Dear Huskies,
As another academic year comes to a close, I invite you all to reflect on the conversations that shaped your time here. Last year, I chose the word “inspiring” to define the year in my letter. If I had to choose one word to describe my two years in Student Media, it would be “fulfilling.”
This May/June 2026 issue marks the final edition of The Husky Herald’s 17th publishing year and my final issue as Editor-in-Chief. As I prepare to graduate with a degree in business administration with a concentration in technology and innovation management, I find myself reflecting on the privilege of serving this community.
When I first joined Student Media in 2024, I had no journalism background and often struggled with imposter syndrome. I never imagined I would help restructure operations, welcome a new managing editor role, redesign our website, launch social media campaigns, host large events and report on events across campus and beyond. I simply knew I wanted to make a difference while staying true to myself.
What I learned most as Editor-in-Chief is that there is power in asking “why.” Every interview began with curiosity, and every article opened a window into someone else’s world. Through stories of passion, resilience and purpose, I learned as much about myself as I did about others. This experience sparked a passion I never knew I had and showed me that creativity and business are not separate worlds.
I am incredibly proud of what our team accomplished together. During my time with The Husky Herald, our website readership grew by 60.8% (255+ additional views per month). We expanded the publication by four pages and redesigned our website’s user experience with the help of SM&D team member Meeti Gobindpuri. In an era increasingly dominated by short-form content, we continued believing in the value of student-led journalism and investing in the tradition of a campus newspaper.
Yet statistics tell only part of the story, and what I will remember most are the people. Some of my favorite memories include connecting with alumni during the I Heart UWB Luncheon, hearing cultural folktales during Storytime with Student Media and seeing familiar faces at campus events. UW Bothell is truly full of people who want to engage and want to help others succeed.
To former editors Ashlyn Huber and Mya Vo, and outgoing editors Kairi Rojas and Aysha Siddiqui, thank you for being such wonderful mentors to our contributor team. Thank you to our talented cover artists, Kristine Baldoza and Colette Skojec, as well as our reporters, artists, photographers, student clubs and every community member who trusted us with their stories. You all made a lasting difference.
Additional thanks to faculty advisor David Goldstein, Program Manager Rafi Kakar and SEA Assistant Director Pauline Tolentino for their guidance and belief in our mission.
Looking ahead, I am excited to introduce our incoming editorial team: Editor-in-Chief Keaona Gray-Outlaw, Managing Editor Shyamashree Acharya and Assistant Editor Campbell Hamilton. I have full confidence that the newspaper is in excellent hands. I am also excited for Student Media’s future as the team moves into a new space next fall (check out Page 6!).
If I could speak to my first-year self, I would tell her that everything will work out. Have patience, trust the process and remember that success is a collective effort.
It has been one of the greatest privileges of my college experience to collaborate and learn alongside all of you to help tell the stories that make UW Bothell a special place. I leave this role feeling deeply fulfilled and grateful for every person who was part of this journey.
Congratulations, Class of 2026!
Kindly,
Ashley Tsang
Editor-in-Chief 2024–26
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