Saying goodbye, but not farewell to McKenna

May 2023

This month, we asked our writers to ponder the goodness of their fellow student columnists as they say goodbye to graduating senior, McKenna Snow.

The friends you meet along the way

Sarah Miller
MSMU Class of 2026

McKenna has many different roles in my life; in truth, she does them all well. She is a Residents Assistant on my floor, a classmate in my Drawing 101 class, my boss for the news-journal you are reading, and my friend. I have seen her do her very best in her many roles in my life, and for the following 900 words, you will hear about the impact she has on me as well as the people and things around her.

On my first day at the Mount, I already had an established relationship with McKenna. As an incoming freshman, often the first person you know as a hall resident is your RA. As I moved my things in on the bittersweet day of August 18th, nostalgia and sad feelings were looming in the air. I realized that it was the last few hours with my mom and my sister that I had for the next few weeks; however, McKenna happily came by, making her rounds, and she stopped by my room.

McKenna greeted my family and me with a smile and introduced herself. She informed me of her position and duties around the hall and asked if she could assist with anything throughout the day. That was my first encounter, and whenever I approached her with something during my time at Mount Saint Mary’s, she was so helpful; I have been very blessed to have her as an RA. But even though McKenna was incredible, and I couldn't ask for a better RA, you know how freshmen act. Initially, we feel that the reason that the RA is there is to ruin our fun or rain on our parade; but once you get over that childish mindset, you can actually develop a relationship with them, and that is what me and my other friends needed—a new outlook on the people around us.

As the year went on and the freshman ignorance of my RA melted away, I got to know McKenna. She texted in the group chat on our floor and asked if anybody wanted to write for a news-journal based in Emmitsburg. I took her up on the offer right away, and after we spoke about the opportunity, McKenna invited me to interview for the News-Journal. We met in the Mount Café with Claire Doll, another writer and Assistant Editor, and we discussed the logistics and skills of the job. It was your basic interview, and they both seemed impressed with my skill set; later, they found that I would be a good fit for the team.

As I stared at this new News-Journal job, McKenna helped me tremendously. I had never had a writing job, and I didn't know how to format or edit the articles, so she sat down and talked with me to show me the basics and things that I should be looking for in the articles. She was such a good teacher to me, and I truly grew after the opportunity of talking and being with her.

After my mini-lesson with McKenna, she showed me the ropes for the newspaper and writing in general; ultimately, with her guidance, I became a better writer. I had a passion for writing, especially with the wonderful staff beside me, and I realized how rewarding of a job it is.

McKenna mentioned that she wants to write for a newspaper as a full-time job when she goes out of college. She expressed that she would like to write for a Catholic News Journal because of the background and passion for theology that she has. She is the type of person to truly have an impact anywhere she goes, especially when doing something she cares about deeply, and I am honored that she sprinkled some of her talents onto me.

McKenna is a lively member of my Drawing 101 class. We both took this class and started with no prior drawing experience, which was a hard thing to conquer. We started with these abstract still-life pieces where we had to draw what we saw and take the time to delve into the picture. For a vivid example of what we were drawing, my drawing had a deer skull placed on a table with a wheel above it, and a baby doll’s head on top of a statue. This was not an easy task, and my drawing was not as good as I thought it would be. However, McKenna took time to conquer her tasks in the most efficient way possible. Her drawing was stellar and although this drawing didn’t make it into the art show, two of her others did, which is a huge accomplishment. My art teacher was frustrated when she saw how unique McKenna’s art was because she wished she would have taken her classes sooner. McKenna's hidden abilities show so much about her well-rounded, talented person, and that the people around her, day by day, are impressed with her work ethic and passion that she approaches every new thing with.

Later, she was granted an opportunity with Mike, our newspaper owner, to take some equestrian lessons. She jumped on the opportunity, and I was able to watch her start and participate in the first lesson. Every week, I take McKenna to ride, and we have some time to talk and catch up on our weeks before she gets to delve into one of her favorite hobbies. Seeing McKenna so excited and happy to go ride horses is a great gift. I am happy that I can help her could go and ride because it is something that she truly does care about, and I am sure something that gives her so much joy to do.

She is more than just an artist, boss, and RA to me. She is my friend, too. I am delighted that Mount Saint Mary’s allowed me to meet McKenna and learn from her. She is very wise, thoughtful, and hardworking, and I genuinely wish that I had just about half of her qualities. Thank you, McKenna, for all you do for me, and most importantly, good luck!

Read other articles by Sarah Miller

Every morning invites the question

Joey Carlson
MSMU Class of 2025

One of the first conversations I remember having with McKenna was when I was in the sandwich line in the cafeteria. I was the new hire on the team, so I was scared to say anything. She made it easier by talking first, tolerating my pale attempt at small talk with a smile, and managing to ask a genuinely interesting question that probably required more time than the 90 seconds I was in line for. I figured out then that McKenna was one of the kind people on campus.

At the beginning of this semester, there was a particular moment I found striking: a group I was with were all making fun of a person, but McKenna went out of her way to defend this person! She did this, not because she and this person didn’t have disagreements, but because she had already forgiven them, and she cared for their dignity. In a situation where I and good people were willing to laugh at another’s expense, she was not. It came with a kind of humility; she knows she herself has her own problems, and just as she would not want another to make fun of her, she will not do so to any other human person.

McKenna cares very deeply about truth. She, like everyone else, is not perfect, but she tries to be aware of what she does not know. It seems like this is why she asks a lot of questions in class, which always benefits me because she fills the awkward silence that comes after a professor asks a question related to the reading (which I did not read). I know that that seems silly, but it saved me once when I had to present my paper to the class. It was a difficult project; the professor had me write and present an opinion I disagreed with in order to elicit a reaction from the class and to get them talking. I was comforted when McKenna was visibly upset at my heresy, though she managed to still speak with tact. Everyone else was comfortable with the status quo, but characteristically McKenna, she could not let a falsehood slide by without it first being subjected to the Socratic method.

She is graduating early. I am also graduating early, so I know that this on its own is not that impressive; anyone can work hard and graduate early. But it takes real virtue to do so and simultaneously uphold all other commitments in one's life with love and generosity. McKenna does that, and that is why she is impressive. Graduating early, it is actually more difficult to love people, because I can easily convince myself (and I do convince myself) that I am too busy. She is as busy as I am, yet she is much kinder than I am, and for that I respect her.

McKenna is able to be kind in difficult circumstances because she loves Jesus—He makes up for her weakness with his own capacity. You will see, in her own words that, for her, every morning invites the question of where in that day she can love God and human beings. Here is a quote from McKenna at the close of her first semester, originally describing a weird semester for her, though I think it probably describes her whole Mount career:

"I refuse to be ungrateful or complaintive of this unusual first semester. I want to look back and focus on what was good about this semester. How could I let negativity overpower these happy memories and friendships that were made? I learned so much and made so many wonderful friends. I deepened my relationship with Jesus through the sacraments available on campus, and through trusting in Him amidst all struggles. He drew me to pursue virtue when I didn’t always want to, and I am so glad of that. From this semester I know and understand these things all the more fully: Joy is a choice. Perseverance is a choice. Now, more than ever, these virtues cannot be thrown out the window just because times are frustrating. Actively choosing joy over negativity can bring about some of the best memories and friendships one could ever know, even in the most atypical of situations—or in my case, even the most atypical of semesters."(12/2020)

I want to close with her own closing from her very first article for ENJ; it says a lot about her character that this is how she chose to introduce herself:

"The question "what gets you up in the morning?" yields an answer that begins with my greatest passion: love of Jesus Christ, and love for His Church. Every morning invites the question of, "What is God going to ask of me today?" I always discover that the answer varies. Sometimes the answer is simply that He wants me to do homework, or to spend time with a friend, or to spend extra time in prayer. And other times, the answer is to write an article for the Emmitsburg News-Journal! No matter what it is, I strive to arise happily with the intention to live my day wholly for Him."

It is fairly obvious to me and to most people who have had the privilege of knowing McKenna that this is all still true; she cares for people because she desires to do the will of God. I wish I asked this question! Too often, even on good days, my attitude is identical to Les Mis’s Jean Valjean’s when he was let out of prison: "The day begins, and now let’s see, what this new world will do for me!" McKenna asks what she can do for God, not what God can do for her, and that is inspiring.

Thank you, McKenna, for your witness to the love of Jesus Christ. I am sure that most of these moments of kindness were not easy, and that they were intentional. Wherever you end up, I am sure that you will keep loving Jesus Christ your whole life through.

Read other articles by Joseph Carlson

McKenna’s kindness

Claire Doll
MSMU Class of 2024

I was a freshman at the Mount when I met McKenna, and I was immediately taken back by her kindness.

Not to say that her beautiful, wide grin and sweet, smiling eyes weren’t noticeable—because they are. McKenna radiates joy, and anyone can tell that from a mile away. Or the way she always dresses in bright, long skirts and takes pictures that capture the beauty of autumn or the blossoming of spring. That was noticeable, too. Or even the way her name sounded: McKenna Snow. It’s adorable!

But it was McKenna’s kindness that really stood out to me—the sort of kindness that comes so effortlessly from her, but in some small way, it transforms you. Whenever McKenna would smile at me in the hallway, or exchange small talk while brushing teeth before bed, I always wondered, How can she be so friendly? How is this even possible?

I even have a memory from the first class we had together—Western Civilizations. On the very first day, we were all asked to share a fun fact about ourselves. When McKenna spoke, she told our professor that she loved to write. She loved to write essays and papers for fun, and she wanted to write her own book, someday. I remember thinking how awesome that was, and how McKenna’s hobbies aligned with my own.

I longed to be her friend, and when sophomore year came around, I felt so lucky to join the Emmitsburg News-Journal team. Only then did I notice my friendship with McKenna grow. She welcomed me to the staff so kindly, and she willingly proofread my articles and helped me find a comfortable, great place in my journalism writing. And while she might not know this, after every issue of the Emmitsburg News-Journal would come out, I would always flip right to the Four Years at the Mount page and read her article first. Because not only was she a kind person, or a beautiful soul, but she was also an amazing writer (as you all might be aware of)!

McKenna uses words so effortlessly to paint lovely images and write about her family. From her articles, I know she has lots of siblings who she loves, and parents who she looks up to, and I find it so beautiful that she dedicates her words to the things and people that mean the most to her. In her writing, McKenna prioritizes love and meaning. She takes a prompt—any prompt at all—and manages to turn it into something heartwarming, something that matters within our souls, something that captures the mind and keeps it thinking. We’ve even had to write about the most eclectic and unique topics out there, and McKenna still makes it hopeful and inspiring.

For example, I’ll never forget when we had to write about what we do with the rest of winter. McKenna had asked me to edit her article, and I simply remember reading it and relating to every single word. As a reader, I found truth and value in each word, and I thanked McKenna for being so honest with her writing. Rather than dwelling in the cold, despair of winter, she chose to reflect on finding its beauty and learning from the lessons that winter might give her. If you read anything at all from McKenna, you will find that she is an inspirer. That her words give hope and reflect faithfulness.

As sophomore year passed and my junior year began—McKenna’s senior year, since she is graduating early—I found that we both make a hardworking and great team as Managing Editor and Assistant Managing Editor. One night in December, we were rushing to get edits done before publishing the January paper. McKenna and I both happened to be editing at the same time that night, and we ended up leaving each other notes on our shared Google doc, as if texting through it. It was hilarious, and we caught so many little edits while encouraging each other on the way (it was pretty late that night). McKenna is always willing to edit articles, and the ones that she sends my way, she’ll always thank me and praise me for my work. I just hope she knows how happy I am to do it, and how grateful I am for such a good leader to guide me through the news-journal.

Mount St. Mary’s will surely miss the presence of McKenna on campus. She is a kind soul, a faithful woman, a beautiful writer, and a happy, loving friend. Although we never grew super close during our time together, I still value her for all of these things, and I always wanted to be like her. As I said, she is an inspirer. McKenna leads others with grace and effortlessly makes her mark on so many people.

As she wraps up her time at college and as she prepares to make her way in the real, scary, adult world, I know many things for certain: McKenna will go into this life with an enduring, loving soul that will touch so many people. She will keep her family close to her, and she will keep inspiring. It is easy to assume all these things, because she does it already. And she will keep doing it.

But I also hope and pray that she keeps writing. McKenna’s use of language is stunning, and her writing is so unique in that she can use her kindness and inspiration to reach so many people. I hope she will continue to write about family, about her friends and loved ones, about the beauty of nature in the fall, and about her strong, enduring faith. And I hope she will look back on her time at the Emmitsburg News-Journal with a smile, because she has contributed so much to the staff. I am confident that McKenna will make a lasting impact on this world, and that she will be remembered at the Mount for her kindness, above all else.

Read other articles by Claire Doll

This wonderful team

McKenna Snow
MSMU Class of 2023

Working with the Emmitsburg News-Journal has been one of the most rewarding jobs; it is surreal to think this is all coming to a close for me, and soon I’ll be saying farewell to my team. Each of the students I have worked with has put in so much effort, heart, and friendship. I am sad to say goodbye, but humbled that I am able to do so to such good people. Each student here is worth recognition, support, and resounding applause.

I’d like to first recognize my wonderful Assistant Editor and friend, Claire Doll. She has such an intentional and engaging personality, and I can say truly that Claire builds up those around her. I feel encouraged after talking to her, and my day is brightened even after brief conversation. Not to mention, Claire is so very organized, and disciplined in her schedule; last year, I loved seeing her at the café early in the morning, when it seemed like she had gotten half of her work done for the week before 8:30. Claire has been incredible to work with because she is reliable and so on top of things. She is patient with me when I get behind on work, offers a helping hand when I need it, and always has a joyful attitude.

Claire also captures the whimsical beauty of seasons, everyday adventures, and town happenings with her words, which paint pastel pictures of beautiful moments in the reader’s mind. Claire has steeped herself in the Mount community not only through her dedication to Lighted Corners, but more importantly through her radiant joy and welcoming personality. The News-Journal is so blessed to have her as the Managing Editor next year!

Now, whenever Joey responds to a prompt, he amazes me with his prose. Joey takes the prompts and responds from angles I wouldn’t have ever thought of, but they are inspiring and poignant. He writes with humility often unexpected, but in a moving way that calls the reader to look in the mirror and consider where they too might need to grow. Joey and I took Senior Seminar this semester, and his wealth of historical knowledge and connections to various philosophers and theological questions enriched the class significantly. Joey puts deep consideration and reason behind each word chosen—a thoughtfulness rare and good.

Sarah has been such a joy to know this year, both on and outside the team. Sarah is a resident on my Honors freshmen floor, and when I met her, I was instantly greeted with a happy hello. Later into last semester, I was taking my lunch to go, but saw her sitting at a table. I asked to join her, and we had a wonderful, random conversation about theology. From there, it was almost like I saw Sarah everywhere, even taking an art class together this semester unintentionally. And we also ended up working together here at the Journal! The genuineness, kindness and dedication Sarah has brought to the role, as well as just to me personally, I will never forget.

Devin is also a member of our Honors freshman hall community, and has been joyful, optimistic, and hardworking in taking on several feature articles for the Journal. Attending town-hall meetings online to write articles is no small thing for a freshman, and yet Devin stepped right up to learn how to do it! But this is a dedication I have seen within the Journal and out of it; Devin has shown me a heroic love for her family and a generosity of heart that will continue to impact and inspire.

Steve has repeatedly wowed me with his depth in writing sports articles. He sent me an article about the history of baseball—my favorite sport—and the extensive care with which it was written was remarkable. Steve did thorough research, packed a significant amount of information into it, and crafted it into a compelling story about the human condition—showing that he doesn’t just report on sports, he brings out why they actually matter to human persons, especially at the Mount. He does this through the enthusiasm he brings to all of his projects and articles, and the continual cultivation of genuine love for what he does.

Ashley’s presence on the team is irreplaceable; she brings professionalism, honesty, and vision to the team. She also brings connectedness, especially, through the prompts she chooses—they always highlight the most beautiful aspects of the Mount and the artistic programs, concerts, and shows hosted here. She vibrantly details what is happening in the artistic corners of the Mount, but doesn’t just highlight the big events—she chooses those which are less seen, but just as worthy of recognition and support. I think this is telling about her character; she doesn’t overlook the smaller person, or that which might be considered "lesser." She elevates and appreciates, and loves the beautiful things of this world well.

Finally, Mike has been a great mentor to me, and has built up my confidence going into post-graduation life through a cultivation of various skills. It is clear from our staff meetings that Mike values sincerity more than perfection; he values honesty, good communication, and especially, love for God’s creatures. Mike has a love for all animals; those as large as horses and as small as birds, and he cares for them with an enthusiastic generosity. But he has cared for his staff all the better. Mike doesn’t just want our work to be well-done, he actually wants to make sure we are all doing well. Mike builds us up, encourages us, gives us honest feedback, and lets us know when we did something well. Mike has helped prepare me for working in the "real world" by the high standards of journalistic excellence he has held me to these past three years, and for the practical advice he’s given me about working in journalism. I have grown so much through his mentorship and kindness, and through all of the opportunities the News-Journal has given me. I will miss this team very much, and the whole town of Emmitsburg. Thank you very much, dear readers, for being such a significant part of my time here at the Mount. I am so grateful for each of you, and for this wonderful team.

Read other articles by McKenna Snow

Read Past Editions of Four Years at the Mount