Angelina Persaud [Staff Writer, Assistant News Editor, News Editor, Managing Editor, Senior Writer]
Being an engineering student, people would always ask me, “How does writing for your school newspaper benefit you as an engineer?” To this day, I don’t quite have an answer, but I know one thing: communication is valuable everywhere. Writing was my outlet to escape from the real world and pursue something completely beyond the scope of my major. Yet, I found myself utilizing the communication and writing techniques in my everyday life, whether in an internship or a report for class. I could’ve had a week full of exams, technical reports, and assignments while simultaneously having the opportunity to cover events ranging from a sorority charity drive that supported women’s shelters to Nav at Springfest.
One of my core memories was when I became News Editor and our current EIC, Grace Cardinal, was my assistant. As the next EIC election season came around, I saw her transform from my assistant asking me AP style questions to fully taking the reins and leading the publication with confidence and pride. That moment embodied one of my favorite Maya Angelou quotes, “When you get, give. When you learn, teach. Pass it on.”
It wasn’t just about writing stories, but also about seeing the growth and legacy being formed with each person I encountered through this publication who, in turn, helped me become part of something bigger than myself.
My dream going forward is to be a successful chemical engineer and make a lasting impact on those around me. But, I’ll never forget the little room in Kelly where my creativity peaked, countless laughs were had, stressful moments were overcome, and I was supported to pursue a passion from my youth even if it was outside my major. To the writers who are now becoming a part of The Quadrangle legacy, it’s my time to “pass it on” to you. Keep publishing the stories that matter for the campus community that needs it the most.
Victoria Schiller [Contributor, Staff Writer, Senior Writer]
I’ve never been one for goodbyes. I’ve especially never been one for change. Yet, here I am, having to accept both. It is definitely a tough pill to swallow. I feel very fortunate to have found an outlet in The Quadrangle this past year, especially as a senior trying to figure out which direction to go from here. I first visited Manhattan on my brother’s college tour when I was in the eighth grade. The running family joke was that I was the most enamored person in the group. Once I decided I would be attending the school I so quickly and effortlessly felt drawn to at the young age of 14, I was instantly called to the English department. I was an indecisive senior who didn’t like the idea of figuring out who I was or what I wanted to spend the rest of my life doing at 18. I knew I always loved writing, reading and expressing myself in the ways publications like The Quadrangle have allowed me to. Although I stepped into these doors during the middle of my fall semester senior year, I look back with love and a true appreciation for the time well-spent with The Quadrangle, no matter how short it was.
Now, four years later, I am probably just as indecisive. I added a psychology major alongside English my sophomore year. I’ve had wonderful opportunities that have allowed me to grow and discover new things about who I am. The Quadrangle is one of them. I might even say I know myself a little better at 22. If I can say one thing, it will be this: don’t be afraid to move forward and try new things. Everything works out in the end, if you let it. When this issue comes out, there will be 18 days until graduation, so I won’t say a final goodbye just yet, but I will say this. How sweet it has felt to have been a part of something that makes leaving so hard. Time flies. It’s been fun. Thank you.
Isaiah Rosario [ Staff Writer, Assistant Sports Editor, Sports Editor, Senior Writer]
Oh my, where do I even begin … being part of The Quadrangle has been one of the most amazing experiences of my 22 years on this floating ball we call Earth. The fact that I could vividly remember the exact moment when I was accepted as a Quad scholar just reminds me how important this paper is to me. It was August of 2021, during the Arches opening picnic, that I saw the email that I was accepted, and I immediately called my mom to tell her. That moment will be a memory that will live with me forever. Typing my Senior Farewell is certainly bittersweet, but it is time for the next group of journalists to take over and to report on the stories that need to be reported on. Through The Quadrangle, I had the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing people and make lifelong friends. I do not know who will be reading my senior farewell letter, but I just wanted to give a special thank you to a group of people who were part of The Quadrangle that left a massive impact on me, in one way or another: Nicholas Gilewicz, Kyla Guilfoil, Pete Janny, Andrew Mannion and Grace Cardinal. To this group of people specifically, I wanted to give a special thank you because they helped me get to where I am today. To close on some final words, this paper has meant so much and helped develop my skills as a journalist in many different ways, whether that is writing for a newspaper or reporting on key storylines as a sideline reporter, I will never take these last four years for granted. THANK YOU QUAD!
Mack Stone Olmsted [Staff Writer, Asst. Production Editor, Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editor, Features Editor, Senior Writer]
When I first came to Manhattan College I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t start out as a Communications/journalism student. The day I moved into my first dorm room I got accepted for The Quadrangle scholarship and remember being so excited about what this could mean for me.
I remember being nervous writing my first few articles, I felt like I wasn’t good enough yet, so I co-wrote and learned the ropes. After I was ready, my first independent articles weren’t the best and I even had to rewrite a couple of them. But I kept trying and writing and did it over and over again, and I got better. I eventually covered what were to me news stories that mattered, helped people and highlighted the best of the MU community.
My passion for journalism grew and I became a communications major with a concentration in journalism. While I’m proud of my growth, I can’t give all the credit to myself. I’d like to give a special thanks to Mr. Joseph Perri from Oceanside High School, for starting me off on my journalism journey. I would also like to thank my professors, Nicholas Gilewicz and Jared Diamond. They both taught me everything I know about journalism and pushed me to improve my writing. They all shaped me into the type of writer I am now.
One thing I’m not great at is saying goodbye, so I won’t. Instead I would like to say thank you to The Quadrangle and the Manhattan University community for allowing me to be a part of the century-old legacy and helping me make lifelong friends and connections. Thank you to any readers who took their time to open The Quadrangle and look at the hard work that was put into publishing the paper. And I would like to give one more special thanks to my friends and family, I love you all.
Karen E Flores [Staff Writer, Assistant Features Editor, Arts & Entertainment Editor, Staff Writer, Senior Writer]
Despite being a finance major, being a journalist for these past four years under The Quadrangle newspaper gave me a platform where my words and perspective could shine light on campus life and become a testament of the different kinds of people that passed through the halls of Manhattan University during my tenure.
As I look back, I can’t help but feel an immense sense of gratitude for every single person that this newspaper has allowed me the opportunity to connect with and for the friends I have made through it.
Anna Woods and Kyla Guilfoil, both alum and former EICs, mentored me during my freshman year in which I was named best new writer. I would like to thank them for seeing my passion for writing and fostering it. I mentored the current EIC Grace and I feel nothing but pride when I see her passion for journalism shine through her leadership.
There is that persistence in getting multiple perspectives, the determination in making sure the unseen are heard and the drive to put out a good article every week that fueled my love for journalism and this paper (It also made me love sending emails).
The Quadrangle, thank you for giving me, a woman who loves writing, the chance to pursue this passion through my college career. It is an honor to have formed part of this legacy.
My fellow seniors and current Quad staff, I wish you guys all the best. Please do not forget that I have a fountain of sources, I would love to continue to be an advocate for this publication. Keep doing journalism!
From your favorite chameleon (if you know you know…)
Elizabeth Kalaj [Web Editor, Senior Writer]
When I first came to Manhattan University, I did not have an idea of the types of clubs I would like to be a part of and dedicate myself to. Unlike many others who graduate from The Quadrangle, I had not discovered that writing for the newspaper was open to all until Jilleen Barrett influenced me into attending a meeting. I was a sophomore then, and far too insecure to dive into a new form of writing. I revisited the idea as a junior, when Jocelyn Visnov recommended me as a web editor to the Editor-in-Chief at the time, Grace Cardinal. Instantly, I fell in love with it.
Through the little closet in the corner of Kelly Commons, I found a space that welcomes intellectual curiosity, open ideas and a constant drive towards improvement. It was a space that recognized hard work and commitment to working as a team. I did not realize it at the time, but seeing the same faces across from me every Tuesday at 4 pm changed my life and who I am as a person. It has made me a stronger and more confident woman who walks into every room, no matter who resides, with her head held high and her voice loud, ready to listen and advocate for others. It has taught me that it is never too late to exercise a new passion.
Thank you to Grace Cardinal, who never failed to welcome me into the Quad family with open arms and created an environment that inspired me to strive for excellence. Thank you again to Jilleen and Jocelyn, whom I owe much of my success to. Victoria Schiller, you have been one of the best friends I have ever known and I am so proud of you for embracing the amazing writer that you are. I love you “to the moon and to Saturn.” To my Quad family: keep doing journalism, keep saying yes to new things and keep embracing the stuff of importance.
My favorite poet, Taylor Swift, once said, “No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.” I am forever proud of my legacy within the Jasper family, and I owe everything in my life to MU and the community I was blessed to be a part of these last four years.
Angelina Perez [Contributor, Staff Writer, Web Editor, Assistant Features Editor, Arts and Entertainment Editor, Senior Writer]
As I contemplate these words, I slip on my last printed issue of The Quadrangle, a moment that feels surreal. I reflect on the time, the growth and the countless memories that have brought me here. As a journalist, you don’t realize the privilege it is that you get to share voices that might not have otherwise had the chance to say how they felt, honestly and unfiltered. Thank you to every writer who continues to follow in the footsteps of those who came before you, including mine. Your passion and commitment keep the spirit of student journalism alive, and I can’t wait to see the stories you’ll tell. And a heartfelt thank you to Grace Cardinal, for ensuring that journalism didn’t fade when this university failed to recognize us, editors and writers alike, as the powerful voices we are. Your leadership reminded us all that our words matter, and that even when institutions are silent, we don’t have to be. Thank you to Karen Flores, my fellow senior and dear friend, who, during my sophomore year as the Arts & Entertainment editor, reignited a spark in me that I had let fade, and turned into a role where I got to shape how others see and experience the arts on campus. Thank you to alumna Mars Ross for pitching a publication called Lotus on a random Tuesday. That pitch, which invited me to explore the inner workings of the magazine, gave me the chance to tag along on a shoot day, leaving me completely mesmerized by what being part of a different style of publication could mean to me. Soon after, I had the privilege of becoming one of the photography editors, then a writer, and eventually the fashion and beauty editor in my senior year. While I am known on campus as the girl who is involved in every club, I owe much of it to the countless connections and opportunities that The Quadrangle has given me. As I prepare to say farewell, I want to express my deepest gratitude to this publication for every interview, every late-night writing session and every early morning spent editing. These experiences have shaped me in ways I can’t fully express. I know that, for the rest of my life, there will always be an empty space in my heart where Tuesdays at 4:00 pm once were.