Four years ago in fall quarter, I walked into my first Writers Meeting at The Highlander office. I remember sitting nervously in the office chairs for what felt like a long time before the meeting began. With no journalism experience and a doe-eyed perspective on all things college, I had no idea what to expect.
After speaking with the Opinions editors, I signed up for my first article about California’s pink tax — one of the many niche yet intriguing topics I would explore during my time here. The process was tough. I vividly recall spending five hours in a coffee shop, trying to figure out how to write the piece. It was challenging, but I was determined to stick with it. Once that article was published, I was hooked and never looked back.
My experience at The Highlander has been transformative. I realize that may sound dramatic, but it’s true. As someone who is mostly reserved, I wasn’t accustomed to openly sharing my thoughts and opinions before joining The Highlander. However, as the Opinions Editor, I’ve become more confident, both personally and professionally.
Through long nights editing articles, writing multiple stories in a single week, hours-long Sunday production meetings and leading a section of my own, The Highlander pushed me to a place I did not know I could reach. Looking back, it’s incredible to see both my own growth and the Opinions section’s growth during my time here.
I’ll miss The Highlander’s office and the community we’ve created. This newsroom is home to some of the most talented, kind and supportive people you’ll ever meet. I’ll miss our lengthy editorial meetings (something I never thought I’d say), Coffee Bean runs and hours spent in the Opinions office talking about random topics.
I want to thank my first mentor, Ysabel Nakasone, the original Opinions editor who paved the way for my time at The Highlander. She took me under her wing when I was a first-year and taught me everything I know.
I am also very thankful for my family’s support. My dad is my top reader and unofficial public relations representative, sharing my articles with family and friends on Facebook. My sister, Gabi, has been my lifelong sidekick and partner, always listening to my stories since childhood.
Most importantly, I want to thank my mom. Without her encouragement to attend that first Writers Meeting during my first year, and her continued support since then, I wouldn’t be writing this article today. Gracias, Mommy.
Whether a sorority, campus job or club, everyone has something that characterizes their college experience. For me, that was The Highlander.
Being Opinions Editor for The Highlander over the past two years has been one of the greatest honors of my life and a truly meaningful chapter of my college experience. I will treasure the memories with everyone in this office and the home I discovered in HUB 101. Thank you, Highlander, for everything.
