Hugo A. SepĂşlveda 
Being a reporter for The Rider newspaper has been an experience that I would choose again if I can go back in the past.
I won’t lie, if you had asked me two years ago if I wanted to be a reporter for the university newspaper, I would have said no, being honest. But don’t get me wrong. I like being a reporter, but it was a shift of lifestyle from being someone introverted who didn’t talk a lot, to being the total opposite.
I still have some shyness in me but, compared from day one to now, I would say it has become easier to communicate.
I remember my first semester in the university. I always tended to be alone and, if I didn’t have anything else to do, I would rather go home.
When I became a reporter, that changed. Being a reporter here has been a great experience that has expanded the way I see my university journey and my skill set.
If you ask me now, I feel more prepared for the real world from the experiences that I have gathered during my year and a half working in The Rider.
This experience has also allowed me to get to know new people that I not only consider coworkers, but I consider friends.
I still remember the first story that I wrote as a reporter. At first I knew it wasn’t that great, but I believe I have improved my writing since then.
Sometimes, getting out of your comfort zone is the best option, or at least it was for me. Sometimes you don’t know about things you may like until you get to do it. I have always believed that improvement relies on yourself, and I have felt improvement in my life since I have gotten out of my comfort zone.
I firmly encourage people to try out new things and get out of their comfort zone. I have done it and have enjoyed my time here, writing this column, and will continue to do so.
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