If you told 17-year-old me that one day that I’d have the photo editor spot on lock for these publications that I was thinking about joining, I would have been like “LOL you’re funny.” But here I am, 20 and five semesters deep into The Prospector (and Minero Magazine, shout out Minero) and I’m writing my second editor intro as the photo editor.

I’ve seen faces come and go. I’ve seen The Prospector and Minero at its highs and some lesson filled lows. I’ve had my fair share of my own highs and lows on the way too, but through it all I still ask myself one thing: What’s keeping me here?

That answer changes every semester. Sometimes it’s the people, sometimes it’s the crazy creative freedom, and other times it’s the fact that I’ve grown to be extremely comfortable and familiar with this space.

Through my different eras in student media, there’s one thing that hasn’t changed, and it’s the love that I have for this place. For the stories I tell through my pictures, the stress filled deadlines and the joy of when everything sort of just falls into place. 

I still think it’s the weirdest feeling seeing my work published and out in the world of UTEP with my name attached to it. I’ve always had a bad habit of hating the work I’m producing in the moment, but when it’s out I’m able to grasp the reality of what I’m doing and always end up thinking “damn, I did that.”

I think now I’m able to confidently say that I am proud of myself and how far I’ve come. I still obviously have my faults and much more room to grow, but it brings me joy looking back at where I started from.

Sometimes it’s easy to forget that people are actually out there reading and watching what we create. Whenever someone tells me “I saw your photo” or “I read your story,” it hits me with such a sweet feeling.

So, if you’re reading this right now, thank you. Thank you for giving us your time, your attention. It gives us a reason to keep enjoying doing what we do, so for the third time, thank you. I’d probably be back in the nursing field crying at an exam right now if people like you didn’t believe in what us students can do.

I’m excited to see what the future holds for me. I’ve definitely been tested, but it’s the sweetest challenge once overcome. It’s the type that pushes you to be an overall better person even outside of a career.

Maybe I’ll update you guys again in the future? Who knows… In the meantime, hashtag stay tuned.

Iziah Moreno is the photo editor and may be reached [email protected]