Dear PSC Community,
If you had told me two years ago that I would be in the position of Editor-in-Chief of The Pioneer, the actual student newspaper, during my second year at PSC, I would laugh ‘til I had tears in my eyes, only to end up crying because I knew I wasn’t confident enough to speak up, much less to speak out.
However, since I had the opportunity to become the Lead Reporter/Writer for the student newspaper last academic year, I’ve grown as a person from bettering my communication skills, enhancing my investigative capabilities, heightening my listening skills, greatly improving my writing skills, and so much more.
And to think I get a scholarship for being in this position, is absolutely amazing.
Journalism is more powerful than you could know, but it’s not the ordinary power like an all-mighty feeling, but the power to be a catalyst for change, the power to be transparent, the power to make your voice louder. Honestly, this wasn’t something that had dawned on me until I took on the leadership roles on The Pioneer. Everyone has a voice: they have perspectives, news, a desire to showcase something or someone, advice, and much more, and so much of it can be communicated and empowered through reporting.
This is why I wholeheartedly encourage others to take on a role as staff of The Pioneer, whether it be photographer, writer, podcaster, or any other role. There is no limit to what you can do as part of the club nor on what you can accomplish. For leadership roles, there’s a scholarship to go with it. However, to everyone, regardless of role, there is an opportunity to expand your vocabulary, learn time management, better your communication skills, and even add some impressive items to your resume. There is a space for everyone on The Pioneer.
While I won’t be there to lead any longer, and I’m upset to be leaving, I don’t doubt I’ll be checking the website out as I move on with another chapter in my life. I hope to see more student voices, more unique perspectives, more breaking news, and so much more.
Before I close out my time on The Pioneer, as well as PSC, I want to thank everyone who has supported me in the PSC chapter of my life. As a bookworm, I like to consider this as the acknowledgements of a book:
Familia, of course, is first. My family supported me and, without them, I wouldn’t be here. Part of this is because, literally, I wouldn’t exist. But also with their unwavering support, they dragged me into a chair to fill out the application as Lead Reporter/Writer for The Pioneer when I didn’t want to do it because it was summer break and I was lazy. To my brothers, to quote one of our favorite songs and to tell you something that I never will in person: “I’m never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down, never gonna run around and desert you.”
Professors, administrators, and friends are the people who build my community outside of home. Some have nominated me for awards and have absolutely made my day (Prof. Streeter), some have taught me things that have left me in awe (Prof. Wang), others have tolerated my introverted self (Prof. Green) and some have noticed my attempt at speaking up (Prof. Cornejo), and others have opened my eyes to things that I didn’t really think about (Prof. Cotch). There are also others who have had the kindness and patience to guide me to the point that more doors of opportunity opened up (Sarah Hein) and friends who have somehow tolerated the club to continue coming back to meetings (Jamel Connor). So many others that I have not mentioned are on this list but to those of you who know me, you should know you’re also on this list.
Finally, Professor Jessica Gravely. There’s too many things I will be leaving unsaid and, as a writer, I should know exactly what to say… but I don’t. Based on a quick email lookup, Prof. Gravely and I had over 500 email conversations throughout the two years. (Please place an emphasis on conversations, since I refuse to count the endless individual emails we’ve sent). Considering that the majority of those emails contained questions, I can’t even fathom the amount of patience she has had for me, as well as the tolerance of the many (many) times I attended office hours with even more questions. I can’t –really can’t– express how thankful I am to have had someone as supportive, as thoughtful, as encouraging, as intelligent, as Prof. Gravely as a faculty advisor. Thank you for: the patience, the memories, the conversations, for everything.
As for the entirety of the PSC community, thank you, for the things I leave unsaid. I can look back into this chapter in my life with satisfaction and bittersweet feelings. As much as I am excited for what this next chapter in my life will lead me, I don’t doubt that I would long for the easy 15-minute drive to PSC, the supportive staff, the open campus, resilient community, and everything in between. I am especially grateful for the doors that have been unlocked as a result of being here.
Despite being a writer, I find myself unable to completely, entirely, and effectively express everything I desire to share, but please know that PSC has changed me. I know that because I started near, I am going far.
Thank you,
Juana Sanchez Castillo
Editor-in-Chief
