Neva Hudson: A love letter to Harbinger for making my childhood journalism fantasies come true

Once upon a time, I spent hours of my time poring over flimsy paperback elementary school yearbooks thrown together by the PTA and meticulously crafted New York Times newspapers.

Anything printed and bound I got my hands on became my new obsessive reading material. So the second that being involved in journalism at school became an option, I signed up automatically. 

Within my four years in journalism — spanning across two staffs and trying designing, writing and photography — I’ve been able to explore every single aspect of the publications that fascinated me as a child. 

After a semester of tumultuous Journalism 1 (was I really cut out for this?) and two years of Hauberk (I was), everything finally clicked when I joined Harbinger last fall. Since joining I’ve written infinitely more interesting stories and worked on tighter deadlines — not to mention that I’ve made friends with people I otherwise wouldn’t have ever met that undoubtedly made my senior year.

Throughout it all, I’ve been a writer — no matter which additional odd jobs or positions I’ve attempted along the way. Now as a senior, I’m in my favorite positions I’ve ever had — writer and copy editor. The satisfaction that comes from running my fingers over my name printed next to my stories will never cease to give me a jolt of pride and accomplishment — unmatched by anything else I’ve tried.

Every part of the writing process holds immeasurable value. Whether I’m interviewing someone I’m totally intimidated by or doing research for a political story way out of my comfort zone, I’m learning.

I never would’ve expected that what started as a way to itch my childhood curiosities would end up being my favorite class of the day or result in the writing I’m most proud of. I’ve also gained invaluable social and professional skills that extend all the way to job interviews or dinner parties.

Because of my Harbinger experiences, my formerly shy self isn’t afraid to walk up to someone I’ve never met before and start a spontaneous conversation or ask countless questions rather than staying silent when I need clarification on something. 

So thank you Harbinger — all of the people, effort and dedication that you’re made up of — for being such a vital part of my high school identity and letting me fail, grow and learn to fall on my face and get back up again. 

xoxo, 

Neva