Editor-in-chief Adhamm Safford reflects on time with The Vermilion

The mere thought of starting college was terrifying to me. I was afraid that I wouldn’t find people to connect with, that whatever friendships I did form would be only at the very surface level, that decades later I’d look back and see college as just another entry on a list of regrets. 

But it hasn’t turned out that way, and looking back, it was getting the opportunity to be a part of Student Publications that’s given me countless fond memories and made everything I’ve done worthwhile.

My fear of college led to me putting it off for about three years after high school. When it came time to start getting my college application ready, old worries resurfaced, about if I’d fit in with anyone, if I’d be incredibly awkward and out-of-place on a college campus.

I didn’t need to worry about that last part, nobody did once the COVID-19 Pandemic happened and kept us all entombed in our four walls. My first year of college was isolating. Like most people, I had no idea how to make friends with those little faces in boxes during my Zoom classes. 

When things started taking a turn and campus re-opened the next year, I knew I wanted to find some way to get involved, something to be a part of.

Luckily, I stumbled upon The Vermilion, where I applied as a writer for the Allons section. I’d decided on an English major without much thought (and I’m lucky it ended up fitting me perfectly), and it seemed only right that I got some writing outside of class done.

I didn’t share my writing all that much before then, but the first editor-in-chief I worked under, Morri Sampey, was incredibly encouraging. I remember them leaving the nicest note on my first article, and they soon became one of my first real college friends (I still think about that apple pie we made together).

The only thing I wanted to do at first was write my opinions, about politics, video games, movies, whatever caught my interest. I had no interest in journalism, in covering the news on or off campus. 

But, somehow, I got pushed into it, far out of my comfort zone. I had no idea how to contact people, set up interviews, put things together in the most digestible way possible.

My then-news editor Lena Foster was a great help, condensing who-knows-how-many credits of journalism classes into something I could take in and immediately apply.

Even though I was reluctant to write for news (my old introverted nature came crawling back), I couldn’t be more appreciative of the opportunity. I got the chance to talk to students and professors I never would’ve met otherwise, listening to their stories and odd little crumbs of wisdom. I got more involved with the campus community than I ever would have otherwise.

From there, somehow, I found my way into the position of Allons editor, then managing/news editor and finally editor-in-chief. While I’m honored and grateful for the positions I was selected to fill, they’re not what I’ll remember the most and they’re not what I’m most proud of.

When I first joined The Vermilion, it was a skeleton crew. Just enough people to keep the lights on. It’s grown more than I could’ve ever imagined since then. 

There’s always new people coming in, eager to learn and develop as they work with us. Other times, students and faculty reach out to us with stories they want covered that they feel are relevant to the student body.

Even when we’re not working or having a meeting, people come in to chat, hang out and study. Sometimes it’s a little loud, but I’m maybe one of the least bothered by it. 

I find a strong sense of community and belonging here, and as someone who’s always struggled to talk to people, it says a lot that I feel comfortable with everyone that works with us.

It’s been a long journey, and it’s been amazing to watch our team grow with every passing semester. What I’ll remember most is the people I’ve met here. I found some of my closest friends in Student Publications who I’m thrilled to be graduating with—Julia McDow, Sarah Guidry, Ava Blanchard and Meg Norwood—thank you for all the memories and for always being there for me and supporting me no matter what kind of mental/emotional space I was at.

It’d be wrong to not mention my current Allons/Beaucoup editor Kay Padilla here too, you’ve made big strides in expanding the newspaper with a whole new section and pushing your writers to keep working and improving. I’ll never forget your rants and righteous anger towards Best Buy.

I also want to thank our staff supervisor, Mr. Tarver. Thank you for always believing in the work we do, pushing us all to be better and always giving us whatever support and help we need. I’ve learned more from you than from any class I’ve taken. 

To the next editor-in-chief (I think you already know who you are), you’re going to do great, and probably better than me. You have a great way of talking with people and making sure everything’s taken care of; there’s not a doubt in my mind that The Vermilion is going to be in excellent hands with you.

And to Ramudhi Kariyawasam, who I expect to be the next news editor, I have the utmost confidence in you too. Your constant want to see where you can improve and the curiosity you have when working on your stories are some of the most important qualities any journalist can have. I’m glad you came in when you did.

I also have to give a shout-out to Alyus Dick and Morgan Parker, you both have big photographer shoes to fill with Andre Broussard’s leaving, but you’ve both done amazing so far and I know you will continue to do so.

Finally, thank you to all the people on campus I’ve interviewed and spoken to for sharing even some small part of yourselves with me, and thank you to all our staff that’s stuck with us this far. 

I know you’re all going to continue doing great work here and beyond. I’ll always be contactable if any of you need anything, or if you just feel like asking how I’m doing.