The Spring 2020 semester has been chaotic and unpredictable. From the global pandemic forcing students to abandon campus, to Parkland’s online learning platforms suddenly inaccessible, this semester will be one to remember. Fortunately, we are wrapping up the semester. The Prospectus staff would like to congratulate you on your ability to overcome adversity and to persevere! Whether you are graduating or not, completing this semester is an accomplishment.
To all this year’s graduates, the Prospectus wishes you well on your next adventure. It is unfortunate that the traditional commencement ceremony was unable to take place, but thankfully there is the opportunity to participate in a virtual commencement. The class of 2020 is the first graduating class to experience a virtual commencement, and that will be marked in history. Graduates, you overcame and persevered, which will be remembered and will be something future Parkland students will look back on.
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Notes from the Editorial Staff:
It has been a pleasure to serve at the Prospectus. I enjoyed working with the staff and student body. Working at the Prospectus hasn’t been without challenge, though. Sometimes I had to work long hours, had to navigate unresponsiveness, and had to constantly figure out how to be a leader, which was especially difficult during the stressful moments. But it is only through discomfort that we grow and learn to appreciate all the happy and easygoing moments, which were plentiful at Parkland and with the Prospectus. I met and worked with a lot of fantastic students, community members, and faculty, learned about activism, leadership, and journalism, and was fortunate enough to spend my two years at Parkland in a creative environment, where I could explore my interests and develop both academically and professionally. Over the last two years, I was also fortunate enough to work with an accomplished team of editors, reporters, and designers, who have been recognized for their journalistic efforts. This recognition includes:
· 2nd place, Mike Foster General Excellence Award, Prospectus Staff
· 3rd place, Website Design, Nicoline Hansen (digital editor) and Prospectus Staff
· 2nd place, Feature Story, Ayla McDonald (reporter and co-editor)
· Honorable mention, Feature Photo, Marcus Flinn (graphic designer)
· 2nd place, Headline, Katherine Majewski (reporter)
· Honorable Mention, News Photo, Andrew Waner (photographer)
· 3rd place, Page Design, Marcus Flinn and Scott Landells (graphic design editor)
· Honorable Mention, Page Design, Scott Landells
· Honorable Mention, Sports Photo, Scott Landells
To Parkland and the Prospectus Team, thank you for everything.
Emma Fleming
Editor
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I am writing this with mixed emotions. I am happy and excited to wrap up what I think most can agree has been a challenging semester. However, it is bittersweet knowing that this will be my last time writing for the Prospectus. It has been such a pleasure to be a part of such an amazing team of creative people.
Apart from thanking the Prospectus staff, I want to thank Parkland as well. Parkland College has served as much more than an educational institution for me. It has provided a supportive environment that has allowed me to grow tremendously as a person and develop valuable skills that I will now carry with me as I continue my college career at the University of Illinois. I have gotten the opportunity to serve in leadership roles both as the Digital Editor for the Prospectus and as the Account Executive for AMP, all while working for Accessibility Services and completing the Student Leadership Academy. It has not been an easy task, and time management has become my best friend – but most importantly, it has all been worth it.
I have met some amazing people along the way and have become a part of something greater. College is not just about going to class; it is just as much about the people you meet, and the opportunities offered outside of the classroom. If I could give one piece of advice to students, it would be to explore what Parkland has to offer. Get involved in activities and become involved in something bigger; it really is worth it.
Thank you to Parkland for providing me with a safe and fun space to start my college career. Congratulations to all the graduating students. I am, together with the entire Prospectus staff, proud of every single one of you. If there is something that the current situation has proven, it is that we truly are stronger together.
Thank you. Go Cobras!
Nicoline Hartvig Hansen
Digital Editor
