Looking back to move forward

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding, we should enjoy the fireworks, the parades, and the barbecues, but we must also recognize the holes in the fabric of our nation—one that was built on contradictions.

This anniversary of America is portrayed as a celebration of independence for all. That is not necessarily the case. For example, some corporations continue to exploit migrant labor for financial gain, long after the days of the Transcontinental Railroad, the rise of professional unions, and the passing of child labor laws. Only by recognizing and remembering the failures and triumphs of the past, can we look ahead to complete the unfinished experiment of America.

Our publication’s name, The Eagle Eye, reflects this mission. The eagle is lauded for its ability to see what others may overlook. We, as student journalists, view history as it unfolds. The Eagle Eye represents our commitment to paying attention to the forces shaping our nation, ensuring that stories are not ignored or forgotten.

By reporting and uncovering issues, we can hold truth to power. Now, with mass deportations, attacks on the First Amendment, and the erasure of certain histories, we must face these challenges—and many others—instead of dismissing them.

In a 2025 Pew Research Center survey, only 15% of young adults (ages 18-29) follow news all or most of the time, a statistic that has consistently decreased over the years. Many attribute this to how news makes them scared or confused. However, as student journalists, we must engage our peers and create awareness of the importance of the media, even if those stories reveal humanity’s flaws.

In this edition, we tell stories about creating accessible housing, reducing overconsumption, and shining the light on dark histories. Much like how an eagle uses its vision to focus on all that is before it, our curiosity pushes us to do the same.

By Darby Yang and Abby Chachus