The KAIST Herald used to struggle to fulfill the key characteristic of an actual newspaper organization. Of course, the previous administrations of Editors and Heads worked hard, and every month, newspaper stands around campus were replenished with new publications. But with not many readers picking up the papers, these monthly volumes only piled on top of each other, except perhaps during dormitory move-out periods when students need to wrap their fragile belongings. In the past few semesters, however, the Herald has entered a transitional phase both in terms of campus presence and internal structure, and the current Editor-in-Chief is a pivotal member who ushered in this change.

Jaymee Palma has always had an affinity for literature. She dreams of having a personal library in her home, and she grabs any opportunity she gets to visit a bookstore and buy good books to read. Her habit of reading inspired her to write stories, which then helped her develop her writing. Anyone avidly reading her articles could tell — her way with words exhibits a unique flavor that perfectly shows her style and personality. Jaymee’s leadership capabilities are equally exceptional; every group project or activity she organizes results in astonishing success, earning the praises of her mentors and peers. She is a soft and sweet person, making her approachable among her friends and peers. Yet make no mistake; she has unparalleled motivation and work ethic, and her beliefs are firm and unshakeable even under pressure. With impressive writing skills and a definitive personality, it is to no surprise that the former Editor-in-Chief Ada Carpenter had her hopes set on Jaymee Palma as her Assistant Editor. 

Their leadership journey was a steep learning curve. Being the first editorship without Korean background, their administration had been filled with some significant conflicts on vision and mentality. There was also pressure on both for international representation in the KAIST community. Despite these hurdles, they managed to implement significant changes in the Herald. The newspaper was rebranded with a new logo and more visually-enhanced designs for added interactivity. Newspaper stands were added to other frequently visited KAIST spots to increase accessibility. The website was revamped for an increased online presence and social media accounts became more active in promoting content to better reach its readers. From merely publishing a newspaper full of article words with minimal cartoons, the Herald has placed greater emphasis on attracting a wide audience.

By the time Jaymee became Editor-in-Chief, the Herald’s campus presence had grown significantly, so much so that it has drawn appreciation from many readers and attracted unwarranted insults from KAIST’s whiny minority. The newspaper has become a more active avenue to raise issues both inside and outside KAIST, as it is now filled with more extensive and detailed features of important authorities. Internally, the members have become more productive; the Division Heads started to play a bigger role in administrative decisions and decentralization of work, and regular staff reporters have been contributing more in investigative reports and features. In the span of Jaymee’s two years of editorship, she has overseen a massive change in the organization’s functionality, and although it is a collective effort of all members of the Herald, her leadership had a positive influence in its realization.

There is still more to improve, but Jaymee Palma has certainly set a high standard for the future generation of reporters to come. The next Editor-in-Chief of The KAIST Herald, Jisun Lee, as well as the next Assistant Editor and Division Heads, will build upon the successes of Jaymee and all previous editors.