Editor-in-Chief Laken Franchetti ’24 (Photo Eric Lippe/The Gettysburgian)
By Laken Franchetti, Editor-in-Chief
In the past year, our publication has experienced the scrutiny and criticism that comes with telling difficult stories. In those moments, it is easy to feel defeated and as if the work we have tirelessly completed has gone unrecognized.
And yet, the Gettysburg College community has reminded me time and time again why that is not the case.
Within the past year, I have met more faculty and students at the College than I could have imagined—members of our community whose paths likely never would have crossed with mine were it not for The Gettysburgian. Faculty members have thanked me for listening to them and for giving them a voice when they felt like theirs were diminished. Students have encouraged me to keep investigating campus issues and to publish the stories that need to be told. These are the people who remind me why I have spent so much time in Plank 103 reviewing magazine story selections and page counts, why I have spent countless late nights finalizing articles and why I have pursued the pressing stories that I have.
I will forever be indebted to The Gettysburgian. This organization has made me a stronger person in the face of criticism, and I am thankful for each and every story published during my tenure as Editor-in-Chief.
We continue to tell those important stories in this issue, such as Dean of Admissions Gail Sweezey’s retirement, Student Senate’s campaign to better its reputation and the work being done at the Vida Charter School. We also highlight the Things Ukrainian in Gettysburg club, connect with two students studying abroad and ask the seniors on our Editorial Board to reflect on their time at Gettysburg College.
The Gettysburgian has remained by my side through the hectic moments of this past year, and I am proud to say that it has remained by the greater community’s side as well. Thank you for reading The Gettysburgian, and thank you for listening to the stories we have to tell.
Laken Franchetti ’24
Editor-in-Chief
The Gettysburgian
This article originally appeared on page 2 of the No. 2 April 2024 edition of The Gettysburgian’s magazine.
