The Spring 2020 semester has been a roller-coaster of emotion and excitement. I’ve been the editor-in-chief of The Chaparral for a year and this will be my last semester at College of the Desert and as editor of the paper.

I started as a local and sports writer and I was fortunate enough to learn from the previous editor, Alexandria Rosales, who I’m incredibly grateful to for choosing me to take over her role.

It has been a long journey for me. I’ve been in and out of school and struggled to make enough money to finance my education. Now that my COD journey is ending, I feel excited and thankful for everything I’ve gone through.

I always knew that I would make it!

I’d like to thank the current staff, everyone who was here before me and the people who will be taking my place and keeping the paper moving forward. With the current COVID-19 outbreak, we were somewhat worried about the direction the paper would take, but the staff worked extra hard to keep bringing great stories to the COD community.

I know that I could not have done this without them, Thank you!

I would like to thank my copy editor, Amber Juarez, who has been a great source of support. Juarez has an excellent work ethic. I wish her all the best in future endeavors.

Professor Laurilie Jackson, I’m grateful for your guidance and for always believing in me. You always gave me the freedom to create and take The Chaparral in a different direction.

To all the staff at the KCOD radio station, thank you for your help, the stories ideas you gave us and for always being willing to collaborate with us. Thank you, Steve Kelly for bringing us donuts on production Fridays. The sugar kept us upbeat and happy.

Being part of The Chaparral team has definitely been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve learned so much about myself and what it takes to accomplish my goals.

Now that I’m transferring to Cal State Fullerton, I feel like I’m going with a clear idea of what I have to do and I am confident that I will once again prove to myself that I can do whatever I set my mind to.

I  wish The Chaparral’s new editor-in-chief, Estefania Moreira, the best of luck. She is an amazing writer, who always goes the extra mile, is willing to ask for help and is willing to help others.

I know she will do a great job as editor and will make The Chaparral even better than before. Thank you COD, Thank You Chaparral, I’ll miss you!