It’s impossible to put into words how grateful I am for what I have learned and experienced at The Ticker.
I began as a push distributor my sophomore year before moving up as a production assistant in my junior year and Arts & Culture editor in my senior year.
It’s easy to fall into the pessimistic pit of commuter school stereotypes. I almost became a victim of this before I found The Ticker. Handing out papers gave me a deep appreciation for the fact that this student-run publication could provide print media for our student body.
When I became a production assistant, I became self-conscious of my capabilities. I was incredibly intimidated by the knowledge, passion and drive of The Ticker staff.
I was watching as the section editors masterfully worked on layout every week. I barely talked to anyone, and they made it look easy.
In my junior year, I increasingly felt this gravitational pull towards The Ticker. Everyone was humorous and kind. But my insecurities kept me at arm’s length. I would do my work and leave, not because I disliked the environment but because I respected it so much and I was scared of how they would judge me.
I didn’t expect to become a section editor in my final year. It almost stumbled into my lap like a baby bird falling out of its nest.
As I got to know everyone personally, I began to feel at home. The Ticker fostered an environment where change and growth were encouraged. Becoming a section editor gave me the confidence to tackle these insecurities and overcome them.
I was always second guessing my writing and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to manage the section as well as my predecessors, but we got through it as a team. Everyone was there to offer a hand when I needed it. It wasn’t just helping me finish the layout but reassuring me that I was meant to be here.
We all learned different things from each other professionally and personally. While I learned how to navigate InDesign, I also learned how interesting and entertaining The Ticker staff is. For every shortcut I learned, I discovered five new foods Akilah doesn’t like.
I was also often thoroughly entertained by the variety of reviews and articles I received. The talent and eagerness to contribute was endearing.
It was stressful trying to cover topics important for our readers to know. But there were also many writers who were practically leaping at the chance to take these topics and pitching stories that weren’t even close on my radar.
They taught me how to craft entertaining pieces and gave me new perspectives on important media.
A special shoutout to Bites with Ali for giving The Ticker an honest insight on campus cuisine that I physically laugh reading every week. Thank you to Dua, Josephine and our copy-editing team for editing the heavy handful of articles that the arts section received each issue. And thank you to my predecessor Mia who guided me when I first took on my new role and was available whenever I needed them.
I couldn’t have survived this year without Maya, Sonia, Akilah and Mike being there to support me every step of the way. They helped me fall into rhythm as an editor but also supported me mentally.
Everyone at The Ticker also graciously enabled my caffeine addiction. I am going to miss our daily coffee runs and late layout nights.
The bonds I formed have helped me become a stronger writer but also a more compassionate and patient person.
To my successor Zoe, thank you for being there to help ease the stress of covering events and important topics. I wish you all the best and hope you love your time at The Ticker as much as I did.
It wasn’t perfect, and it wasn’t easy. But I wouldn’t be able to cherish these memories if we weren’t given the chance to get through the tough times together.
Goodbye team!
