Chloe and Orion. Keep reading and consuming media. It’ll keep you alive.
All my love,
Jackie