BLOG: Until we meet again, thank you
Looking back at my very first Beyond the Byline blog post, I can remember the eagerness and nervousness I felt stepping into the role of editor-in-chief. Though I had done my best to prepare for the new challenges and responsibilities, one can never fully be ready.
Through it all, though, I am truly proud of the work The Signal has accomplished in the last two years. Our coverage has grown dramatically and focused on spotlighting the diversity of the UHCL community. We have taken on stories that needed to be told, despite the backlash that could and did arise.
The Signal, formerly known as The UHCLidian, has been around for over 40 years. Knowing that I will be part of this history, especially as one of the few LGBTQ+ persons of color to be at the helm of the paper, is humbling. While I may not have always gotten it right, I know I achieved my goal of ensuring good, quality content was produced.
As I embark on this next chapter of my life, I’ll admit to having some fear and anxiety. Waking up on May 20, knowing that I won’t have tons of emails to sort through or copyediting to do or meetings to attend, is going to be different.
However, these past four and a half years have provided me with skills, memories and friendships to last a lifetime. Also, The Signal winning a Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Crown – the first in the paper’s history – is something I will never get over being excited about!
I look forward to seeing Your Signal continuing to be Your Voice while ensuring Your Community is served with good journalism.
Thank you for taking this step beyond the byline with me. It has been truly a life-changing experience.
Thank you’s to my Signal family:
Taleen – What a way to end our respective journeys at The Signal! I can honestly say that because of you I have been able to grow as a person, while also gaining many opportunities. When I first met you, I was at a low point in my confidence and belief in myself. Yet, you saw something in me and gave me the chance to join The Signal’s editorial team. Little did I know then that it would completely change my life. Thank you for being my mentor and challenging me to reach goals I didn’t think I was capable of. I will truly miss working alongside you and will take what I have learned from you to move forward with my life beyond UHCL.
Lindsay – Throughout these four and a half years, I have been able to lean on and confide in you without fear of judgment. Not only have you been an adviser and mentor, but also a friend. I will miss our Monday morning chats and walks to get coffee. From the high and lows of my time at The Signal, you have been a constant rock – and not just for me, but for so many of us who have been on staff. Thank you for being there to listen and offer advice. Although I won’t get to be there on the front lines anymore, I am excited to see where The Signal goes next and wish you much luck as the next adviser of the team!
Emily – How is it possible that we share so many things in common? From our love of “The Young and The Restless” to “Big Brother” to “The Bachelor,” it has been fun being able to have someone else to geek out about these shows with! Beyond that, thank you have been an amazing friend and someone I can depend on. Although you may not think you are, I genuinely believe you are ready to take on the editor-in-chief position. You are a hard worker, dedicated and above all, passionate. The Signal is lucky to have you at the helm and I can’t wait to see where the next chapter in the paper’s history goes.
Alyssa – Who would have thought after all these years, having sort of known each other since we were kids, we’d somehow end up on the same team of a small university newspaper? Not only have you been an amazing friend, but someone I share a common work ethic with. While you tend to get most of the “too many balloons” jokes, we are definitely two of the biggest ballon (aka assignment) collectors. Thank you for bringing a perspective to The Signal that is needed and being fearless when expressing your opinions. You have grown so much from just being an “art person” and I’m looking forward to seeing what you deliver next!
Troylon – Honestly, you are one of a kind. You have this energy that I have always admired, even when it could be exhausting at times! Over these past few years, I have seen you grow into your own and watching your transition from high school to college life has been fun to witness. Thank you for all the laughs and the chance to mentor you. There’s still lots to learn, but never lose sight of what your goals are and what you are capable of doing!
Miles – It is probably safe to say that we have had our fair share of disagreements over the years regarding The Signal. However, I have really enjoyed working with you and being challenged to think beyond what I may have thought was only one way of doing something. Thank you for bringing to The Signal fresh ideas and a boldness for asking the tough questions. As you head into grad school, I wish you much luck and hope your time at The Signal offers you the chance to continue expanding on your natural leadership abilities.
Jessica – Believe it or not, you are truly an example of what The Signal is capable of being. As someone with a non-communication background, you have come in with a willingness to learn about journalism. That is the future of the paper and whether you like it or not, you are an example for future staffers who may not have any journalism background. Thank you for all the laughs and honesty. What you bring to The Signal is a needed perspective, drive and energy. While it may be scary and seem overwhelming, I truly believe you are ready for an editor position!
Former and Current Staffers – Thank you to the many I have been able to work with over the years. There are too many to name individually, but each person enhanced my experience at The Signal for the better. Hopefully, I have done the same for you!
Future Staffers – Thank you for taking the leap and joining the team. Even if you feel as though what you have to offer is small, I promise that the lessons and opportunities The Signal provides will change your life. Use this platform to gain new skills, take risks, make mistakes and grow. I look forward to seeing what you produce!