By: Maria Giovanna Jumper
Note: Each year it's a tradition that graduating Delphian staff write a final editorial about their time at Adelphi and this newspaper. Maria Giovanna Jumper is the Editor-in-Chief and this is her last issue at the helm.
In my junior year of high school, an effort was made to bring back our school newspaper. I knew it was something that I wanted to be a part of, but unfortunately after only two issues, and due to a lack of support, the paper would not continue. I was someone who loved to express herself through writing and did not have the outlet to do so. When I committed to Adelphi, and received my eCampus login, the first organization I joined on MyAULife was, The Delphian.
I can remember walking to the basement of Earle Hall on a random Monday afternoon, confused about where I was going and worried that I would not be a strong enough writer to take on any articles. My first article came out in the second issue of volume 73 of The Delphian. That first article outlined a Constitution Day Event back in 2017. I think the event took place in the old University Center building. I remember walking into the event after class and being nervous about writing down the right information to write a good article. At the end of the event, Professor Traci Levy called me over to ask the speaker a few questions and I stood there frantically writing down every word he said. When that issue finally came out and I was able to see my byline in black and white I was thrilled to keep working with The Delphian.
Since then, I have written more articles than I can remember and have held the positions of Features and Entertainment Editor, News Editor and Editor-in-Chief. Throughout my time here at The Delphian, I have become more confident in myself as a writer and journalist and have had opportunities to interview members of the university administration as well as guest speakers, including Van Jones.
Being a part of The Delphian has been an incredible experience that I will cherish well after graduation. I truly believe that the skills I learned from being an editor have helped me when writing my senior Honors College thesis, as well as my law school personal statement. In addition to that though, the newspaper has given me an opportunity, and a voice to express my thoughts during the many unprecedented events over the past year alone.
As my time at The Delphian, and at Adelphi University, draws to a close I have been reflecting a lot on classes, events, etc. It is bittersweet to be ending my undergraduate career at such a tumultuous time. Yet, I am still thankful and excited for all of the graduation activities that are to come, and to start this new chapter of my life. I will miss The Delphian, the Honors College, and the Adelphi community, but I know that I will always have a place to call home as I embark on my future endeavors.