More than a decade ago, I fell deeply in love, not with a man or a dog, but with a magazine. I still clearly remember the day I interviewed to become the assistant editor at Satya. I was a 23 year-old girl from Queens who answered an advertisement in the Village Voice for a position at a magazine, the topic of which was not disclosed. When I walked into Satya’s offices, I met a lovely woman named Beth, Satya’s publisher, who welcomed me warmly and we proceeded to chat about the qualifications she was looking for and the responsibilities of the position. As Beth began to discuss Satya’s theme, I jumped out of my seat and practically screamed, “Oh my God, I have been a vegetarian since I was 16 years-old! I haven’t worn leather for years! This would be my dream job!” Rather than kick me out of the office for my lack of professionalism, Beth smiled calmly and that day, I gained a career and a life-long friend.

Over the next three years or so, under the kind guidance of Beth Gould and Martin Rowe, a regal Englishman and the editor at the time, I learned an extensive amount about animal advocacy, environmentalism and magazine production. But more importantly, from these two individuals I truly learned a “way of compassion,” not just toward animals, plants and ecosystems, but toward humans as well. Beth and Martin are true advocates of change because of their dedication and commitment to these movements, but also due to their kindness toward others. At Satya, I cried almost every day over the mistreatment that the world’s animals suffer, and Beth always provided a shoulder. Beth provided us all a shoulder through Satya, which is now the leading periodical tackling these issues. And while tears were inescapable for us, together the Satya team knew we were making a difference by publicizing these issues.

Since my tenure at Satya, I have continued to work for animal advocacy and wildlife conservation. But in my heart, I will always work at Satya; it is still a part of my very being. Through the years, I have watched Satya deepen and grow, and tackle complex issues, always remaining faithful to the tenets upon which it was founded: TRUTH ACTION. In an age where reinvention is the flavor of the day, Satya’s consistency is commendable and without rival. The experiences I had at Satya have made me the person I am today. Indeed, I try to use Satya’s fortitude as an appropriate template for my own life: remain faithful to your beliefs, employ kindness in resolving conflicts, listen and learn before judgment, and always leave them wanting more. While I am sad to see Satya go, I am proud to be a part of its legacy and I am grateful to Beth for creating such an outstanding outlet for us. Satya will never really end; it will remain in our hearts forever, guiding us and leading by example. Satya will always be my true love.

Julie Hughes was assistant editor at Satya from 1994-1996. She is currently the Director for Foundation Relations at Wildlife Trust.

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