Fourth Estate Culture Editor Katie Perschau poses for her senior pictures in the Colorado mountains. (Katie Perschau / Fourth Estate)

Fourth Estate Culture Editor graduates from George Mason

BY KATIE PERSCHAU, CULTURE EDITOR

Dear readers and writers,

As my time at Fourth Estate and Mason comes to a close, I would like to thank you all for your continued dedication to the Culture section, Fourth Estate and collegiate journalism. 

When I first decided I wanted to turn my passion for sharing people’s stories into a career, I heard many people tell me that I was entering a dying industry. After three years dedicating myself to journalism and witnessing its impact, I can say with confidence that there will always be a need for passionate truthseekers and storytellers like you all in this world, especially now. 

Culture stories allow us to understand and experience the lives, values and successes of others in a world that wants to see people divided by hatred, and I have loved seeing the ways the culture section has connected Mason students. 

I joined Fourth Estate in January of 2025 as soon as I realized I should probably get some real writing experience if I wanted to make journalism a career. I had very limited experience covering events, but I timidly volunteered to write about the 2025 Black Student Alliance Fashion Show. 

Notepad in hand, I watched models walk the runway in handmade costumes. I fell in love with culture writing when I realized that I wasn’t just documenting an event, I was giving a platform to the creativity and uniqueness of Mason students.  

Since then, I have covered everything from “Glee” actors to polling booths. I have watched the Mason community express its identity through parades, protests, clubs and celebrations. I have also had the privilege of working with a profoundly dedicated staff. Being surrounded by the talented editing team at Fourth Estate has been a privilege and a blessing that I will cherish long after I receive my diploma, and their enthusiasm has emboldened my own love for the journalism vocation. I am so excited to see all of the amazing things this team will go on to do.

I came to Mason from my hometown in Colorado, having never visited the East Coast.

I was scared, I knew no one, and I wasn’t sure if Mason would be the place for me. As I stare down the barrel of postgraduate life, I am less scared knowing that I have built lifelong connections here in part because of the wonderful experiences I have had at Fourth Estate. No matter where I end up, Mason will always be a place I can turn to for comfort and joyous memories. 

If you are like my freshman year self, terrified and unsure about your path, know that the future isn’t as daunting when you focus on what you love to do. The world needs more people who are unapologetically passionate about the things they love (and as a bonus, your story can be published in the culture section). 

Be who you are, and I promise the rest will fall into place.

To the writers I have worked with — your voices bring life to the culture section, and I am continuously in awe of your growing skills and creative ideas. I have learned more from each of you than you know. 

To the Mason community– You are the heart of the stories we share, and there wouldn’t be a culture section without your relentless passion, creativity and bold expression. I hope you see yourself reflected in every article I have helped publish. 

I am deeply thankful for my time at Fourth Estate, and I can’t wait to see all the ways the publication continues to grow and thrive. 

With gratitude and Patriot Pride,

Katie Perschau, Culture Editor