Jessica Lynch. (Jessica Lynch)
By Jessica Lynch
Dear MainSheet Readers,
It’s hard to believe another semester is wrapping up already. It’s even harder to believe that it’s my final semester at Cape Cod Community College!
I write this farewell letter with a heavy, but grateful heart. I will miss writing and editing for The MainSheet dearly. Being afforded the opportunity to not only share my voice through my writing over the past two years, but help lift up the voices of others, has been an invaluable experience.
I enrolled at 4Cs with a dream of being a writer or journalist. When I saw that the college offered journalism courses, I was over the moon with excitement. I figured I’d learn the basics of journalism and how to write professionally. What I didn’t realize was that I would be doing actual writing for the school’s publication. This both thrilled and terrified me. I was so afraid that my writing wouldn’t be good enough. My mom told me I was a good writer, but she also told me I was good at soccer and I’m no soccer star, quite the opposite.
The first piece I wrote was on about alumnus of 4Cs starring in an upcoming Broadway musical in Boston. The genuine joy and excitement I felt while interviewing him and writing the story confirmed that I had found the career path I wanted to follow.
I am so grateful that Professor Miller saw my passion for writing and provided me the guidance to amplify not only my writing skills, but also my confidence and ability to lead others.
Through my time editing for The MainSheet, I learned important insights into the management side of the journalism field while helping incoming students with the same passion for writing that I have. Witnessing their excitement and passion as they shared a new story idea or their final draft always filled me with so much joy. I enjoyed answering their questions, reading their amazing work, and guiding them to become the best writers they can be.
Although my chapter at The MainSheet is closing, I am so excited to see what comes next for the paper. Bec Rapacz and Wil Moser will be the new editors next semester, and I have no doubt they will do a tremendous job leading The MainSheet. They are both bright, ambitious students with a true passion for writing and journalism.
As for what’s next for me, I’m honestly not too sure! I have been accepted into the English BA program at Emerson College and UMass Lowell, but I think I may take a chance on myself for a couple of years. I started a blog where I write reviews on fun things around New England, focusing on the sensory and accessibility aspects of the experiences. As a sensory sensitive person myself, I wanted to share my perspective and voice in hopes of helping others. I really enjoy writing for it each week and I’d like to commit time to building it up to see where it can take me.
I recognize that my time on The MainSheet would have been impossible without you, the readers. Your support has meant so much to me personally, and the team at The MainSheet. I hope that during my time as editor, I impacted your reading experience in a positive way. I will forever be grateful for my time spent writing for you and I sincerely thank you for reading.
See you later,
Jess Lynch
Co-Editor-in-Chief
