I always get a puzzled look when telling people that I am a math
student. How did a math student become an assistant design director
at the Daily Bruin?
As you may already know, mathematics and design have very little
in common, but in my world their common element is that I enjoy
them both.
Freshman year I knew that if I wanted to have a rewarding
college experience I would need to get involved in an on-campus
activity.
After all, I was here at UCLA, one of the biggest campuses in
southern California and my dream school.
So, I chose to join The Bruin, not knowing that it would become
my best experience at UCLA.
I learned more than just how to design a page, or how to use
Photoshop and Illustrator. Unfortunately, I didn’t become a
better writer, but I guess it’s never too late to start.
After five years at The Bruin, I have gathered a pretty big
database of information about this job.
I don’t mean to sound like the stat geek in my one and
only column, but it’s simply the truth. Five years at the
same place can teach you a million lessons.
The Bruin became my second family, and every year there was a
new atmosphere in which I had the opportunity to learn something
new.
The job was not always an easy one. It involved many days of
working too many hours and producing a paper that would be
criticized by people who knew nothing about the work behind it.
It involved a lot of planning meetings and training sessions and
more meetings.
But don’t get me wrong, the job did have its perks, such
as going on a unforgettable retreat as a senior staffer, working in
a department that was 90 percent female, and all the sporting
events we took part in. Plus, seeing your work in print after
working so hard on it is unforgettable.
I will never forget my experience at The Bruin. Yes, I will move
on after graduating to something most likely unrelated to the work
I did at The Bruin, but the lessons I learned will still be
there.
I will graduate with the knowledge acquired from managing a
group of individuals and working in a team environment, and I will
have gained a decent background in design (without ever setting
foot in UCLA’s prestigious Design Department).
The most important thing I will walk away with is the
friendships. The people with whom I will keep in contact, the
people for or from whom I will maybe get jobs, and the people who
made this job a blast.
Montalvo was an 2002-2003 assistant design director and
would like to thank the members of the design department for
working their butts off to make us look good. Thanks to Sarah and
Graciela for being the best co-workers, and finally Jessica and the
family for all the support.