Hello everyone! I’m Martha Hoffman, your new IV Leader editor-in-chief. If you couldn’t tell, I’m excited for all this year has in store.

A college newspaper is a fantastic opportunity to share and discuss things that matter to you, to the community, and to the world. This is your paper. It isn’t mine; it isn’t the college’s. We’ll keep you informed about events, tell you the straight news as we know it, and make this a place to share your thoughts.

This is where you come in. I invite you to join the conversation. What matters to you? What gets you fired up? We would love to hear about it. Write an opinion article. Write a letter to the editor in response to something you read here. Be part of the conversation.

As editor-in-chief, I’m not here to control the discussion: I am here to facilitate it and serve you to the best of my ability. If you have a suggestion or idea, let us know. Feedback lets us know how we’re doing and gives us direction for the future. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, and check out our website!

We have a fantastic staff with great ideas for features, columns, and articles. Stay tuned as the year progresses, because you won’t want to miss an issue.

Now that you have an idea of what’s in store for the paper, let me introduce myself.

I grew up on a farm where I learned to milk a cow, stack hay bales (arguably the best workout program out there), and hold conversations with my livestock (that’s perfectly normal, right?).

I am a 2016 Earlville High School graduate but was homeschooled throughout my elementary and junior high years. It’s great to be back for a second year at IVCC, and I know it will be bittersweet to leave here at the end of it.

My suggestion to you this coming year is to jump into IVCC activities. Don’t be shy!

Spirit Day is Wednesday, Sept. 13, where you can walk around the courtyard and talk to the different clubs on campus. Find some that interest you and start participating in activities. It will build your resume, make your scholarship and college applications stand out, and develop skills for your future career.

Not only that, but you also have a great place to build friendships with like-minded fellow students and faculty. It’s an incredible opportunity.

Don’t make your biggest regret be that you didn’t take advantage of the opportunities you had! I wish I had done more earlier last year, so take my suggestion from personal experience. I was afraid I would put too much on my plate and be too busy.

Definitely be aware of your time limitations, but don’t let it keep you from doing what you want. If you are passionate about something, you can make the time for it!

Good luck this year, and enjoy all the opportunities for learning and growth!