In the wake of Hurricane Ida, I came back to campus looking to find my place. I knew whatever it was, I wanted it to be somewhere I could stretch my legs and test my writing abilities.

So, in the days following the campus shutdown, I searched for part-time jobs on campus and I stumbled upon The Lion’s Roar newspaper. At that moment, I realized this was probably my best bet. I sent my application, waited on pins and needles and I received a message about an interview with Mrs. Lorraine Peppo, the director of Student Publications. I was excited and terrified all at the same time, but I knew it was just the next step towards pursuing a goal.

I met Mrs. Lorraine and had a nice conversation. I was back on pins and needles waiting for a response. Luckily, this anxiety didn’t last long; a few days later, I received a call from the office saying I’d gotten the job. 

Despite my initial caution about being in a new environment, everyone working in the office was incredibly kind and integrated me and fellow staff reporter turned editor Haley Dupré into the workplace.

Everything since that day has truly been the experience of a lifetime. Even when I’ve had my lowest points while working on an assignment or just having a rough day, the joy of knowing you accomplished something that serves a purpose for the campus community makes every day worth it.

The people I’ve had the privilege of meeting in the past four years are wonderful, and my words can’t even begin to do justice to the sizable impact they’ve had on the campus. 

Each of my coworkers has left a lasting impression on my development in some shape or fashion, and I’m happy to know that I’ve left an impression on them and the office culture in my time there. 

My confidence in my abilities and who I am as a person has risen in my role as a staff reporter and as opinions editor. I will always be grateful for the role The Lion’s Roar and everyone I’ve met here have had on my life.