A letter from the outgoing 2025-26 managing editor

Stories: I have heard and repeated that word countless times throughout my life. The simplest definition that comes to mind is a narrative with a beginning, a middle and an end.

But there is so much more to them.

When I was younger, I thought I loved books. I could read more than five in a week and still be thirsty for more. I could be up all night and feel like I had lived millions of lives in a few hours. The magic was in believing that I could experience anything, even if my body never left my room. 

My dad often reminds me that those books are the one thing that brought me where I am today, and he is spot on. The hunger for adventure, the spark to master a challenge, and the desire to travel and see beauty in totally different experiences began under the light of my bedside lamp.

Stories, fictional or non-fictional, are what keep the world alive. A good story grounds you; it ignites feelings that you may have forgotten existed. It fuels your heart with excitement or tears it apart with sorrow and anger. A good story becomes part of you and makes you want to act on a specific topic.

I came to St. Thomas University knowing that I wanted to be a creative writer. I wanted to offer people the same thing books had given me all my life, and not for one second did I consider practicing journalism.

I realized little by little, as I wrote for The Aquinian, that journalism is one of the purest ways to get people’s stories out there, to voice their concerns, joys and dreams. Whether as a staff writer or Managing Editor, I learned to pour my heart into every article I wrote and edited for The Aquinian.

While I am not a journalism major, my time at The AQ will remain as one of the most valuable chapters my love for stories has ever given me.

Through the peaks and valleys of this role, my eyes have been opened to new possibilities in the world of writing, and I am beyond grateful for that.

In a world that seems to be collapsing at times, journalists have a unique power. They take their passion for storytelling to voice different perspectives across paper and multimedia.

All the wonderful stories we published wouldn’t be able to exist without our amazing editorial team.

I want to thank Fernanda, one of the most dedicated women I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with. To our long meetings and the little moments of joy and stress, altogether, that allowed us to build a team and put together unforgettable issues. I will remember our time at the AQ with pride and love.

I am also thrilled to see what’s next for this newspaper. I trust the new Editor-in-Chief, Liam Carleton and the new team to continue the legacy of the Aquinian. Your strengths and different personalities will be of utmost importance for your success.

Finally, I want to acknowledge the effort and commitment of our editors, Polina, Suzanne, Malachi, Liam, and Furzi; our staff writers, Brianna and Jennifer; and our volunteer writers, who have adapted to the fast-paced, demanding environment of The Aquinian. Cheers to you, because you are the ones who make all the difference.

Without further ado, keep on writing!

Emilia Alvear

Managing Editor 2025-26