I originally entered Baruch College as a psychology major who was not very passionate about the future career that I had in store. I was lost and overwhelmed.

In my sophomore year, however, I took an elective course in journalism, where I met the two people who would change the trajectory of my whole life. Professor Gisele Regatão was open, passionate and honest when it came to the field, and Caspar Gajewski, then-Editor-in-Chief of Baruch’s online magazine, Dollars & Sense, took me under his wing on what he called a “crash course” in journalism.

Because of them and, of course, then chair of the journalism department, Vera Haller, I published my first story. Without the push and help from the three of them, I would never have gotten into journalism.

In my early days, I was scared, nervous and completely lost in what I wanted to do. But with guidance from Haller and Regatão, I was able to find my footing in the field, although with some hiccups along the way.

Thanks to the department, I had traveled to Michigan during election season, to cover the many difficult topics that the swing state depends on. A bonus was the opportunity to begin so many amazing bonds and friendships along the way.

I then became the photography editor of D&S and began my journey in writing for the business section for The Ticker, a very intimidating section at first glance. But then-Business Editor Irza Waraich pushed me. With her, I published stories and learned how to work under an intense deadline, sometimes having only one day to write a story. Irza became not only my editor but also one of my closest friends on and off campus.

In my senior year, I became editor-in-chief of D&S and business editor at The Ticker. It has definitely been a crazy year. To become an editor at both publications has become a full-circle moment for me.

This year, I have been able to work closely with my fellow editors Zoe Del Percio-Evans and Karizma Jernigan on stories in the paper and across publications in the city.

Both amazing writers and fabulous people, the two of them are the future of The Ticker and will be leading the publication next semester.

As my time at school comes to an end, I want to thank The Ticker, D&S and the journalism department for all your help in creating a stronger foundation for future journalists here at Baruch. 

Your dedication to the future of journalism has helped me and my peers flourish in and out of school.

I already miss all of you!