A letter from the online editor, Valeria

But, I wanted to learn and have the experience. I wondered how people in leadership positions got to where they were. I didn’t think I would ever get there; I was certainly not qualified. Then, we were sent home for COVID, and opportunities to get involved decreased.

BY VALERIA GOMEZ Online Editor-In-Chief

I went to my first Signal meeting on February 20, 2020. I was terrified. I had not taken media writing, so I had no idea what I was doing.

I have been working in publications ever since the second semester of my freshman year. The Signal was my first experience, but I also worked on the Ouachitonian and the Ouachita News Show. I love the community aspect, and seeing your work get published is an amazing feeling. As communications majors, we only need two semesters of practicum, but I just kept doing it for fun. I think it’s a great, underappreciated way of serving our campus.

December of my junior year, I got asked to interview for the job of editor-in-chief of the Signal. I knew I had some competition, so I wasn’t feeling confident. Despite the fear, though, I did it anyway. We went home for Christmas break shortly after. Then, I waited. I did not hear back until February. It was a long wait, and part of me just assumed I did not get the job. To my surprise, they had decided to split the job and get two editors instead of one. And just like that, Julia and I walked out of Dr. Root’s office at around 8:50 a.m. as the new editors of the Signal.

Being the online editor-in-chief meant I oversaw our website and social media. I had been doing social media, so that wasn’t anything new for me. But, A WEB-

SITE??? I had no idea how any of that worked. We learned the basics of how to create a personal site in class, but the Signal’s website was a lot harder than what we had learned. I felt underqualified, but Jackson Carter, the online adviser, had the time and patience to teach me everything I needed to know. He also answered all my questions and welcomed me into his office anytime I was frustrated.

And so I learned, not just how to create and manage a website, but how to be a leader to those around me. My staff is simply the very best, and there would not be a website without them. They are the backbone of this publication, and I’m so thankful for their hard work and for trusting me with their well-written stories.

I learned that it’s hard to be a leader. Things won’t always go your way, and sometimes, you will feel overlooked and underappreciated. I learned that communication and empathy are key. I also found that the newsroom is a sacred place. I am better because of this job. It has prepared me well for life after graduation. I have gained valuable leadership and creative skills.

So, I am signing off one last time as the online editor-in-chief and the ACMA’s website editor of the year. The Signal is my pride and joy. I hope I will never take the gift of being a creative and a storyteller that my Jesus has given me for granted. To the next editor, steward it well, be humble and continue to serve this campus by being the heart of Ouachita news.