Wow… I’m an editor for the Prospector. Who would have thought? Spoiler: let me tell you not me.
I’d first like to give honor to God who’s been watching me on my journey. Second to my mom, dad, and sister who have been the best ‘#1’ supporters I could ever ask for.
As I’m writing, I’m struck with awe that it’s actually all happening. Life seems to move faster than I’d like it to.
If someone had gone back two years ago and told the 2024 senior version of me that I’d be working for a college newspaper, I would’ve stared at them in disbelief, like they had just uttered pure blasphemy.
Writing touched my fingers as a decent skill set, but it always lingered in the back of my thoughts.
Looking back, for Cam Mason, things of priority looked a little different.
His favorite intangibles he possessed measured success such as athletic ability, book smarts, identity — and, according to him, looks… a claim supported by those with 20/20 eyesight.
But beneath all of that confidence was something that slowly ate at his soul — the feeling of going unseen.
The lack of recognition made every achievement feel quieter than it should have.
A kid full of talent and potential, yet was never extravagant, arrogant or put himself out there the way he possibly should have.
It’s ironic how humility stood beside me like a friend yet quietly worked against me like one of my greatest foes.
My life has felt like one big underdog story, with decent but limited physical achievements to show for how talented I knew I could be.
But why sulk in sorrows when one can go get it and make it happen. I knew this was the perfect time to write a new chapter in my story.
Someone who played a big role in helping me start at The Prospector was Sebastian Perez-Navarro.
We were cool with each other in high school but were never close, so the friendship we’ve built now feels both unlikely and something I deeply appreciate.
Stepping into a new student organization wasn’t all smooth sailing. At the same time, I was still trying to find my footing as a student, adjusting to my course of study and my first semester at a university.
Luckily, I had a great mentor in our Assistant Director, Crystal Hinga, who has supported me since the day I walked through the door.
She has not only guided me but helped me to land leading major UTEP events to other opportunities, which I’m truly grateful for.
Going from contributor to staff reporter in a semester and a half helped me grow not only as a professional, but also in how I connect with people on a day to day basis.
Journalism is a sociable field and I’ve gained a much stronger sense of people skills because of it.
Now, those skills are even more on display in my new role working with social media.
For this opportunity, I’d like to thank Ximena Cordero, our Editor-in-Chief, for taking a chance on me and who I look to learn so much more from.
Finally, a huge shoutout to my amazing editor team and the friendships I’ve built at The Prospector over these past five months!
A lesson shown is there’s more than meets the eye to people you may encounter each day, especially within oneself.
Cam, this is an official introduction to the world, but more importantly, it is a promise to yourself.
A promise that you will reach those goals in mind, even when the world counts you out, even if friends or family doubt you.
A promise that when life hits so hard you’re unable to stand, that you crawl, you roll… you do whatever it takes to get to your destination.
Finding an excuse to be great. Greatness does not have to respect you, but the grind builds a version of you that can stand in the same room as it.
The type of grit that inspires or elevates those around you, that’s legacy.
I hope to leave that effect on The Prospy — to grow as a leader and a friend who people on our campus can confide in.
There’s so many learning curves ahead, but I know I’m ready to tackle them head on.
Earning the role of Audience and Engagement Editor is an accomplishment worth celebrating which I’m so proud of myself for.
What’s even more exciting is knowing that this milestone moves me forward onto a larger journey toward an ultimate goal.
Much love!
Cameron Mason is the audience and engagement editor for The Prospector and can be reached at [email protected]
