My time at Baruch College has been bittersweet, but most of the sweet part comes from being part of The Ticker.
At the beginning, it was mundane. I would go to class, then go straight home afterward. I was always so intimidated by joining clubs because I didn’t think I was good enough; I thought my art needed lots of improvement. At some point, I was tired of the same routine, and I needed action in my schedule.
During my freshman year, I met an amazing man: Jumaane Millette. He was the first person to tell me about The Ticker, and I had no idea what it was. I initially believed he was talking about the NASDAQ so I thought, “Damn. Maybe he was another finance bro.” But there was something that set him apart from the rest: his eyes lit up with passion and creativity. Jumaane was the bridge connecting me and my second home: The Ticker.
After a year of living that boring commuter student lifestyle, I lost touch with my creative side and desperately needed to return to drawing. The yearning to create something can never compare to another feeling.
In August 2024, I became a graphics artist under Graphics Editor Vibodha Gallage Dona. I remember being determined to prove myself, so I completed 12 graphics in a semester before becoming Graphics Editor. Vi, who was always kind to me, was an awesome mentor. I am grateful that she trusted me. Thank you for being validating.
I loved almost every second at The Ticker. I won’t forget all the connections and lifelong friendships I made here. The Ticker is not just a newspaper; to me, it is a second home. Thank you to those who uplift me every day, support me and keep me levelheaded during crazy events.
Sonia Kalo, thank you for always caring about everyone on the team. Never lose your calm energy and empathy. I wish you the best in the future, and keep crocheting and reporting. The journalism world needs you! YOU ARE CAPABLE!
Irza Waraich, thank you for being organized and guiding everyone on the masthead. Your dedication to The Ticker is not unnoticed. Your leadership is exactly what The Ticker and Snapshots needed, and I’m proud to work alongside you. You are the glue that holds us together. With you, journalism will never die. NEVER STOP CHASING YOUR DREAMS!
Justina Dodani, thank you for feeding the team, cleaning the suite and being a light in the office. Your actions show you immensely care about the team. Never stop being you. Your empathy is something people can learn from you. You’re the best business manager ever! PROGRESS IS PROGRESS, BIG OR SMALL!
Josephine Lau, thank you for always listening to me and being a shoulder I can lean on. I am relieved, knowing we let bygones be bygones. You always remind me to think logically and encourage me to make good decisions. I will see you in Hong Kong! YOU ARE VALUED!
Karizma Jernigan, thank you for being one of my best friends at Baruch. You are one of the people I go to whenever I need advice. You are a good listener, and I’m always happy to accompany you on a walk. You will make an EXTRAORDINARY EIC! MISS JERNIGAN BOSS WOMAN FOR THE WIN! YOU’RE STRONGER THAN YOU THINK!
Joonwoo Kim, thank you for bringing calm energy to our office. I want you to believe in yourself as much as everyone else believes in you! I admire your hard work and resilience. THE WORLD IS BRIGHTER WITH YOU IN IT!
Emma Delahanty, thank you for always providing good advice and making everyone laugh. Everyone deserves a laidback friend like you. I appreciate you being here for everyone. YOU ARE ALWAYS WORTHY!
Zoe Del Percio-Evans, thank you for being here as a comforting, guiding light. You always know how to make everyone feel comfortable at the office. Your warmth will inspire everyone on the team for years to come. I know you will be an amazing Managing Editor. MISS PERCIO-EVANS BOSS WOMAN FOR THE WIN! TRUST YOURSELF BECAUSE YOU’RE ON THE RIGHT PATH!
Manish Kumar, thank you for bringing positive energy and always helping when needed. You make everyone feel valued. You have a kind heart by praising everyone. YOUR PRESENCE MAKES THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE!
Ashanti Charon, thank you for supporting me and praising my graphics. I always feel better when I spend time with you. Your devotion to the Bearcat Den will pay off, and please keep going. REMEMBER: I’M ALWAYS CHEERING YOU ON!
Andrea Shi, thank you for always being on top of the sudokus, crosswords and graphics. Your outfits look so comfy, and I wish we spoke more. Your art style is pleasing to look at, and I’m so grateful we got to work together. YOU ARE DOING BETTER THAN YOU REALIZE!
Jumaane Millette, thank you for being here for me during our time at Baruch. I love being creative together. You have done so much at Baruch, and I couldn’t be prouder of you. You dedicate many hours to The Ticker and Snapshots. Please continue being you. I am proud to call you my partner. Don’t stop chasing your dreams and never lose your spark, because I know it will take you far.
Ashley Kodowa, thank you for being one of my best friends at Baruch. It’s relieving to know that I am not the only one in this identity crisis. Your assertiveness and warmth provide comfort to everyone in the suite. I’m so happy we met. YOU ARE WORTHY!
Fawzia Begum, thank you for hearing my concerns and respecting me. You make everyone feel safe and comfortable, and you are amazing. I’m sure you will be a wonderful HR director one day. YOU HAVE LIMITLESS POTENTIAL!
Reagan Rawner, thank you for bringing humor to every situation. You always know how to make people smile and others can learn from you. I won’t forget the time you flashed everyone with your camera in the suite. I still see the green in my eyes! You amaze everyone with your wild stories. YOUR HARD WORK WILL PAY OFF!
Ying Guan, thank you for being my friend throughout Baruch.
I can’t believe we met in freshman year, and now we’re graduating together! I hope you find happiness in your future, and I will always support you. You hold the power to uplift and support others. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF LIKE I BELIEVE IN YOU!
Graphics Team, thank you all for being diligent in your work and sharing your lovely art. I appreciate you all looking to me for guidance. I hope I was able to help you build your portfolios. Never stop drawing at least every other day. Your art will always live with you. NEVER LET ANYONE DIM YOUR LIGHT! KEEP DRAWING AND INSPIRE OTHERS!
Snapshots staff, thank you all for collaborating with me and asking for my input. It’s relieving to work with a fun and productive group. Not only did we make a beautiful yearbook, but we also fostered many unforgettable memories together! Let’s keep in touch, and don’t forget about me and my art! THE ONLY PATH IS FORWARD!
I’m passing the baton to my successors, Shimon Hossain and Suhangma Nembang. Continue to bring awesome graphics to the paper, and best of luck on Snapshots marketing! People need to look at all the pretty pictures!
You both have the creative minds to move forward in the right direction. Inspire others, ask questions and stand your ground.
The Ticker has been and always will have a place in my heart.
I created so many graphics in my time here, and I will keep doing art. One day, I plan to become famous and launch an exhibition.
My creativity will never get taken away from me, and I hope my art can inspire others. The waters ahead are unknown territory, and it’s up to me to chart them. I know who I am and what I must do to succeed. Do you?
