Hi Ticker, this farewell letter serves as a bit of an introduction and goodbye as I close out my first and last semester as Science and Technology Editor for The Ticker.  While brief, my time as a writer and editor has been a highlight of my time at Baruch.

My first introduction to The Ticker was through my then-classmate and current Editor-in-Chief, Maya Demchak-Gottlieb.  

Having grown up in neighboring parts of Queens, Maya was one of the few Baruch students I could talk with about local politics.  When Maya asked if I wanted to provide a comment for her story on George Santos’ outing as a false Baruch alumnus, I was excited to share my thoughts, even though they were a bit unserious.  

This led to my first time picking up a copy of The Ticker, without having a push distributor providing me one. Since then, it became a weekly habit, even if only to read what my now-friend was writing. 

The Ticker became a staple in my household, and I started picking up a second copy for my grandmother, who still looks forward to reading each week’s issue.  

My senior year at Baruch has been one of the happiest periods of my life, and The Ticker takes much of the credit. 

Throughout my years at Baruch, there have been times where I struggled to find the motivation to walk through the doors. While I had support, I often felt guilty relying on others and wanted to isolate myself entirely. However, I like to think I’ve made progress with these feelings over the past four years, as spending my last semester at The Ticker felt like a fast track to personal growth and overcoming these obstacles. 

When I was offered the opportunity by former Science Editor Ali Hussain, I was wary, as I love science communication, but feared I couldn’t rise to the challenge. But deciding to take it on, while nervous, was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

I wish I could have spent more time improving my practices as a section editor, but nevertheless, I am incredibly proud of what this section has accomplished this spring. 

Thanks to our amazing writers, we have published stories covering a wide range of topics.  I am especially pleased with how writers have been willing to interview Baruch students and faculty, as this engagement is crucial to highlighting the incredible scientific contributions made by our institution.  Thank you to everyone who contributed to science this semester; your work has been inspiring to read and an honor to publish.

When science news is made accessible and approachable, everyone benefits. This section can be intimidating, but each week we had amazing students tackle complex technology, biological processes and research methods. This is also why science can be a lot to edit, as new terms vary each week, which is why I am so grateful for our copy editors who have had to put up with both the content and my schedule each week.

To the current members of The Ticker who have been contributing for semesters prior, thank you for always being welcoming and willing to help me with layout or any other questions. The standard you’ve set, both in quality of work and in kind energy, has made this semester a pleasure.

To masthead members who have joined alongside me, thank you for reminding me that the learning process can be fun, and commiserating when InDesign found new ways to test me. 

I also want to thank The Ticker’s future Science and Technology Editor, Manish Kumar, for his constant enthusiasm for science, dedication to writing, and willingness to learn and take on this role. I cannot wait to watch how the section grows under new guidance. 

Lastly, I’d like to thank Maya, first for being an amazing friend, then a phenomenal editor-in-chief, and The Ticker’s number one fan. 

I take comfort in knowing I’ve had the privilege of spending time with the most talented, dedicated and kind people in New York City, and have hopefully made some lifelong friends.  

If you are thinking about writing for science or any other section, I cannot recommend it enough. Trust in your ability to write and know that you have an extraordinary support system behind you. Your writing matters not just to us, but to the broader Baruch community, and you continue to make us all proud.

If you plan on contributing to The Ticker in any other way, such as joining our remarkable team of copy editors, production assistants, push distributors, graphics artists and photographers, know that your skills are invaluable. We need you to keep the weekly machine running.

I now need to figure out how to keep my grandma supplied with the newest print issue for the foreseeable future. Suggestions welcome.

All the best 🙂 Julia