Ang
As I’m sitting on the plane right now writing this “farewell”, I’m happily amused to admit that I have another case of Writer’s Block. Reading through the past editor in Chief’s Writings, I’m so in awe of the legacy and joy I have been given to continue on in this club. So, like other Chiefs have done in the past, let me show you my own RDA journey!
Before even stepping foot into Ridge, I knew I was going to join Newspaper -it was the only club that seemed obvious to me to join: it was clear cut that you write, you edit, and you get published. Focused on this approach, I limited myself to “serious” topics such as new COVID vaccines or all 7 types of plastic. I closed my mind off only to science.
Throughout the next couple years, I began to branch out, writing Domestic Affairs articles. When I finally became an editor, I opened my congratulations in disappointment. I had become the sports editor. Being so focused on titles, I couldn’t help but feel upset that I had not been given a section like STEM -that I wasn’t a part of “real” writing.
Little did I know that becoming a Sports Editor would give me the most fun year of writing I’ve had in RDA. Throughout my junior year, I edited articles about sports betting, Chess-Boxing, to a whole 9 page paper on F1 (yes, really). I was able to explore articles as fun and creative, writing about Russian Olympic Skater Drama to Sports Bras. On the other hand, I was still able to explore the “serious” side of sports, such as the validity of collegiate sports unions or politically backed doping.
Becoming an editor-in-chief for the newspaper has been the biggest honor during my time at Ridge. Being an editor has genuinely been such a source of fun for me. There is nothing more validating than finishing rounds of edits on an article and signing off with paragraphs of commentary and (of course following the footsteps of editors before me) a smiley face. I am so grateful to have collaborated with such talented writers and artists throughout my high school career and could not thank these people enough for pushing me to write about anything. I want to thank Mr. Norris for always bringing a smile to every Tuesday afternoon and for answering my very first email asking what room and time RDA meetings were. Finally, I want to thank my co-editor-in-chief, Nanditha, who not only is such a joy to trade edits with, but who walked into the first RDA meeting with me in September 2021 and every Tuesday since then.
For the underclassmen: I encourage you to keep writing and let your voice guide you. Rip off the labels of what you “should” and “shouldn’t” write. Work past your writer’s block and keep around the amazing, supportive team of people who continually bolster your ideas.
Nanditha
Somewhere between complaining about classes, studying for many tests, and dragging myself through school event – all on very little sleep – graduation crept up on me. When I first walked into room 534, a freshman with a very different personality (and personal style) it was virtually impossible to see where I would be now. All I knew was that I enjoyed science and writing, and that RDA was a way to hone those skills. Plus, coming out of the pandemic, I was seeking out an academic community, a group of people that would encourage me and help me find my place.
And though many aspects of my life have changed drastically in the past four years, I couldn’t have been more right on that front. RDA is a community, sometimes small (like near AP season), sometimes large (like when we have donuts), but always so inviting. From the first time I saw Benjamin and Varsha presenting the introduction slideshow, intimidated by the sheer amount of people in the room, to each publishing party and work day, RDA has been a place I can go to discuss my own life and the events of the world in general. Sitting on my designated spot on the windowsill, I suppose I am now one of those upperclassmen whose confidence I saw as completely alien. But it’s easy to feel comfortable in a space whose sole purpose is to make each person’s voice feel heard. Anyone can be a writer, and RDA first made me believe that.
I can’t describe how grateful I am that one of the first activities I stumbled upon freshman year, completely by chance, was one that both challenged me and guided me, at a time where I didn’t really have my own strong community. From those first articles that shaped how I researched, to helping other writers express themselves, RDA is a unique space in the environment of Ridge, one that genuinely promotes collaboration. Competition is an inevitable part of school and life. But through each article I’ve written and edited, I’ve seen how any piece of work benefits from multiple perspectives, and how incorporating those multiple perspectives has opened up my world view.
Being named co-editor-in-chief has meant so much to me, not only because it’s a goal I aimed for since freshman year, but because of the amazing legacy I’m now part of. I’m lucky to have worked with so many talented writers and editors, some of whom have left RDA to find their own path, and some of whom are just now coming into their own voice. As I leave Ridge, I will miss this community, but I know it will continue to thrive under the guidance of our amazing advisor, Mr. Norris, whose insights I will definitely miss (I can’t wait for a new group of students to hear about RFK Junior’s brainworm or discuss our current political spiral). And of course, shoutout to my co-chief Angelina, who I’ve now co-led two clubs with, and who is the best friend my fourth-grade self could’ve found.
Just a piece of advice: from the second you join RDA, you are a writer, and that title is the biggest honor. Make the most of it!