A letter from the editor

One of the last times I copy edited a baseball story for The Rider, I had the sudden realization that the moment would never happen again.

Maybe someday in the future I could work as an editor and continue to dissect stories for errors in grammar. It could be similar but never exactly the same. 

At the time of publication of this column, I will be a week away from turning my tassel and graduating from UTRGV. All I have been able to think about the last couple of weeks is the bittersweet goodbye I will give Student Media, along with all my co-workers and advisers who helped me grow along the way. 

I never considered, when I applied to work in the department, that it would impact my life in such a large way but, after almost two years here, I can confidently say it has.

It is difficult to imagine finding another work family after graduation like the one we built here and, for that reason, it will always have a special place in my heart. 

As a timid newcomer in July 2023, everyone welcomed me with open arms. I had such a basic understanding of journalism and was worried I would not be able to do my job as a copy editor well.

My co-workers were so talented. Every time I revised their stories, I felt encouraged to learn more in order to match their pace and talents. 

They would crack jokes and make the job feel less like a job and more like I was getting paid to do my favorite thing with some of my favorite people. 

It was such a rare thing to join a team that took its jobs and responsibilities so seriously while still managing to have so much fun. 

The experience made me grow not only professionally but personally and helped me realize just what direction I wanted my life to take. 

Now, as editor-in-chief, it has been such a pleasure to guide all of the reporters and photographers of The Rider through the tedious, often intimidating, world of student journalism. But, I know I would not have been able to continue my journey this way if it were not for everyone who pushed me to improve along the way.  

I have to thank our former Director Azenett Cornejo for teaching me the complexities of journalism and reminding me to read the AP Stylebook before bed; our faculty adviser Michell Escajeda for teaching me how to be both firm and kind, first as a copy editor and then as editor-in-chief; and to our Program Coordinator Jesus Sanchez for always answering the collection of questions I frequently framed with, “Can I ask a question?”

To the members of KVAQ-TV, Pulse magazine and Vaquero Radio, thank you for continuously inspiring me throughout my time here and for the laughs, inside jokes and memories we all made. It has truly been such a pleasure.