I was not sure how to start this piece, but here it goes. With the start of the fall 2025 semester, I have now been part of The Prospector for four semesters and a summer. 

In spring 2025, I was promoted from staff reporter to audience and engagement editor by then Editor-in-Chief (EIC) Avery Escamilla. It was a challenge, coming up with new post ideas and some days felt like all my creativity flew out the window, but I loved the position. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me confidence I would not have found otherwise. I also gained social media experience that, in another environment, I might never have dared to try. 

Still, something felt missing. That summer, our new EIC, Evelyn Palma, moved me into her old role as web and copy editor. Suddenly, it clicked. What I had been missing was the very reason I joined journalism and The Prospector in the first place–my love for writing. 

Audience and engagement was the challenge I needed in order to grow, but web and copy felt like home. I get to edit my peers’ stories, see them improve with each one and watch as they step outside of their own comfort zones. And the bonus is that I have been able to write again, going back to my roots as a staff reporter. 

But more than anything, what makes this work possible are the people in my life, both inside and outside The Prospector office. This piece, and all my work, is dedicated to you. 

Thank you to my past EICs who gave me space to grow, and to my old Prospector friends who have moved on to amazing things. You did not just teach me how to report and edit; you helped me navigate college life and reminded me it can all work out in the end. To our front staff, Amy, Isa, Vero and Crystal, thank you for always keeping your doors open, for advice, work help or just a laugh. You never let us think small. 

To Professor Kate Gannon, thank you for pushing me to look deeper and to always ask the tougher questions. I will do my best to go on and save the world. 

To my mom and dad, your constant encouragement means everything. Without you, I would not be who I am today. I hope I can always make you proud. And to my sister, you are my built-in best friend and the person who makes even the hardest days easier. I hope you know, even though you’re my little sister, I still look up to you.  

To Sara and Hennessy, who have been with me since seventh grade, thank you for years of laughter, stories and support. You both have been by my side through so many stages of life, and I am so grateful for our friendship. And to Accalia… my birthday twin who turned into one of my closest friends, thank you for always being able to brighten my day. You have a way of making everything better and I am so glad life brought us together, you taught me that soulmates exist in friendship too.   

Finally, to the fall 2025 team, even though I have only just met most of you, it has already been great to see how quickly our team has come together.   

Abby, I’m excited to see how you grow into the arts and culture role, I can’t wait to get to work with you more. Iziah, you are one of the most talented photographers I have ever seen. I know you are going to go far, and I am glad I have been able to share my time here at The Prospector with you. Kristian, you dreamed of being sports editor from the start, and it has been amazing to watch you get there through so much dedication. I’ll make sure to always tell you my chisme. Kahri and Mia, I still do not know how it happened so fast, but you two became the sweetest friends I could ask for, and you have already made the newsroom a brighter and better place. Evelyn, your vision and leadership make The Prospector stronger, you are an amazing leader, and you are an even better friend. Thank you for pushing us to be the best we can be. Sebastian, from the chaos of being staff reporters to learning the ropes as editors, your support has always meant so much, and I admire how you never let the challenges stop you from moving forward. Each of you brings something different to the table, and it is those differences that make this team so strong.  

I do not know exactly what this semester or the future will bring, but I know we will get through it together. My time at The Prospector has already shown me that journalism is not just about the stories we publish, but about the people who help us tell them. 

Ximena Cordero is the web and copy editor for The Prospector and may be reached at [email protected] and on LinkedIn @ximenacordero