Unlike a number of my co-workers, I’ve never wanted to
pursue journalism professionally. In fact, I stumbled upon my first job at the
Guardian somewhat accidentally at the end of my freshman year: A friend of mine
was just finishing up his term as the A.S. Council beat writer and mentioned
offhandedly that they needed someone to replace him. The news staff was pretty
small, he told me, and since I was a writing major, I might want to give it a
shot.
With no real knowledge of what I was getting myself into, I
submitted a news application and became the A.S. columnist within a few days.
At the start, all I had to do was attend one weekly meeting and compile a
bullet-point summary of what happened. It was easy. I didn’t think there’d be a
very steep learning curve.
What I quickly discovered from working in the news section
was that, for the first time in my writing career, my words actually mattered.
Not that my column was a vehicle for change or anything so concrete — I still
say only councilmembers, the copy editor and my mother ever read it — but
choosing accurate, concise words became paramount. In my classes, it had always
been about volume: How many words I wrote mattered much more than what they
actually said. And looking back on some of my old articles, I can’t believe how
many I wasted.
I remained at the Guardian for the next three years because
journalism challenged me more than any other type of writing. I applied for
advancement within the section because I found I enjoyed this challenge. Being
news editor is a 24/7 job; you always have to be on alert for the stories that
are passing you by, even when real life is hitting you the hardest. Between
covering SRTV sex scandals, bomb threats and
found myself hooked on the knowledge I was accumulating about UCSD.
My jobs here cost me sleep, social interaction and a
stress-free senior year. But, they also gave me many strong friendships,
self-discipline and the knowledge that the next stage of my life — law school
at UC Hastings — is within my capabilities. I know of few college jobs that can
offer the same benefits.
Plus, I can’t even explain how fun it is to aggravate
administrators on a regular basis. Until you’ve tried it, you’ve never known
what a rush feels like.
I am leaving the Guardian with fond memories of the people I
have met and the work I have done here. Many thanks to all the people who have
made this experience what it was for me. It’s been swell.
