When I came to UCLA I purposely didn’t join The Bruin. I
wanted to stay away from journalism and see if I had other
interests.
A couple of years and jobs later, I felt I still didn’t
belong at UCLA. I commuted daily and didn’t know anyone
except for the people in my classes. I missed working at a place
where students argued about budgets and wars and wrote about them
daily.
In my junior year, I applied as a news intern but was hired in
design. Elena, our Media Advisor, assured me I had all the skills
and would fit right in.
But I didn’t.
I didn’t feel everyone in the section was friendly or
outgoing. Our morale hit its lowest point last year when we went
through four directors. All I did was design the layout ““
that was it.
So this year I decided to make it a point to make our section
fun and creative for our designers, illustrators and graphic
artists. When I didn’t get the director position, I told
myself I could accomplish my goals anyway. And I did.
I was able to interview local chicana/o and latina/o artists,
musicians and professors for A&E and to write about outreach
programs for transfer students in News.
Being a part of the Editorial Board forced me to take a position
and argue my points. I asked myself questions I had never before
thought about such as: how can we get more minorities in college
and at the same time accommodate the tidal wave of freshmen
admitted each year while still providing an adequate education?
I realized the issues we covered are more complicated than right
or wrong.
In between constant deadlines, design meetings, redesigns and
copy coming over to ask how many more minutes until they get the
sections, we were able to play card games like Speed, draw on the
board, laugh at each others’ weird and funny days and sing
out loud to the Chicago soundtrack, Manu Chao and oldies.
For next year’s design staff and future designers, your
experience at The Bruin doesn’t just have to be in Design.
You should also join and write for other sections.
Thank you, Mom, for all the love and support you have given me
all my life. You make the best homemade Mexican food.
My favorite and happiest memories will always be: rolling down
the steep hills at La Brea Tar Pits, riding the ponies at Griffith
Park, eating popcorn at Big Bear, getting sunburns in San Felipe
with Julio, Mari, Yayi and Mom.
Thank you, Eztli, because I finally have someone at home that
wants to hear me sing. Thank you Elena Safra for being a friend.
You are an awesome role model. Thanks to my father for your
support, the Longwidths, the Rivas family, Dizzy, Jennie, Elena,
Mela, Linda, Mo, Derek, Eli, Mr. Ursini, Sarah, Chris, Jeff for
playing Speed, Sabaa for being a great listener and friend,
Christine for letting me stay over, Mike O’Connor, Amy
Emmert, all of Design and all my teachers and family.
Sandoval plans to write children’s books to read to her
nephew, teach in South America and live in Brazil. She is the
reigning speed queen and was assistant design director in
2002-2003.