“OK guys, like, what should we write?” The Sidekick photography editor Vibha Viswanath said the very first time I met her in D115, our newsroom, workshopping story ideas for the 2024-25 school year. 

At that moment, I did not realize how much I would learn from her and admire her as a person, or how much I would hear her use of “like.”

Prior to joining The Sidekick, I had not known Vibha, but what I definitely did know is that she is a talented photographer. When photography tryouts came around, I tried to get as much advice from her as possible, and she was so willing to impart her photographer wisdom on me.

Her daily updates during our class period consisted of her mixing seriousness and humor to help out our staff with their photos. Without fail, she would always throw “like” in there more than a few times. Nonetheless, her confidence both as a person and a photography editor echoed throughout the classroom.

A mentorship eventually evolved into a friendship, with both of us working together in phenomenal collaboration. Whether it is her giving me advice about college applications and cameras, sharing a story or me talking about my most recent odd life experience, Vibha is always there and always listening. Her persona is inviting and warm, and she is willing to extend a helping hand to not just me, but anyone on staff. 

The future is never certain, but one thing is: Vibha is bound to succeed wherever she goes and in whatever path she decides to follow.

Follow Aashi (@aashi_panchal6) and @CHSCampusNews on X.