Leading Viper Zine: From Writer to Editor-in-Chief

I joined Viper Zine as a writer in 9th grade, wide-eyed and slightly terrified of Google Docs comment threads. Back then, I submitted articles nervously, hoping my sentences wouldn’t be torn apart by edits or, worse, ignored completely. I still remember the thrill of seeing my first byline the sense that maybe my words mattered, even just a little.

Two years later, I took over as Editor-in-Chief.

Leading Viper Zine in 11th grade was equal parts exciting and overwhelming. Suddenly, I was on the other side of the screen reviewing submissions, managing layouts, balancing deadlines with team morale, and trying to keep the magazine not only running, but evolving. We wanted the zine to feel bold, current, and student-driven a reflection of our school’s voice, not just a bulletin of achievements.

We experimented with new formats: theme-based issues, open letters, satire pieces, even collaborative art spreads. I pushed for more editorial transparency, gave feedback that I hoped was kind but honest, and tried to make space for younger writers to feel heard the way I once wanted to be.

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What I learned

Editing is about more than fixing grammar. It’s about listening to tone, to intention, to the space between what a writer is trying to say and what they’ve actually written. It taught me how to lead a creative team, how to manage deadlines without micromanaging, and how to make decisions without shutting down voices.

But more than that, it taught me how to trust myself as a reader, as a leader, and as someone who could help shape a platform worth reading.

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Why it mattered

Viper Zine wasn’t just a school magazine to me. It was a training ground for everything I care about: writing, editing, collaboration, and creating spaces where people can speak and be heard. It gave me a chance to contribute to school life in a way that felt creative and lasting. And it reminded me, issue after issue, that stories matter especially the ones told by students themselves.

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