Opinion editor finds voice through writing

By Nadia Paschal

There are two major life lessons that I learned during my time here in Plattsburgh. The first being that things don’t always turn out the way you expected. The second is that when that happens, it’s OK. 

I started college as an ecology major trying to pursue a lifelong dream of mine. However, no matter how hard I tried, I struggled with the classes. Math and science were not my forte and it felt like I was relentlessly trying to force a square peg into a round hole. 

Eventually, I had to make a change knowing that was the only way I was going to graduate. I changed majors hoping I could pivot to social work eventually. I grew burnt out quickly and became disillusioned with college entirely. 

I needed to try something new and made the leap to finally join Cardinal Points. It was something I had always wanted to try but never felt like it was relevant to my major. 

I spent one semester as a writer for the arts & culture section and I was terrified the whole time. I had no idea what I was doing, or how any of this really worked. To my surprise, I was nominated to be the opinion editor in the coming semester despite only writing one article for the section.

After three semesters being a part of the Cardinal Points staff, I can confidently say this was the best decision I’ve ever made. Writing gave me a purpose and I tapped into the creative side of myself that I hadn’t allowed to flourish before. 

Even through all the long, tiresome nights spent in the office, I knew I was in the right place. It was rewarding to see each article I wrote and every page I designed come out every Friday. It gave me a feeling of success I hadn’t felt before and a sense of accomplishment.

It has truly been an honor to serve as the editor for the opinion section. I have tried to make it both a place where students can safely vocalize how they feel as well as something entertaining — a way to get their minds off the daily stress we all face. 

As saddened as I am to part ways with the opinion section and leave it behind, I know it is in excellent hands and look forward to reading each week, even if I no longer am a student.

I am forever grateful to the entire staff at Cardinal Points, who have been there for me every step of the way both personally and professionally. I have learned so much from each of them, and have been constantly inspired by them and the passion they have for their work. 

Even on the most stressful days, I always look forward to coming into this home away from home, and seeing all of them, knowing we’re in this together.

The future is uncertain for me — I am unsure if I will continue journalism, as I want to write in a more creative sense. Wherever I end up, I owe it all to Cardinal Points which has broadened my horizons and made me into a better, more confident version of myself.