Editor's Column: Finding my place

Photo courtesy of Ryan Ruff

When I first came to Lasell, I knew that I wanted to leave the institution better than I found it. My junior year has so far been the most eventful one yet. I’ve been fortunate enough to find myself in the Black Men’s Group, the manager of the track and field team, and also the sports editor of the 1851 Chronicle.

In my freshman year, I used up most of my time developing a solid foundation. Due to this, I never quite found a place that I felt was home. I didn’t hang out on campus that much and most of my time was spent either in my room or in the library.

A year later, someone recommended that I join the newspaper. This was when I realized what I loved to do: writing. Meeting the editors and writers of the newspaper felt like a warm hug. Since then, I felt I had a sense of belonging on campus. I will never forget the feeling of stepping into the 1851 Chronicle office for the first time.

I started out writing game recaps here and there, and soon after I started to take on bigger stories. One of the biggest pieces I’ve been a part of came this year when I and a colleague covered the men’s basketball team’s playoff run. Stories like these are fun to write, but my favorite type has to be the stories where I can focus on one person. Something about being able to give the spotlight to someone who hasn’t had it shined on them feels so rewarding.

Becoming part of the newspaper has been so influential to not only my growth as a writer but as a person in general. I’ve been given the chance to come out of my shell more and be an influential member of the student body. I’ve also been fortunate to meet and talk to so many people, some who have helped me to get bigger opportunities and some who have left me with great advice. The biggest piece of advice I’ve received as a writer was to write for everyone. The bigger the net, the more fish you’ll catch. Getting someone to read and resonate with your work when they have no prior knowledge of it is one of the biggest compliments you can receive as a writer.

Using the editors of the chronicle as mentors, I’ve grown my role in the newspaper to a point where I can help others just as those before me did. Being the sports editor is an immense responsibility and a tremendous honor. The people around me have been so welcoming and I feel even more at home.

I continue to cover sports since that is my main passion, but sometimes you may find me writing movie reviews or profile stories on some of Lasell’s most influential people. Telling stories and moving people with my words is something I love doing, and this role allows me to tell stories that people will enjoy.

As stated earlier, the main goal for me during my time in college is to end up being a positive side effect for the university and its students. Looking back at what I’ve been able to accomplish so far is nice, but I’m not satisfied. I still want to influence this place and its students on a deeper level. My first few years were simply building blocks for what I’m doing today, and growing myself and those around me will continue to be my goal.