Letter from the Editor
My name is Jacqueline Schroeder — Jackie to most people and Jacky to the beloved director of Concrete Catwalk, Ella Huang. I am USA born and raised (NJ specifically) and I have one younger sister named Sammy. I’m now a fourth year (eek!) studying English and Management and in my free time, besides CC, I am a part of the clay pigeon and figure skating clubs. I love to read, my most recent being Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and I love to write bits of prose and poetry here and there. I also love to travel! My favorite trip so far has been to Oslo and Stockholm during February break last semester with Paulina (my favorite scarf model). To relax, I spend time in Lake Placid, NY, winter or summer, to unwind and reconnect with nature whether skiing in sub-zero temperatures or paddle boarding on Mirror Lake under the mountain sun.
My parents and I out for a morning of clay pigeon shooting at Thunder Mountain in Ringwood, NJ.
If I had to describe my style, I would say it would be difficult to fit myself into a box. There’s definitely a west coast American influence with my full denim outfits and cowboy boots; but you’ll most likely find me in all black with a pop of red either in my shoes or my bag. At home, I sport what I call a supersuit (that one piece flare legging suit from Aritzia) with my platform Uggs and Ralph Lauren American Flag sweater, but I have been known to break that out in St Andrews on a particularly study or errand heavy day. I never turn down the opportunity to dress up or wear heels even though I don’t find ample opportunity for the latter in my cozy Jersey suburb and even though I have face planted on North Castle Street wearing flats (Birkenstock clogs), I still seize as many heel opportunities in St Andrews as I can. This past July I celebrated my 21st birthday which was absolutely fabulous. Kicking it off with a Sex and the City theme (of course!), my wonderful friends and I stayed at the Westgate Grand Central in NYC and my Mom and Sister joined us for a delicious dinner at Meduza in the Meatpacking District. We finished the night off at PhD Rooftop a few doors down.
Ella, Paulina, and I on a night out at Zig Zags in Lake Placid, NY.
My 21st Birthday party in New York City!
Before I officially begin my term as Editor, I just want to say thank you to Ella for doing such a fantastic job as Editor last school year, I am so excited to continue in her footsteps and have a great year! Even though the blog team will miss Ella dearly, I know she will be an extraordinary Director. But I think now would be a great opportunity for her to recap on her Editor reign in the 2023/24 school year.
To reflect on the two years I’ve served as Editor in Chief of the Concrete Catwalk blog the word which comes to mind is accomplishment. With a quick scroll through the blog I realize that I recognize every post on the first page, an acknowledgement that I have had the pleasure of working with countless talented writers and helping their stories reach you. My first year on the executive committee was spent grappling with my new responsibility and authority and learning to use squarespace, the second of which, surprisingly, took much longer. When I did become comfortable with the role in the following year, the club ran into trouble. Having weathered a somewhat uncertain period of the club bunkered away with the blog team, I can happily say this next year will be our best yet!
I feel I must thank Katy Fitzgerald, the Director of that 2022/23 year, for her enthusiasm and passion. Beyond the lessons and practical help, Katy believed in the club and I witnessed her place all of the spare time a fourth year can manage into making Concrete Catwalk successful. In my role as Director for the next year, I can already see myself harking back to the legacy Katy has left. I hope to channel her passion and her belief in our vision to use my time to solidify CC’s place in our ever evolving town.
It would be a lie to say I did not feel the creeping nerves which accompany excitement when considering the role. But with every meeting of my very capable and equally eager committee, the year ahead is less daunting. We have many events, surprises, and tricks up our sleeves that we are delighted to share and I know that Jacky (“Jackie”) will do more than keep you all on your toes. While I may take the backseat when it comes to nights out and events, nobody who has met Jacky would say the same. The articles this next year are sure to follow her and her love of fashion. To say very little about the bubbly, hilarious, and down to earth Jacky: she loves literature, clothes, long walks on the beach, and above all she loves St Andrews. I cannot wait to see what she will accomplish in the next year.
This year, my main focus is going to be on events and general trends going on in St Andrews. I would definitely say that I am wellness conscious as a reformer pilates enthusiast and lover of all things clean girl aesthetic but I would also say that I definitely take advantage of the nightlife here. I love going to 601 (I know please don’t question my credibility with this), the Vic for HAUS and BPM, and adore daytime events like PIMMS and Starfields. Keep an eye out for the trends of each season, advice for events, and everything in between (maybe even a special Oktoberfest article live from München). I couldn’t be more thrilled to be Editor and I can’t wait to see what this year holds!
