Hello Everyone,
I’m Vaishali Prayag, and I am beyond excited to step into the role of Student Co-Editor-in-Chief for A Zine About Students as Partners (ZSaP). This past year has been an incredible journey for me, both as a student and as a storyteller. As someone pursuing a degree in journalism and mathematics, with a minor in computer science, I’ve always loved exploring intersections—between data and creativity, logic and emotion, numbers and narratives. Working on ZSaP has been the perfect embodiment of that, and it has deeply enriched my experience as a journalist-in-training.
When I first joined the ZSaP team, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I had worked with writing in many forms—through academic assignments, internships, and my role as a Writing Center consultant—but a zine was an entirely new medium for me. What I discovered was a space that not only encourages creativity but also embraces collaboration in ways I’d never encountered before. Here, the traditional boundaries between “teacher” and “student” blur. Instead, we all become partners, working side by side to create something meaningful.
What makes this role even more special is the incredible team I get to work with. Autumm’s guidance and wealth of experience as Staff Co-Editor-in-Chief have been invaluable, offering support and mentorship every step of the way. Our faculty zBoard members, Dr. MacDonald and Dr. Barak, bring so much passion and perspective, blending their academic expertise with creative energy that pushes us to think bigger. Heba’s talent in both technical and artistic realms inspires me, and Isaac’s dedication to uplifting marginalized voices reminds me of the power of storytelling. Together, we’ve built a community that reflects the very essence of this zine—collaboration, inclusivity, and creativity.
For me, this has been more than just an editorial role; it’s been a lesson in shared responsibility and collective growth. Journalism is often about finding stories, but this project taught me something even more profound: how to build stories together. Sitting down with contributors—whether they’re fellow students, faculty members, or staff—has shown me how powerful our voices can become when they’re brought together. I’ve learned how to listen more closely, edit more thoughtfully, and approach writing as a truly collaborative craft.
On a personal level, ZSaP has given me a sense of community during what can sometimes feel like a solitary academic journey. As a math and journalism major, my days are often split between the logical precision of numbers and the expressive world of words. ZSaP has been the perfect place to bring those two passions together, offering me the chance to tell stories that are thoughtful, creative, and impactful. It’s shown me how diverse perspectives can challenge assumptions, spark new ideas, and ultimately lead to better work.
This zine is more than just a collection of articles or artwork—it’s a reflection of what’s possible when we approach education with curiosity and an open mind. It celebrates the idea that learning doesn’t happen in isolation but through connection, dialogue, and mutual respect.
As you explore this issue, I hope you feel inspired to see yourself as a partner in learning, creating, and growing. Whether it’s by contributing to future issues, experimenting with new ideas, or simply engaging with the stories here, I encourage you to embrace this opportunity to reimagine what education can look like.
Thank you for letting me share this journey with you. Here’s to a future of collaboration, creativity, and endless possibilities.
Warm regards,
Vaishali Prayag
Student Co-Editor-in-Chief
