A Love Letter From VALLEY’s Class of 2023

For my last ever article for VALLEY, I wanted to create a piece about something I care so deeply about — my fellow editorial staff. With our graduation nearing, I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to talk to VALLEY’s senior class of 2023 to hear their thoughts on how this magazine has shaped their Penn State experience.

I am so incredibly thankful for the staff that has volunteered to be part of this sentimental piece and I hope that their words leave an inspiring impact on all those that read. Without further ado, here’s to VALLEY’s class of 2023!

A Collection of Memories

From Monday night pitching in Willard, to spending hours crafting and editing meaningful articles, the shared memories of the editorial staff go far and wide. Seniors Holly Willhide, Sara Harkins and Stevie Vescio-Franz spoke about some of their favorite parts of their time at VALLEY.

“My favorite part would have to be our weekly meetings. I love getting to hear all of the amazing ideas other staff members have when pitching article ideas for the week and also getting the chance to meet so many talented and creative people. Overall, it’s been incredibly empowering to not only hold a position (Campus Culture Section Editor, formally Entertainment) but to leave meetings feeling so excited to create content and have your voice heard!” says Holly.

Sara says, “One of my favorite memories was when editorial met up before this year’s launch. Every time someone came through the door it was so exciting. I felt so happy seeing everyone! Everyone on staff is so kind and it truly feels like a family. I’ve met some of my favorite people, and made friendships I know I’ll carry with me for a long time.”

“My favorite part about being on editorial has definitely been editing all the print articles these past two semesters as Copy Editor. The people I got to edit with made the (countless) hours of work feel like fun,” says Stevie. “Each article I’ve edited has been so creative and uniquely great, and I am so grateful to have seen all of our hard work pay off in the last two editions of VALLEY. There are some really incredible people involved in VALLEY, and I am so glad for the chance to get to know them.”

Thousands of Words Written

Each semester, VALLEY releases a print magazine complete with creative and out-of-the-box articles that explore a variety of topics. Further, the website allows for writers to really dive into their interests and write about subjects they care about each week. With several semesters on staff, seniors Katelyn Lenz, Casey Zanowic and Mariah Dougherty reflected on their favorite articles they have published.

Katelyn says, “My hands down favorite article I’ve ever written was definitely what the Jersey Shore cast would order at the Penn State Creamery. It was definitely one of my more creative pieces and I remember being so scared to pitch because I was scared no one was going to understand or not like it. I held onto that pitch for over a month and I remember Pauly D was performing at Champs in two weeks which is why I pitched it because it was more time relevant. I just remember everyone’s faces lighting up after I explained it and all the compliments on that piece after. Creativity always pays off, don’t ever feel scared to express it.”

“It’s so hard to pick just one article as my favorite, but one that I always go back to the section opener I wrote when I was Beauty & Health Section Editor,” says Casey. “It was one of my first times writing a feature so it was scary to think about when I was first assigned it, but I’m so happy with how it came out. Being able to learn so much about someone and to tell their story is so powerful, and I’m grateful that he trusted me enough to tell it.”

Mariah says, “My column has been such a gift and I’m so grateful that I have had the chance to do it. So often we get told that being in a relationship is the ultimate goal all of us girls should strive for. Writing the Single Girls Of State has taught me that dating sucks for everyone. It’s so easy to believe that it’s you, I promise it’s not you.”

Pockets of Advice

After spending four years at Penn State, seniors Steph Mutz, Helena Haynes and Julia McGinty provided some words of wisdom for navigating life as a college student, but also as a member of VALLEY editorial.

“Join things! Don’t wait for a perfect moment, it will never come, you are the one stopping yourself from pursuing the things you enjoy. And all of it, shitty friendships, failed relationships, bad grades are really not that serious,” says Steph. “Pitch stuff you find interesting! If you find it interesting likely someone else will too. You want to be proud of your work and enjoy doing the research/work.”

“Everything is going to be okay!” says Helena. “If you’re writing for VALLEY, try to put as much time and effort as you can into your pitches. If you’re pitching about things you care about, you’ll be writing about something you care about too.”

“Don’t keep yourself from doing something just because you’ve never done it before or think you’re not cool or capable enough! You’ll never gain experience that way. Put yourself out there as much as possible and try new things as much as possible!” says Julia. “Don’t be afraid to include your humor and unique voice! It’s one of many things that makes it enjoyable to read for others.”

With this article nearing an end, I wanted to add that I will be forever grateful for joining this beautiful publication. It has been my absolute pleasure to be a part of editorial during my time at Penn State because it has led me to discover what truly makes me passionate and happy. I have made lifelong friends thanks to VALLEY and I will forever cherish all the memories I made. I will miss my fellow editorial staff all so dearly and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for them!

Congrats to the Penn State class of 2023!

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