The act of encoding is one of conversion. An act of translation, even. What language, then, is a person encoded in? 

Answering this question usually begets a separation: left or right brain, artistic or rational, idealistic or realistic. Black and white characterizations of a person, though, only takes dimension away from them and compresses the limits of their mind. 

Skilled in visual arts yet also computer science, Ariana Goetting (12) maintains complete control in the space between the two seemingly far off fields. She finds the same comfort in looking at a blank canvas and a blank screen. The control and processes of painting and putting together a program are the same to her, mediums to render her creative visions with.

“Creativity and logic are a two-way street,” Ariana said.  “People don’t consider the creativity that goes into logic and vice versa. I pride myself on my ability to see creativity in everything.”

Ignoring traditional separations between the logical and creative allows Ariana to blend the two. In doing so, she develops a distinct aesthetic. Her work carries a distinct sense of harmony and flow, one that is spontaneous without seeming disorganized. Alena Suleiman (12) worked with her last year as co-Arts & Entertainment editors. She admires the humbling and innate skill Ariana possesses for page design.

“She doesn’t have very tight and strict rules with her design, but it comes to her naturally,” Alena said. “Her particular sense of style is so defined and unique. Ariana can do very technical, organized tasks while also maintaining an effortless flow. She’s very rational and always tries to understand problems from all points of view.”

Now, as co-editor-in-chief of the Winged Post, she experiences an even broader scope of impact. The trust and duty integral to her position offers clarity. Her job is steeped in motivation, both when she leads a staff through putting together an issue and when she pushes the publication to pursue creative exploration.

“Responsibility over the final product makes me even more driven,” Ariana said. “Running that process and seeing people enjoy the outcome–it’s such a beautiful image. With all the hard work everyone puts in, it’d be a shame not to be a perfectionist.”

However, Ariana remains realistic in her pursuit of perfection. Putting her all into her work allows her to reassure herself that regardless of outcome, she gave nothing but her best.

“I’m content as long as I put my all into everything,” Ariana said. “It goes both ways: the reason I put my all into everything is because then I’ll be content no matter the outcome.”

Though most of her time working at home is in her room refining pages, her efforts do not go unnoticed. Twin brother Matthew Goetting (12) gained a new respect and appreciation for the Winged Post because of the dedication his “built-in friend” puts in. 

“I’m proud looking at the paper,” Matthew said. “Seeing her do the work, the hours she spends in her room and the journalism room makes the newspaper more meaningful to me now.”

Stepping into a strategic role also allowed Ariana to reexamine what journalism means to her. Ultimately, it serves as a conduit for her to refine her creativity. Now, as a senior heading a publication, she also seeks to become a channel which helps others discover and define their own. 

“I want to encourage experimentation,” Ariana said. “Journalism is amazing because there are so many ways you can express yourself and also see it have a tangible impact on the community. I hope this mindset and culture impacts the next generations of journalism.” 

Away from the journalism room, Ariana remains impactful. Close friend Daphne Avkarogullari (12) appreciates Ariana’s uplifting exuberance. They first met in middle school, where a spontaneous lunch together laid the foundation for a year-long connection.

“Just one conversation with her can open up a gateway to a friendship,” Daphne said. “She’s a really good role model to the people around her whether or not they’re conscious of it. People enjoy being around her because when someone feels confident about themselves, it makes them feel good about themselves.”

Grounding herself internally allows Ariana to remain positive. Taking full control of what she can control allows her to not worry about what she cannot. Encoding impact in every action allows her to both impact her community and feel fulfilled.

“Language is very powerful in expressing ideas, yourself,” Ariana said. “It’s this bridge connecting people you may otherwise not have the opportunity to ever interact with. I’m really glad I’ve had so many avenues to channel this love.”