I have written for the Opinion section of the Daily Bruin for almost four years now. While many aspects of the work are incredibly rewarding, my favorite part of being a columnist has always remained the same.
I have the platform to provide unsolicited advice to UCLA students on virtually any subject. I also have the power to make recommendations to the administrators on how to improve the school.
I mean, really, how cool is that?
Now I don’t mean to overestimate the impact of my own specific columns, but I do believe that sharing your thoughts about the problems you witness in your community – and the world – is a powerful vessel for change.
Over the years, I’ve collected dozens of column ideas in a running list in the notes app on my phone. Whenever I encountered a pressing issue or an interesting event, I would whip out my phone and quickly jot down a title.
Many of these never made it to print.
Nonetheless, here are a few of those draft titles, offered in the spirit of reflection and perhaps to spark ideas for the next generation of Opinion columnists:
Swiping our swipes: UCLA should roll over dining swipes or distribute them to food-insecure Bruins
Will you be a SuperAger? UCLA students can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s through good habits today
Feet in the grass: Bruins discuss the healing power of the Kuruvungna Steps on UCLA’s campus
Save your brain and the planet: We all must limit our usage of ChatGPT and other AI
Give me a freaking parking permit: UCLA must do more to support students with off-campus jobs
Recycling Bruin dollars: UCLA can do more to recycle student belongings during move out
Before retiring from telling the Bruin community what to do, I have one more recommendation. In conversations, when you say things like, “I really think this should happen,” or, “This campus issue really bothers me,” don’t let those valuable ideas become forgotten.
You, too, should jot them down somewhere. Your perspective is valuable.
I also encourage you to pursue publishing columns about your opinions because you don’t need to be formally trained to do so – LinkedIn is a great platform for this.
To all current and future Opinion columnists: I hope you’ll continue writing pieces with heart, bringing forward community voices and asking the tough questions that no one else is willing to ask.
It’s a huge responsibility and a great privilege to be an Opinion columnist.
I’m deeply humbled to have served in this role during my time at UCLA.
Taylor was an Opinion columnist 2024-2025, Opinion contributor 2022-2024 and a News contributor in 2022.
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