Looking back, it’s hard to believe I actually ended up
working at the Bruin for four years. Sure, designers may work
behind the scene, but that’s not the point.
The problem with working at the Bruin is that it silenced me.
While at UCLA, I was unable to voice my opinions by writing a
letter to the editor or a viewpoint column. That’s the price
you pay for being a Bruin employee ““ no conflicts of
interest.
Those who know me are aware that I have opinions and that I tend
to share them. It was hard to sit silent when readers attacked the
Bruin, or when controversial issues crept their way into the
paper.
The Daily Bruin is staffed by students, students who work hard
and get paid very little, if anything. We do our best to put out
the highest quality paper every weekday during the academic year.
Unfortunately, we can’t be everywhere.
Case in point: the Daily Bruin was criticized for failing to
cover an essentially religious lecture (Daily Bruin fails to cover
stirring lecture given by Muslim convert, May 30). Reporters
can’t be everywhere on campus at once.
My question is this: how many student groups consider informing
reporters about upcoming events? The answer is not many. If you
want coverage, at least take the time to make a phone call, send an
e-mail, or submit the event to What’s Brewin’.
The veil of silence almost prompted me to resign from my
position earlier this month. Why? So that I could share my opinion
about the recent USAC elections.
As a student I took offense to the comments, twisted logic, and
seemingly contradictory statements made by our current USAC
president Mike De la Rocha. His subsequent Viewpoint submission
only furthered my anger.
Unfortunately, I’ve only got 15 inches of space and
I’m not going to waste my last words as a Bruin employee on
USAC. I just want to say that the students have spoken and I wish
Elizabeth Houston the best of luck in the coming year.
So what kept me at the Daily Bruin? The experience and the
people. The stress of working under pressure and being forced to
redesign a section in less than 45 minutes. Okay, not that redesign
part.
In the past four years, I’ve enjoyed working with the
senior staff members and the interns. It’s been great to
watch staffers move through the ranks from intern to editor.
In particular, I want to wish Christine Byrd an awesome term as
EIC next year. To David King, I wish you the best of luck in
obtaining your own genuine press pass. Heather Ray, may you take
the design reins. And the other alumni of Dykstra 4, may your
college experiences be some of the best of your life.
To the past staffers, thanks for your leadership and support.
You helped me learn the ropes and your guidance kept me coming back
to 118 Kerckhoff Hall.
Finally, to whomever out there is responsible for the Fleece
humor magazine, thank you. Though I don’t know exactly who
you are, your stories and UCLA spoofs brought me the laughter I
needed so badly while on this campus.
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, point your
browser to www.fleecemag.com. Those who don’t enjoy cynicism
need not visit.
Finally, Amy, thank you for making this the right college for
me. Thanks for being there whenever I need you. For me, you are the
best part of UCLA.