Hey Patriots,

A lot happened last week. From Transparent GMU’s case being heard at the Supreme Court of Virginia to Sodexo workers petitioning for better conditions — there’s a lot to talk about.

The Student Support and Advocacy Center hosted its second annual Consent Carnival. Our opinion writers touched on a variety of topics, including a debate between the College Republicans and GMU Democrats on immigration. 

Meanwhile, our Sports editor Natalie Heavren wrote a column on why you should attend fall sports games. The Sports section also provided an update on how Mason’s Men’s and Women’s soccer teams, and Women’s volleyball team are doing this season.

Yeah, there’s a lot to talk about. 

Like many on staff, I have been a part of this paper since my freshman year. I have seen the paper grow and change with new writers and staff coming and going. Each one has left their mark in different ways.

Former Managing Editor Basma Humadi started our regular feature Faces of Mason two years ago now. 

Former Culture Editor Monica Echols started multiple columns during her term last year, one of which is a column you’ll see this issue called Hidden Hangouts. 

My Co Editor-in-Chief Dana Nickel (then a staff writer) and former Editor-in-Chief Alexander Shedd (then the assistant news editor) launched the possibility of investigative reporting within Fourth Estate with their series, “Koch Uncovered” (a story that still has relevance today).

As a staff writer, Natalie Heavren single-handedly started up our Sports section again. 

None of this could have been possible without the support of our readers. 

I guess what I’m trying to say is, no matter how you are contributing to this paper — whether you are a staff writer, an editor or a reader — you can help shape what this paper becomes. And I hope that you do. Start a dialogue with us on Facebook or Twitter, send us the information about the event your organization is holding, pitch us the stories you want to see in print. 

As always if you have any questions, comments or concerns please email us at masonfourthestate@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

Hailey Bullis

Co Editor-in-Chief