When I came to college, I thought I would keep my head down in my textbooks, survive the next four years and walk away with a political science degree. I arrived on campus in the late summer days of 2022 for freshman orientation.
After a long, exhausting day of endless campus activities, I was herded into the packed Union ballroom to see campus clubs and organizations.
I planned to walk away from the Union, return to my room and call my mom to pick me up. Fate, however, dragged me back into the ballroom. No, like actually. My best friend dragged me back inside because she wanted me to sign up for the newspaper. I told her they wouldn’t pick me because I had never written before, and she said they didn’t care.
Because I saw how enthusiastic she was, I let her drag me to the far corner where the Student Publications table was. At that table, I saw two bright young faces, one with cool green hair and another with long dark hair. Their table had some newspapers, yearbooks and some applications. I think it’s important for me to note that whenever I am overstimulated and tired, I’m not the most chatty or happy.
“Hey! Are you the one who wants to write for us?” said the long haired one. I gave my best friend a quick look of, “Oh my God. What have you gotten me into?” and I said, “Yep, that’s me!”
They started talking to me about how they aren’t looking for anyone with experience, just the eagerness to learn. I could learn skills like writing, photography and design.
Again, my plan was political science, I didn’t need any of that. They didn’t seem overly cheery or trying to sell me a sales pitch; I liked that.
So, I caved. I applied, got offered a position and started my second week of college. The two people at the Student Publications table became my coworkers, bosses and some of my now closest friends. Meg Noorwood and Adhamm Stafford, thank you for being so cool and hypnotizing me to join. That decision was the best one of my life.
My journey through Student Publications has been one big, fun and wild ride. I started off as an Allons writer, then became assistant Allons editor. After that, I became Allons editor, and then I took on the hardest position, in my opinion, Vermilion Editor-in-Chief.
I am grateful that I had the opportunity to learn countless skills, as well as develop my sense of leadership. However, I don’t think that was the most valuable lesson I have learned. In my time here, the most important thing that I acquired is the power of friendship. Corny, I know. Sorry, I had to do it.
Student Publications is not simply a workplace. We don’t come in here, clock in and clock out. We could, however, the characters we have here make it extremely hard not to make friends. It is very rare for students of different majors, backgrounds and personalities to meet together every week to work on a single project.
I have not had a day when I came into the office with the weight of the world on my shoulders and didn’t leave with a good laugh and a new outlook on my day. I can count on my coworkers and friends to say something silly or help me with my problems. Without that office culture, I would not have succeeded in college.
A part of that is our director and advisor, Mr. Tarver. I credit most of my college success to him. In my very first interview, he told me that I didn’t have to be the best; I just needed to be eager to learn. In all my time here, Mr. Tarver has never faltered in his support and care for his students. If I ever needed assistance in school, work or life, Mr. Tarver was there as an immovable champion for his students.
To my coworkers who turned into my friends and family, I love you all. Lena, Adhamm, Meg, Sarah, Julia, Andre, Marie, Malik and Ava, I have admired you all since the beginning. You all have been amazing role models and truly set a strong foundation and example for what it is to be a Vermilionaire. I take bits and pieces from you guys and try to emulate y’all as best as I can, I hope I have done you proud.
Ramudhi Kariyawasam, the smartest, kindest person I know and my own personal doctor, without you as my Managing Editor, my year as Editor-in- Chief would not have happened. To me, you are like Wonder Woman. Thank you for teaching me what it is to be strong, efficient and a great friend.
To my soul sister, Nyria Mustiful, thanks for sitting by me in biology 110. I wouldn’t have passed without you, and I would have never met my biggest fan. Thank you for never letting me give up on this long and treacherous college road we have been on. Whenever I wanted to give up, you brought me back to reality and lifted me up.
Morgan Parker and Caitlyn Comeaux are my favorite dynamic duo. I have loved watching you two take on the mantle of running this whole show. I am happy to know Student Publications is in the best hands. Your friendship is something I will cherish forever.
Alyus Dick, a carbon copy of my little brother, thank you for always being you. I have enjoyed watching you grow into adulthood and expand your talents. I always bring you back down to reality, but your talent with a camera will always set you above others.
To Ellie, Sarah, Charlie, Landon, Ren, Vallen, Kayla, Joann, Jenna, Izzy, Sadie, Isabelle, Andrew, Ashlee, Gracie, Jarrett, Reese, Tracey and Zoha, thank you for taking a chance on my leadership and for your immense talents. Y’all truly make Student Publications an award-winning organization.
I wish I had an endless word count to express my love and gratitude for everyone with whom I interacted in Student Publications. I want to let all of our current and future staff know that by simply existing in the office and bringing in new and fresh ideas, you guys create a better newspaper and yearbook.
Please keep fighting for Student Publications, just as countless others have throughout its history. Being part of more than 120 years of legacy has truly been an honor. Kay Padilla, signing out.