When I began at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, becoming a journalist was the furthest thought from my mind.
I genuinely was not sure what I was here to do, besides developing my scientific and medical skills.
I heard about The Vermilion for the first time in one of my public speaking classes during my freshman year.
I found it intriguing and exciting; it was understandably very different from any scientific field, but the world of news production had always held a place in my heart.
In high school, I was involved in news broadcasting for nearly three years. So, I was interested in continuing the flip side of news–the writing aspect–here at the University. It wasn’t until December of my sophomore year, and after more inspiration from Gilmore Girls, that I actually rallied up the courage to apply to become a news writer and photographer.
I recall the very first time I stepped into the Student Publications office: the white stairs, the vermilion wall, the red office chairs scattered about the office–it seemed to sum up all the chaos but also the immense creativity that happened within those walls.
My first semester as a journalist and photographer can be best summarized as a Bugs Bunny cartoon.
I distinctly remember taking my neurodevelopment and pathology exams and rushing to conduct interviews and take pictures for my articles, with my heart racing and my mind still swimming in brain pathology and neurological diseases.
I will not lie, it was demanding, but the happiness I felt at the end of the day was far more incomparable; I was doing something I enjoyed, despite how much it was on my plate. Being a journalist became my second life, one that I dedicated to ensuring time and time again that our community received truthful, relevant information. Adhamm Safford, the previous Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper, was always there to provide feedback and challenge me to become a better writer.
In fall 2024, I began my journey as News editor and Managing editor of The Vermilion, working alongside my partner-in-crime and our administration’s Editor-in-Chief, Kay Padilla. The idea I had of what the year would go by as, I can say for a fact, was far more utopian than what reality carshed on us.
My perspective was that if we worked hard, and always did what was right, then we would receive the same in return, but I had yet to learn that life did not work that way. I would say the hardest, yet the most beautiful, part about managing a group of people was working with all the different personalities in a given situation, time and place.
It was certainly difficult when the worlds of communication and misunderstanding collided, when uninviting personalities clashed, when all I wanted to do was sit in a corner and get lost in the purpose of life, like The Thinker.
However, sitting here today, what I can say is that life is short, and in that life, we all have a part to play. How that part interacts with others’ is indeed different and is neither always coherent nor harmonious. It is rather how we understand the cruciality of those parts that I learned was important.
But beyond the tears and stress, what I will truly remember more, are the happy moments.
When I said Kay was my partner-in-crime, she indeed was, word for word. The number of times I had to work with the police, she was always there. I will never forget our hike to the Lafayette Police Department, on broken sidewalks, by speeding cars, only to find out the station’s department we were looking for was closed.
Sunday’s Soda Fountain became our haven to vent about the day’s mishaps; we became their best customers, and I will never forget the uncontrollably hilarious Uno rounds we’d play.
Morgan Parker, L’Acadien’s Editor-in- Chief, I always admired how positive you were; there was never a moment when you didn’t make me laugh. You always inspired me to be in the present and enjoy what I had rather than wishing for more. I will never split the pole!
Nyria Mustiful, I loved the conversations we had. You taught me to see different perspectives and how to approach diverse situations. I admire your confidence and the times you took out of your day to listen to my life. I will always remember your advice.
Alyus Dick and Charlie Martin, you were the brothers of the deskhead family. Although I’m sure you both got bored at times, you definitely added much needed humor to the room. Alyus always complained about my age, and now, I’ll take the chance to officially call him an uncle. Charlie, don’t get a “hypothetical” injury after I leave!
Caitlyn Comeaux, although I just got to recently know you, I always admired your organizational skills and how you presented yourself. Your calm during a storm is something I still have yet to learn.
Ellie Schmidt, I’m thankful for the times we spent cleaning the office with Kay, Cinderella style. I’m sure someone in the future will find the time capsule that all three of us left.
And, Mr. Tarver, I will always appreciate the long conversations we had as we tried to tackle the meaning of life. Thank you for always being there for me and encouraging me to be the best person I can be. Thank you for Old Tyme, snowballs and the phenomenal golf cart adventures.
Last of all, I would like to thank all the departments, faculty and students of the University, as well as community members that took the time to meet with me to contribute to the newspaper.
All of you have taught me something to carry on for the rest of my life.
The Vermilion, it was an honor to be a part of your team and legacy. Thank you.