The Star took a chance on me and countless others just starting out in our careers, and its closure hit harder than I could have imagined.

Jim and Chuck are the best mentors a budding reporter could ask for. I only worked with the paper for a year, but my time there was formative to my career and personal growth, thanks, in big part, to these two.

From inspiring anecdotes of yesteryear to pushing for government accountability and shooting the s--- after work hours, the two taught me patience, determination and the value of fighting the good fight at a time when journalism is direly needed.

As a young reporter, it hurts even more to see an independent paper go, which is something nobody should take for granted in today’s media landscape.

I’ll forever cherish the memories I built with all the staff, and remain grateful for the small but mighty paper helping me find what truly makes my blood boil.

I’ll miss it.

The writer lives in Ottawa.

By PALAK MANGAT