Each year, graduating editors are given 30 final column inches – “30” was historically used to signify the end of a story – to reflect on their time at The Hatchet, published in the final issues of the year.
If anyone told me sophomore year when I joined the Hatchet that I would eventually be the sports beat photo editor, I wouldn’t have believed them. My very first photo assignment was a GW men’s soccer game on the Vern. However, I quickly found that my favorite part about being a Hatchet photographer wasn’t attending sporting events, but getting out of the Foggy Bottom bubble to visit new restaurants, see unique murals and attend local D.C. events.
When the pandemic began in March of 2020, all of those fun outings stopped. After making countless photo illustrations of computer screens I began to reminisce about some amazing photo opportunities that were #OnlyAtGW moments. I missed photographing the random protests outside of Kogan Plaza, incredible guest speakers like José Andrés and Dolores Huerta and surprisingly, sporting events.
With that said, when the sports beat photo editor position opened last semester, I took a chance and genuinely found an appreciation for sports photography. The energy of the crowd and athletes at games kept me on my toes and excited me. It was a sharp learning curve, but I improved my visual literacy, gained knowledge in photo editing and had many slices of pizza in the basketball media room. Some moments on the sports beat I’ll never forget are the dogs who jump rope during half-time shows, getting seasick while photographing sailing practice in the Potomac and of course, the time my camera and I almost got knocked out by a basketball.
Despite graduating in the middle of these strange times, I feel more prepared for what lies ahead in my career as a photographer because of my time at The Hatchet where I had the privilege of visually documenting moments like these:
[gwh_image id=”1161392″ credit=”Sydney Walsh | Assistant Photo Editor” align=”none” size=”embedded-img”][/gwh_image]
Camille: I’ll never forget the night at the Red Eye market when the only thing we got out of it was a Snapshot. Thank you for always being someone I can rely on for your honest opinion, calico appreciation and for being a great friend. It’s been amazing to see you and your photography evolve, I’m so excited to see where life takes you.
Grace: Your dedication and drive is incredible and something I’ll always admire about you. Despite your busy schedule, you still find a way to meet deadlines and stay on top of everything. I have no doubt that you will succeed at whatever you do. I hope you get the most out of life and take time to enjoy it!
Danielle: I can’t wait to see your creativity flow as the features photo editor next year! I’m so excited to see the work you make as a photojournalism major and where you take the GW Chapter of NPPA. Your drive, dedication and bright ideas will be sure to move the photo industry forward.
Auden: I’m so glad you joined the photo team this semester! It’s been great to have your energy present. Thank you for photographing all those basketball games last semester. It’s been wonderful to see you grow. I’m sure you will lead the photo team next year with grace and success!
Jordyn, Rachel and Krishna: It was so great to see all of you at photographer meetings and seeing your work! Good luck next year. I know the photo team is in good hands!
Past Editors: Arielle: When I first met you, who knew we’d spend more time in Florida together than in D.C.! Thank you for all of your life advice and Hatchet guidance throughout the years, introducing me to Taylor Swift podcasts and convincing me to be the sports beat photo editor. I can’t wait for our next road trip!
Family and Friends: Thank you for always supporting my goals and your words of wisdom from life outside the journalism world!
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