Headshot of Ella Prieto. (Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
Saying goodbye is never easy, but I fear that saying goodbye to The Gettysburgian might be impossible.
In no means has writing for this organization been easy; it has been filled with tight deadlines, late nights crouched over my computer and at times plain vitriol from readers, on Facebook and YikYak alike. Also, the really horrible process of having to capture a photo of yourself that you like enough for it to be distributed across campus. But these things have given me strength, perseverance and the ability to never take things too seriously.
The Gettysburgian has been my lifeline, and my purpose, throughout my time in college. A group of seniors who seemed way too cool took me in when I was a terrified, emotional wreck in my first year. They believed in me long before I believed in myself, and I am so grateful for them.
The very essence of The Gettysburgian helped me refine my skills and allowed me to meet people across campus, connecting with anyone who had a story. It has been a joy and a privilege to share these stories, and I hope that this final magazine I am included in highlights that.
In this issue, we dive into the changes in the College, such as the work of Gettysburg 2.0 and the CUB Ballroom renovation. We share amazing student experiences, from the Center for Public Service’s Immersion Trip to Medellín, Colombia, to the Choir Tour throughout the Northeast. Some wonderful seniors also provide their perspectives as we draw near to graduation, and how Gettysburg College has impacted them.
Thank you for reading (and may you always do so!),
Ella Prieto
This article originally appeared on page 2 of the April 2026 edition of The Gettysburgian magazine.
