If someone had told freshman me during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic that one day I would be editor-in-chief of a student newspaper, grow as a journalist, have an internship and meet people who have now become close friends, I probably wouldn’t believe it.  

When I first entered UTEP, I felt completely lost on who I was or wanted to be in life, and having online classes through Zoom and not interacting with students and professors didn’t help. From the countless essays that I procrastinated on, to cramming late at night to study for exams or quizzes as I begin to look back on my undergraduate years, it’s safe to say I won’t miss any of it.  

With only two weeks until graduation, I am filled with mixed emotions, not because I’m leaving UTEP, but because I’m leaving behind a place that made me feel special, The Prospector. 

I cannot express enough how much I enjoyed my time at this publication. I believe The Prospector is a hidden gem at UTEP, and the people make this publication special. 

Before I joined this newsroom, I had never written for any publication, and my writing skills were not the best. I had many self-doubts about myself and felt anxious walking into this newsroom for the first time as a staff reporter. Never in a million years did I think I would fly up the ranks so fast, from a reporter, web & copy editor to editor-in-chief within a year is crazy. I couldn’t have done it without my colleagues, who all shaped the person I am today.  

Avery, we walked into this newsroom together as two anxious reporters, and I’m sad that we are not ending it together. It was an honor to work with you and watch you grow as a journalist and individual. I know you will do wonderful things in the future, and I hope you take the realm of EIC one day. Marco and Adam, thank you for being the best co-workers I could have asked for and good friends I could count on.  

Sofia, my ride or die since day one, thank you for always having my back. I like to think you’re a miniature version of me, but even better, I see so much potential in you. I know you will do great things here and in life. Gael, I couldn’t have asked for a better layout editor than you. I’m glad I asked you to join this team and show me the ropes around InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator.  

When I picked my staff early this semester, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out, and as I look back, I couldn’t have asked for a better team than them. Thank you, SalmaPaola, Gianluca, Ximena, Jorge, Esteban, Alyda, Melissa, Catching, Alyson, Jose, Emmanuel, Dominique, Iziah, Eduardo, Nico and Joel for everything, and I know you will all continue to do great work in the future.  

Isa and Amy, thank you for everything you all do at The Prospector and the endless support you have given me and the staff. Vero, I will miss our daily chats and laughs in the office, and I can’t thank you enough for believing in me.  

Crystal, I look up to you in so many ways. You shaped me as the writer and journalist I am today. From the endless critiques and criticisms in the beginning to you getting mad at me for writing like a reporter, I can’t thank you enough for being the best mentor I could ask for and for making me feel special. I will miss our late shenanigans during production night and our chit-chats, and whatever my future career holds, I promise that I will not write like a ‘reporter.’   

It is rare to find individuals who make you feel extraordinary, and I am grateful that I found them at The Prospector. I hope those who come after me have the same experience and fall in love with it just as I did. 

Erik Acosta was the editor-in-chief and may not be reached at [email protected].