William He
My Nordic journey wasn’t normal. During an exhilarating day of eighth-grade online school, my sister, co-editor-in-chief of Nordic News for 2020-21, burst into my room telling me to fill out a form. I had been nominated, she said. Nordic, fresh out of the pandemic, had a severe staff shortage and I’d been forcibly told to apply. I, a 14-year-old who hated English class and still had no clue what semicolons did or what em-dashes were. Somehow (most likely due to that shortage and perhaps a hint of nepotism), I was accepted to a budding staff to be part of a class that would go on to define my high school career.
Now, sitting on the last rung of the ladder, having spent the last four years writing LSN, editing photos and pampering nordicnews.net, I’m beyond grateful for everything this publication has bestowed. Joining as a soft-spoken freshman, Nordic has allowed me to amplify not only my own voice but also the voices of those around me. From like-minded individuals to contrarians and police chiefs to congresswomen, I’ve managed to touch every corner of our vibrant community, and I am truly grateful for that opportunity.
However, none of this happened in a vacuum; I owe so much to those around me. To Mrs. Little, for seeing something in freshman me that I frankly still do not. Having been there through each step of high school, you’ve been a fundamental part of my growth as not just a writer, but as a human, too. To my best friends and co-hosts of the greatest podcast, for being there for me both in and out of Nordic. To my fellow editors, for pushing the boundaries of this publication. And of course, to the rest of the staff, from all four years. From newbie to veteran, each and every one of you made this a place I will forever cherish.
Yet, my end might just be the beginning of something greater. I know Annabelle, Iris and Callie will continue to push Nordic, its staff and the community it serves, as through each year and every goodbye, we come together to say, “Long Live the Nord!”
Shirene Khandpur
Since eighth grade, I’ve been involved in three separate student publications, but Nordic News is the first one where I found belonging. I joined Nordic when I transferred to Inglemoor in tenth grade. New to the school, I knew I wanted to be involved in journalism, but I was still afraid to settle in an unfamiliar environment. Nordic made that easier. Upon joining, I had no idea that Nordic would become more than an elective — it would become part of who I am.
Serving as co-editor-in-chief has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an incredible and skilled team working alongside me. To say I am proud of the work our staff has done this year would be an understatement. Working with each student and connecting with them as a journalist and also as a friend has made me so grateful to be doing this work.
And none of this would have been possible without Mrs. Little, Claire or Will. Mrs. Little, who was also my tenth-grade English teacher, has not only been an incredible adviser but also one of the best teachers I have had. Her guidance is what brought me this far, and I am so thankful to her. Claire, my co-editor, is someone I am proud to call my friend. From laughing together over ridiculous headlines to our shared struggle trying to export at The Hangar right before that 6:00 deadline, our ability to lead together has grown. Her proactiveness and professionalism have been invaluable in Nordic. Will’s great communication and knowledge on everything SNO have been a lifesaver many times.
I’m proud to call myself a Nord (and the co-editor with the most legible handwriting), and despite all the sleepless hours and countless after-school edit seshes, these past six issues have been so rewarding. Everyone in Nordic News has taught me so much about journalism, leadership, friendship and myself. Annabelle, Callie and Iris — you guys will be amazing. I have so much faith in you three and look forward to seeing Nordic grow alongside all of you. Long live the Nord!
Claire Meng
Every editor knows that feeling when, five hours into the second late night, after cycling through all stages of grief and inventing a few more, you really wonder why you signed up for this job. It’s the moment when the red marks on the deadlines spreadsheet and blurring MacBook screen suddenly coalesce into the question I ask myself each issue: Will we really make it in time?
I’m pleased to say we will. Six times! In the face of a bomb cyclone, power outage, snowstorm, piles of rejected interviews and ghosted emails and agitated parents and online polemics — and not a few crashouts on my part. We’ve grappled with a lot, and our constant adaptations are always inspiring. Through it all, the care that everyone puts in — from those painstakingly crafted one-liners to the pages of background research, and even the South-Park-esque graphics — reminds me why I wanted to be an editor. I’ve truly loved each minute of working with you all.
On a personal level, Nordic has also been my bildungsroman. I entered as, to borrow from Mrs. Little, an incredibly timid freshman, and I’m leaving as the opposite. I’ve learned to hold a conversation (yes, really), to step up in a team and to connect with strangers. I’ve learned to pivot quickly, be it editing through orchestra rehearsals, FaceTiming to discuss word choice when the cyclone knocked all power lines down or marking up articles on the Inglemoor curb when the fire alarm kicked us out at night. Above all, I’ve learned to not just handle change but to invite it.
One column is far from enough to capture my experience, and I hope that will be the case for every Nord after me. My journey had been shaped invaluably by the amazing people in room 122, and I’m indebted to you all. The endless dedication of my co-editors Will and Shirene, and our advisor Mrs. Little, has brought yet another year of ambitious reporting to fruition. I have complete faith in Annabelle, Iris and Callie to lead our staff to new heights next year. Long Live the Nord!
