I didn’t join The S&B out of a deep-seated passion for journalism – it was more of a whim, a break from the monotony of typical campus jobs. Up until then, I hadn’t even written one journalistic article.

I was a biology major on track to become a doctor, or perhaps a veterinarian, though I was never really enthusiastic about that path either.

Becoming a journalist was the last thing I could’ve imagined.

After all, I was a Lebanese international student who had learned most of his English watching countless hours of Animal Planet. My writing experience was limited to crafting speeches for Model U.N. conferences and editing college admission essays for inspiring Lebanese and Palestinian students at EducationUSA.

My life has changed since being assigned my first article on Afghan refugees in Iowa by now S&B sports editor Mo Igbaria `24 – I am now a full-time journalist. 

My work here at The S&B has propelled me to further life-changing stints at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and The Associated Press. I dropped biology, and am now a political science and economics double major. 

I served as a staff writer and news editor until my potential was recognized by former Co-Editors-in-Chief Allison Moore `24 and Nadia Langley `23, who gave me the opportunity to fill their roles this year alongside Eleanor Corbin `24. 

20 issues of the newspaper, over a hundred articles, a sprinkle of crisis and budget meetings, an Iowa College Newspaper of the Year award and 7 a.m. paper distribution runs with the milkmen and FedEx drivers – it’s been an incredibly wild ride building upon the work of 130 years of S&B staffers who came before us.

As I bid adieu to the place where I’ve done so much of my college growth, I do so with a heart swelling with pride and gratitude for everyone who supported me throughout this journey. 

I wish the incoming team the best of success. May your stories be bold, your deadlines met and your coffee cups never empty. May you write with audacity, dream with vigor and guide our dear S&B to new heights — perhaps with a little less gray in your hair than I managed.

Embrace this magical chaos for it has been, and will always be, one of the best experiences of my life.