Leading, Learning, and Looking Ahead: Former Editors in Chief Reflect on Their Time with the Redwood Gigantea

Past Editors in Chief share where they’ve been, where they’re at, and where they’re going.

By: Adam Lopez

The history of the Redwood Gigantea is long, stemming all the way back from 1954 to today.

The role of Editor in Chief (EIC) is a crucial part of a newspaper publication, and at the Redwood Gigantea has had many, and a few of the former Editors in Chief have shared their experience.

Brienna Burr, ‘24, one of the two Editors in Chief in the 2023-2024 school year, says, “My experience being an Editor in Chief was nothing short of amazing. Not only was it rewarding to be in a leadership position but because of the freedom being EIC gave me, I was able to foster connections with section editors and all of the Gigantea’s writing staff.”

Burr adds that she gives credit to the EIC role for making her who she is today.

Donya Hassanshahi, ‘24, the second of the two Editors in Cheif in the 2023-2024 school year, says, “As EIC for the Redwood Gigantea, I truly believe that the lessons I learned  and skills I acquired could not be reciprocated with any other endeavor I pursued.”

Hassanshahi also says, “Having the ability to communicate with the staff and students that I knew, and others that I would not otherise have the pleasure to talk with, was so enriching.”

Emma Jenan, ‘25, the sole Editor in Chief of the 2024-2025 school year, says, “My experience as Editor in Cheif was overall wonderful. I definitely did struggle my first semester though, but it’s all about finding balance in your time.”

These past EIC also share where they have been since graduating in their respective years.

Burr says, “Since graduating in May of 2024, I’ve been ‘adulting’ which is wild. I started attending San Diego State University (SDSU) in the fall of 2024, and I am now in my second year.”

Burr also says that she entered SDSU as a Journalism and Public Relations major with a minor in Communications, but has since changed her major to Education.

Jenan says, “After graduation I have been at Fresno Pacific University to play tennis.”

Hassanshahi says, “Since graduation, I’ve been attending University of California, Los Angeles. This year, I am entering as a second-year undergraduate.”

Hassanshahi goes on to say that she is double majoring in Comparative Literature and Psychobiology.

Burr says, “After I graduate I plan on getting my teaching credentials at SDSU, getting my Masters, and starting in my own classroom as soon as possible.”

The role of Editor in Chief also comes with teaching of important skills in life.

Jenan says, “I believe the Gigantea has played a crucial role in my life in teaching me the importance of teamwork, leadership skills, and how to tell others stories first.”

Burr says that the Gigantea has prepared her in many ways.

Burr says, “I think the biggest lesson that I took from the Gigantea is that connections matter. Whether it’s at Redwood, on the street, or a dorm, the relationships we build and the stories we share are what makes our experiences meaningful.”

Hassanshahi gives credit to Mr. Nicholas Miller, the Redwood Gigantea’s Advisor, for her writing, journalism, and overall creativity.

Burr says, “The Gigantea is a great place to be. No matter how many years it’s been or will be, I always remember to “Make it big. Do it right. Give it class.”

Tags: Adam Lopez, Brienna Burr, Donya Hassanshahi, Editor in Chief, Emma Jenan, Redwood, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, redwood rangers, rhs