When I first feebly poked my head into the office, self conscious, yet lit afire with an idea I felt I had to share, there was no way I could have known where it would take me. In my time here, I have met the President of Liberia, thanks to John West, the President of the United States, thanks to Bob Ruday and I have been able to interview Pulitzer Prize winning columnist, Leonard Pitts of the Miami Herald. I can say with complete confidence that without The Minaret and UT, this would not have been possible. The opportunity to write and work with such an eclectic group of people and learn so much has been life-changing.
I’ve learned so much in my time here at The Minaret. I remember my first article being an impassioned plea to not use racial slurs in decent conversation and insisting that it end a sarcastic “Happy Black History month.” I remember almost every subsequent article being about African American and social affairs and winning my position as the “Black Pride” columnist.
But that’s not all I’ve been about. Through my writing here, I’ve been able to bring up a number of social and political issues, including equality in the modern-day education system, feminism, John McCain, Glenn Beck and, of course, Barack Obama. I also had my first wacky encounter with the Tea Party writing for The Minaret which I daresay was also part of my growth here.
This office has been a source of many warm and trying memories. Receiving critical and even hateful emails and comments hurt a little at first, but as my skin got tougher, the taunts only invigorated me to continue writing on the controversial issues. Sometimes the candid comments (including one about how whites should go to separate schools) reminded me of why discussing these issues are important.
I came here unsure of what my future would hold. Maybe I would write a few articles and leave. Having worked in news, arts and entertainment and a full time columnist for commentary (and putting a few grey hairs on the heads of administration) I know that The Minaret held another destiny for me.
In a world where newspapers have steadily been diminishing, I have been blessed with the ability to write weekly and to see the product and hold it in my hands in print. For this I will always be grateful to The Minaret, as well as the people who I have worked with for these three years. I apologize to the copyeditors who had to fathom a way to trim down my bountiful run-on sentences. To Derrick Austin and Phillippa Hatendi, for bearing with me through deadlines and edits. Both of them had calm and cool natures that were directly in contrast with my extroverted nature. I will never forget you two and how you both have helped me as a writer and as a person.To the many people who came up to me to talk about my articles and to bug me when I did not write: you have a place in my heart.
To professor Beckman who let me use his books, I thank you. I have cherished every moment here, because I have been able to share my passion for social justice and general list of grievances that have lead not only discussion but actual change.
Not only have I written for The Minaret but the joyous smile I had on my face on the night that Barack Obama was elected president, thus changing American history, was captured on the front page. I thank Julissa Veloz for being the subject of my first front page story.
This journey has been filled with accomplishments and one happy moment after another.
From freeloading off of SG food with the other writers, to running off to who knows where trying to get a quote for a story, I now have zero problem approaching people for information. The only thing I wish I could change is — write the stories I didn’t get to write.To the three faculty advisors and my journalism professors, your lessons have been great.
I know that the world of journalism is at a crossroads right now. I hope with all my heart that I may one day be able to return to this high pace, yet ever rewarding bubble I have lived in with these wonderful individuals someday in the future. My life and philosophy are richer for it.
The Minaret has helped me grow, laugh, run, dodge ceiling tiles and become a more balanced individual. and as I sit here on my last night, surrounded by so many faces that have forever changed my life I cant help but cherish the memories.
The ceiling tiles have given way with a flow of water from the third floor and I cant think of a better way to leave this quirky and crazy place surrounded by friends and mahem. I love The Minaret and I will never forget you.
Looking at myself now and who I was before, it is reassuring to realize that I have found something here that will forever be dear to me and no one can ever take away from me: my voice.
p.s. Happy Black History Month!
It’s my sincere hope that you haven’t developed a skin so tough that it must abrade good people with whom you disagree.
Best wishes on your future endeavors, M.