An Editor’s Farewell

Dear Readers, 

Sometimes in life, we’re given opportunities that seem to fall into our laps, opportunities that quietly, and then all at once, change us in ways we never expected. That’s how I feel about The Conglomerate: this beautiful, messy, hectic, advocate-driven, anxiety-ridden organization that I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of for all four years of my time at Centenary. I remember I came in as a wide-eyed freshman, occasionally appearing in silly videos and experimenting with podcasting and myself as an artist, and somehow grew into the role of Editor. It's still so surreal to think about. 

I remember wondering if this role would be too big for me when I was approached to consider the Editor position. I remember people telling me I would shine in it, that I would love and hate every minute — and honestly, they were right. As the 2025–2026 school year comes to a close, I’ve found myself reflecting on my two years as Editor-in-Chief, and everything this experience has demanded of me, and given back in return.

My first year as Chief was a period of intense adjustment. With most of our editorial board graduating, so much of the support system I had relied on — Jordan Fong, my past editors, and mentors who introduced me to this powerful medium — was suddenly gone. It was up to me and my co–Editor-in-Chief at the time, Jacqueline Deville, to figure things out together. And honestly, I struggled. I wasn’t used to leading in that way, and I was entrusted with more responsibility than I knew how to carry at first. I had big ideas but not always the direction or connections to implement them.

It was a year where the organization had to admit that things weren’t working the way they were. Of course, not out of fault of those who led before us or even myself, but because The Conglomerate needed to head in a new direction to better reflect the evolving needs of our campus, the voices within it, and the staff. And it was a scary thing to admit — no one wants to be the person who feels like they are breaking from tradition or questioning what has already been built. But I had to learn, quickly, that leadership sometimes means sitting with discomfort long enough to understand what needs to change, rather than rushing to fix everything at once.

There were moments when I questioned whether I was the right person for the job. Moments where deadlines felt heavier than purpose, and where I wondered if I was doing enough — or too much in the wrong way. But even in those moments, I kept coming back to the same belief: that student journalism matters. That our voices, even in a small campus publication, can hold weight, can challenge ideas, and can build something meaningful when given care and consistency.

As many of my classmates know, I have a strong sense of justice and responsibility, and I think that is what ultimately anchored me in this role. Even when I didn’t feel fully confident, I cared deeply about what this paper represented. I wanted it to be more than just a collection of articles — I wanted it to be a space where people felt seen, challenged, and encouraged to think critically about the world around them.

This second year, 2025–2026, as Editor-in-Chief has brought a different kind of clarity. I haven’t just been surviving the role anymore — I have been actively shaping it. I learned how to navigate uncertainty with more patience, how to balance vision with practicality, and how to keep showing up even when things felt overwhelming or unclear.

The Conglomerate created a new section writer position, went “viral” more times than I can count across campus, sparked conversations about student life and resources—including discussions that contributed to the creation of campus food pantry efforts—published not only our Corrington Award physical issue and met the lovely Crystal Wilkinson, but also produced smaller broadsides and archival pieces that now live on our website. We also helped support and sustain access to a large-format printer that continues to serve student creatives across campus.

And none of that would have been possible without the team that carried this publication forward with me.

To my editorial board from 2024 to now: thank you. Thank you for your patience when things were messy, your creativity when we needed new ideas, and your commitment when the work felt heavy. Thank you for putting up with my uncertainty, and more importantly, for learning alongside me. Each of you brought something essential to this paper, and I hope you know how much of The Conglomerate is shaped by your voices, your effort, and your presence. You will never know how much I will always appreciate the trust you placed in me and the grace you gave me as I learned alongside you. To be a part of your journeys as writers, as advocates, as thinkers, as students, and more importantly, as people I am lucky enough to call my friends.

To our readers, thank you for your constant support. To Professor Hawkins, thank you for being an amazing advisor and confidant of my worries. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without your guidance and support every step of the way. 

As I step away from this role, I do so with gratitude, pride, and a deep appreciation for everything this organization has been — and everything it is still becoming. 

I am also so happy to announce the upcoming Editorial Board for the 2026–2027 school year! You all step into a publication that is constantly evolving, constantly learning, and constantly shaped by each and every one of you. I am so proud of all of you! You are all so brave in choosing to take on something that will challenge you, stretch you, and teach you far more than you expect. Lead with curiosity, lead with care, and don’t be afraid to make this space your own.

Love,

Arionna Thomas, 

Editor in Chief, signing off 

***

Jarrett Parr - Editor-in-Chief 

Grace Herpin - News and Worldview Section Editor

Alex Ulmer - Life and Times Section Editor 

Edith Banquedano Zavala - Design Chief 

Brisa Cardenas Lopez - PR Distribution Head 

Gillian Morrison - Senior Copy Editor 

Victor Woolbert - Junior Copy Editor

Taylor Good - Sports Writer

Harper Clifton - Sports Writer 

Jaszmyne Jackson - Senior Photographer 

Bryn Joiner - Junior Photographer