And yet, I am realizing now, that over the course of two years during which I asked this question of my staff, I never wrote down my “why."
If there is any lesson to be drawn from the story of my time on The Cavalier Daily, it is that change will happen, whether or not you plan for it.
So, in the face of struggle, I am opting to do what I have done and will continue to do as I navigate life after graduation. I am turning to art.
I had, and have, dreams for resources like “On Record” to start to rebuild conversations rooted in human connection.
Student journalism, and maybe even life more generally, is about holding space for multiple conflicting truths.
While I can’t point to one specific “aha” moment where I finally started to dispel my self-consciousness and claim my pride for the paper, I got there gradually over the course of my term as managing editor.
Looking back, the answer has been abundantly clear all along. I did it for the people.
The college newspaper was nowhere on my radar, and I had no previous experience with journalism.
Me, my staffers, we were there. And it happened. And I think that is important enough.
Even among people who value the arts, carving out space for critical engagement with — rather than just passive consumption of — art has been an endeavor I have treasured.
The people at this place have taught me that letting others in, while not always easy, is always worth it.
Throughout my time on the Life Desk, I’ve wondered what breathes life into this University.
Storytelling is powerful, and writing for The Cavalier Daily has empowered me to share my own stories and the stories of others.
As difficult as college was, I did not drop out, I did not give up on myself or my friends in times of need and I shared my voice at every opportunity. And that is something worth celebrating.
Whenever I list the titles I held during my time at the paper, I’m often met with surprise — or even sympathy — for taking on so much. But the truth is, it never felt like a burden.
