A letter from the outgoing 2024-25 editor-in-chief

As the final days of my university life pass by they are defined by one thing – The AQ.

My path to The Aquinian was not linear but I got there, nonetheless.

The past year, I was the Editor-in-Chief, which kind of feels weird to use in the past tense. I made the center of my final year in university The Aquinian whether that was joining meetings on my phone in an Uber on vacation or staying up late on Sundays to make sure all the headlines were just right.

I started out as a volunteer writer, like we all do. For my first story I missed a homecoming party to cover a UNB football game and conducted one of the worst post-game interviews of all time. I stuck with it and picked up stories here and there.

I then got the opportunity to be the news editor in my third year and had no interest in being at the helm in my final year. But, as my third year progressed and my own ideas for The AQ surfaced I really wanted the job.

I’m glad I took the job because of the staff I worked with this year. A group of like-minded students all from different places that came together for some good laughs and great stories. My favourite moments from the year will always be working as a team week to week. I watched everyone get better from start to finish and push themselves whether it was getting in front of a camera or interviewing the future premier of the province.

We did some cool stuff too – like our interviews with Susan Holt and David Coon before the election. We worked for hours to create what looked like a Hollywood set.

We launched a new Instagram page and created a new buzz around The Aquinian that seemed like it had been lost.

I want to thank those who helped me through the year. First, my section editors, Jonas, Shannon, Fernanda and Cesar. You all brought ideas each week and I always enjoyed brainstorming with all of you. Our staff writers, Brianna and Emilia always filled in when we needed them covering stories outside of their comfort zone and bringing clean work week after week. Fernanda brought our social media presence to life again and worked odd hours to bring fun video content to students. And, of course, Katherine who put up with me all year as the managing editor. You brought a different perspective that helped bring fresh stories and new ideas each week.

To the future of The Aquinian cult, you’ll be just fine. I didn’t know what I was doing in September either. If you’ve got a concept of a plan by the first day of classes you’ll figure out the rest as you go. So as long as you make it your own, you’ll do a good job.

To Fernanda, my successor, jump on any ideas you have for The Aquinian because the year will pass you by. Make videos, post photo essays, create new columns and trust your staff.

To all our readers and students, if there is anything you want to see from The Aquinian, say so. You are the core of how we pitch and create every story. We think about our readers more than you think about us because you are the core of our mission.

For my family that have been following along, I appreciate your support and advice. You’re the biggest fans of The Aquinian and you were always excited to read what was new every Monday.

For everyone else, don’t be afraid to jump into The AQ. Go to a story meeting, read something, or engage with our staff I know they’d love to hear from you.

See you never,

Oliver Pearson

Editor-in-Chief 2024-2025