A Last Letter from the Editor
Austin Price, Editor in Chief
I’ve tried to write this letter several times now. But, every time I do, I run out of words to say, which is an anomaly for me. I guess it’s hard to process everything I’ve done with the Highlander, and how monumental this experience has been for me. It seems like just yesterday I was offered the role of Editor in Chief, as a nervous freshman still maturing as an artist and as a writer. Time really does fly when you’re having fun.
When I first joined the Highlander, my intentions were to find a community that supported my writing in a casual and uplifting way. Little did I know that this small side gig would fully flourish into a job I have held with pride for 3 years, making up the majority of my time at Regis. I started out as a Staff Writer and by the end of my freshmen year, I was appointed Editor in Chief by my prior editor, Morgan. Morgan trusted me with continuing the valuable work of the Highlander, and I truly hope I made her proud. And now, with graduation looming in the near future, it is my honor to pass on my title to Gabriella Sandoval and Sam Stephens as Co-Editors in Chief, who have been exceptional members of my team for the past two years.
I look back on my time leading the Highlander fondly. Throughout three years serving as the Editor in Chief, I have grown as both a writer and as a leader. I have had vulnerable reflections, raw investigations, unflinching transformations, and astounding revelations. I have seen both the beauties and the tragedies of our world as a writer and as an advocate. I have mentored creatives, both established and new, bringing them into the world of journalism, and the irreplaceable strength it bestows on the world. I have told stories of pain and of power. I have marked moments of celebration and of devastation. I have shared cautionary tales, and published pieces of progress.
Leading the Highlander allowed me to fully embrace my interests and satiate my curiosities. I have taken a deep dive into true crime content, with 8 full written pieces specifically dedicated to the genre. I have done 4 full album reviews for various musical artists, 2 of which were with a local artist in the Denver area. I have researched fables, folklores, parables, and ancient traditions. I have reported on the tensions and dangers of the world, as well as the resolutions and recoveries experienced. I have published short stories revealing my love of fiction writing. I have produced 17 pieces of poetry. I have reviewed shows, movies, concerts, musicals, performances and experiences. In total, I have written and published 68 complete articles for the Highlander.
In addition to my own growth as an artist, leading the Highlander also enabled me to mentor other creatives, edit their work, and share it with all of you. I am proud to say that since becoming Editor in Chief, I have overseen the progression of projects varying from writing and reporting, to photographing and videographing. I led the publication of 264 articles for the Highlander. Thank you to all of the extraordinary individuals that contributed to this impressive count. Thank you for your vulnerability, talent, creativity, and energy. I am humbled to have led the publication of so many brilliant pieces.
As my time as Editor in Chief nears its end, I’d like to personally thank one incredible person in particular, Dr. Meghan Cohen. Dr. Cohen and I took on the mantle of the Highlander together. I am honored to have had Dr. Cohen as a mentor and as an advisor. Dr. Cohen, thank you for being with me on this journey. Thank you for believing in me and thank you for trusting me. You have inspired me as a writer, as a journalist, as a leader and ultimately, as a human.
Finally, thank you to all of you who have read, shared, and appreciated the work of the Highlander. Thank you for consistently following both me and my team on the wild journey of the ever changing world. Journalism is nothing without the people who support the creatives behind it, and it was my greatest pleasure to lead you through the past three years of artistry and connection.