Well, it is finally time to close the book on my time at Student Publications. Every year I read these letters written by my fellow coworkers, wondering how will I sum up my three years at a job that has taught me so much? What memories will I write about? Who will I thank? I ask myself these questions as I get closer to the end of my undergraduate education.
I first came into this job as an 18-year-old freshman, not knowing how crucial this newspaper would be to my college career. Like all first time college students, I was trying to find a community and I did find one in Guillory Hall.
The Vermilion and L’Acadien were my first jobs, the first time I saw my name in print and the first paycheck I could call my own. A lot has changed since I first joined in November of 2021. For example, I did not expect I would be under five editor-in-chiefs in just three years! This is what I have always liked about this job. Things change day-to-day, you never know what challenges will be thrown at you.
The Vermilion has helped me grow as a writer and learn that my voice is important. I am so proud to be a part of a legacy that is over a century old and that I hope will be here for a century more. In my time at Student Publications, I have seen it grow so much! I am always amazed at the amount of people who have found their way to the doors of Guillory Hall.
At my time in Student Publications, I have been able to present the yearbook to the University president, interview professors and students for profiles and events. I got to go to a journalism conference and see the paper win best in the South. I have highlighted what makes the UL Lafayette community special. I have also been able to write my opinion on a whole wide range of topics.
I have also had a lot of fun at this job too. From our outings around town to the time we decided to watch all “The Hunger Games” movies while just chilling in the office, to us staying after a staff meeting to watch Senator Cory Booker break the record for longest speech in the US Senate. We know how to combine work and fun.
However, I would not be here if it was not for the people who make Student Publications so special. Through this organization I have found a group of people who share the same passion for writing and creativity as I do. I know that whenever I’ve had a rough day going into Guillory Hall will brighten it up.
These people show why student journalism is so important.
I would like to thank Mr. Tarver for being a mentor to all of us and always believing in what we write. He has challenged us to think outside the box and encourages us to write in what we believe in. I would like to give a shout-out to a few past Student Publications alumni. To former Vermilion Editor-in- Chief Lena Foster, thank you for setting an example on how a leader should be. Former photographer coordinator Malik Jones, for always asking me if I had eaten that day, because he knew sometimes I would forget.
Morgan Courville, I can’t believe our meeting in French 101 would lead us to a wonderful friendship and you becoming one of my favorite people to work with at the yearbook! I miss seeing you every day.
I also would like to thank former L’Acadien Yearbook Editor-in-Chief Andre Broussard for texting me out of the blue the summer after my freshman year, wondering if I would like to write two stories for the yearbook. Without him, I would have never even considered writing for the yearbook. He helped a shy 19-year-old girl break out of her shell.
I would like to also shout-out a bunch of current Student Publications members. First, to our fearless leader Kay Padilla. Your friendship has been the highlight of my college career, and I cannot thank you enough for always having my back and believing in me even when I did not believe in myself. I am proud of how much you have grown during your time in Student Publications.
Nyria Mustiful, thank you for challenging me to broaden my horizons in my opinion pieces and for being one of my closest friends. Thank you for sharing a love for writing and literature with me.
Ramudhi Kariyawasam, thank you for always brightening up the day with a smile and always being there to answer our science questions. You are also the best Managing and News editor a team can have.
Morgan Parker, your enthusiasm as the yearbook Editor-in-Chief has made me so excited to be a writer on this current yearbook, and I can not wait to see all your hard work come together when the yearbook is released.
Charlie Martin and Alyus Dick, everytime I see y’all in the office I know I am going to leave laughing until it hurts. Isaac Henry, thank you for also being a fellow music nerd and understanding my references.
Hren Gerald, your comics every week in the paper are my favorite parts to read.
To some of the most recent members of Student Publications: Caitlyn Comeaux, Ellie Schimdt, Isabelle Brumley and Ja’lyn Braud, I am confident that y’all will be awesome next year working on The Vermilion. Keep up the good work.
Now, it is time for me to sign off for the last time. I can not wait to see how Student Publications will evolve in the future. Goodbye!