In late May, I received an email that sent me into disbelief. It read, “Dear Evelyn, Congratulations! The Student Media and Publications (SMP) Committee has selected you for the Editor-in-Chief (EIC) positions of The Prospector for the summer and fall semesters…Your leadership at SMP and on campus do not go unnoticed. This speaks very well of your character.”
I was in shock, excitement–a total whirlwind of emotions! I remember being on the phone with my boyfriend, Isaac, and saying, “Can you believe it?” His response was simple yet meant a lot to me, “Of course I can believe it.”
When I started at The Prospector in January, I spent the semester feeling I was practically invisible. I knew I cared a lot about putting good work out and was thankful for the opportunity to grow as a journalist, but it would be a lie to say I felt I wasn’t fitting in. As the news spread of my new role as EIC, I was nervous about what people’s response would be and if they’d even want to work under my leadership.
Up until now, I have spent a wonderful summer with my brand-new editor team, a group that will hold a special place in my heart. We spent our days getting to know each other on new levels, sharing laughs, long work sessions and moments that made the newsroom feel more like home. As the fall semester snuck up behind us, I conducted many interviews and expanded our team to over 20 people. I have had the privilege to speak to every one of them, watching them take on new opportunities with courage, even when intimidating.
I have felt such overwhelming support from my peers, bosses, family and friends that I would never dare take for granted.
I have taken many leadership roles throughout my life, and thanks to that I have learned that leadership doesn’t happen alone. It is built on the people who remind you of your purpose on days when it’s easy to forget.
Sebastian, our multimedia editor, was the first person to make me feel welcome at The Prospector. He has always uplifted my spirits and makes me feel truly welcome. Kristian, our sports editor has been like a rock, constantly reminding me of his confidence in me. Kahri’s been a ray of sunshine and she is always ready for a laugh or vent session with me. Ximena, makes me feel accepted, and is the perfect person to talk to when I want to geek out about “Hamilton.” Mia joined us midway through our summer and I instantly connected with her during our interview. We were both EIC in high school yearbook and I s a lot of myself in her. Abby, who I recruited last minute, was truly the missing puzzle piece to the editor team. Thank you for taking a chance on us.
Iziah and Erick both bring some familiarity to the newsroom for me. We all got to get our first tastes of journalism together in yearbook. Iziah’s growth from those early days to now has been inspiring and there is no one else whose creative vision I trust like his. Erick brings a sense of comfort that has made a world of a difference for me this semester, and I am so happy he decided to join our team so we can work alongside each other for old time’s sake.
The mentors I have gained at The Prospector, Vero and Crystal, constantly remind me of why I was chosen to carry this heavy responsibility. Some days aren’t easy, but they most certainly ground me and guide me through the tough times. Amy, Isa and although not with us anymore, our work study students Ryan and Ana, have always been so sweet to me and shown me that I wasn’t always going unnoticed even when I thought I might’ve been.
The nerves I get from sharing my work with my family have yet to go away, but my parents and older sister continue to share their support for me in their own ways that help keep me going. My high school sweetheart, Isaac, has continued to be my anchor, staying with me for late work nights, making sure I take of myself and supporting me when the doubt tries to creep in.
I am overwhelmingly proud of how far I have come. When I debated applying for editor-in-chief, some people said it might be too hard or that I should let someone else do it. I didn’t let the doubtful voices stop me. I flipped the narrative and proved why I deserved this role. Being editor-in-chief for me wasn’t just about getting the chance to manage a newsroom. It is about breaking old habits, breaking barriers and inspiring others that being a journalist is a passion worth having.
Evelyn Palma is the editor-in-chief of The Prospector and may be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram @evelynp.media and on LinkedIn @evelynpalma-media.
