The craziest part of spending three years with The Ticker is that I had never originally meant to join.
My sights were set on Encounters Magazine, hopeful for an e-board position I saw on an Instagram post. But I didn’t know the position was already filled, so then-Multimedia Editor and Editor-in-Chief of Encounters Melani Bonilla redirected me to an open position in The Ticker. After a brief interview and trial, I was recruited as YouTube Editor.
That fall, I struggled to find my footing; I’d never been able to commit to clubs in high school, and I had gone into this role with the same expectation. With no portfolio, very little experience, and a track record of forgetfulness, I couldn’t see this commit- ment following me through undergrad.
Later that semester, Melani joked during a team lunch that she was considering promoting me to her position next year, after she graduated. But I’d only been an editor for three months — surely I wasn’t mistaken, and this was a joke, right?
But when Melani finally asked me in January to take over the position, I couldn’t say no. Once I began in the fall, I faced plenty of challenges and a heavy workload.
Plus, The Ticker had also officially taken on the responsibility of yearbook production midway through the year. I was eager to contribute where I could, shifting into the role of events director with the hope it would provide variety in my experience.
The Ticker and Snapshots jointly introduced me to a production process I was completely unfamiliar with. Working to meet the weekly schedule of The Ticker has taught me so much about discipline and time management, and the repeated process became second nature to me. Meanwhile, Snapshots and the year-long production process taught me that every step in the journey is fruitful. The result is much sweeter seeing the hard work everyone has done behind the scenes.
Throughout the multimedia and event teams’ struggles and achievements over these two years, I will never forget how many people supported me throughout both my Ticker-related endeavors and beyond. As I switched majors, struggled to find internships and worked my first job while being a full-time student, the relief I found through The Ticker lightened the burden.
I’m especially grateful for my multimedia team and event planners, as well as everyone that contributed in the three years I have been a part of these publications. The work we accomplished would not be possible without your dedication to The Ticker’s mission.
I want to give special thanks to: Alyssa, whose humor, kindness, and endless knowledge in multimedia has helped me grow as both a multimedia editor and a leader; Richard and Jumaane, for bringing their dedication and passion to The Ticker every day, taking on so much for the sake of allowing Ticker and Snapshots to grow and succeed, and being such amazing collaborators for our creative workshops, and whom I’m proud to call two of my best friends; Michael, Ashanti, and Reagan, whose passion for the Bearcat Den sports podcast has grown our platform and achieved so many goals, and whom I’ll miss having frequent talks with about sports, the podcast, and all else;
Maya, Sonia, and Irza, for leading The Ticker and providing so many ideas, guidance, and support to multimedia; Akilah and Justina, for handling the difficult parts of purchasing equipment and supplies when I would need anything, and for always being so generous; and Sabrina, who has been part of The Ticker even before me, who I’ve worked with for my entire time here, and is one of the most dedicated, kind, and supportive friends I know.
This year, I also worked with Cherice Chan, a freshman who had applied to The Ticker and whom I hired for the same position I’d started in myself.
Throughout the year, I’ve witnessed her dedication and enthusiasm for The Ticker through hard work, which reminded me of the position I once found myself in. I’m excited for Cherice to take over the department once I graduate this spring. I am fully confident that in her tenure, the multimedia department will continue to flourish and reach great achievements.
Looking back from where I began almost three years later, something tells me I could have done more. Though it’s a bit too late to accomplish new things, I want to leave one last testament to my time at The Ticker. As a final farewell, I’ve put together a video of some of my favorite memories, with some of my favorite people, which you can view at the QR code alongside this article.
Through ups, downs, and roundabouts, I have truly loved every moment I spent with The Ticker. Thank you for giving me the most memorable and fruitful college experience.
