If you were to tell me four years ago that I would be graduating college as a communication major with a minor in history, and was the current copy editor of The Current Sauce I would say… “What is that?”

I came to college with a different mindset of what I wanted to be when I grew up and graduated college. I was dead set on working my way to be on Broadway, living in New York City and singing and dancing for a living. Never once did I think I would end up being a journalist for the school newspaper, and currently looking for a job in the magazine business.

Three years ago, I took the leap into a new major that could change the trajectory of my life and I am beyond blessed that I did that. I have learned so much working for The Current Sauce and I am forever grateful for the help I have had along the way.

When I first applied to The Current Sauce, I wanted to be the fashion columnist because it was a topic that I knew so much about, and a form of journalism that I could see myself doing. I was skeptical though. I was not a good writer; I didn’t like writing and I feared that I would be judged for my lack of knowledge of journalism.

I feared for no reason.

I was surrounded by the most supportive and motivating students and faculty that wouldn’t ridicule me for my zero experience, but people who taught me and encouraged me along the way. I found a family and something that I thoroughly enjoyed doing.

Writing about fashion was one of my favorite things, but then it came time to try something new. I wanted to branch out and learn more about journalism and experience something new, so I took on the challenge of being the Arts and Living Editor.

Taking on this position was one of the most challenging but fulfilling experiences I had ever had. Being able to connect with students, clubs and people around campus and the community was something that I cherished and loved. Doing this for a semester and a half was so fulfilling, but yet again I wanted change, and I wanted more responsibility.

This led me to the Copy Editor position.

I had worked my way up and gained the responsibility to work alongside my Editor-in-Chief, Lia Portillo. Portillo took a chance on me allowing me to learn and grow in a way that I hadn’t done before.

Accountability, consistency and communication are three major lessons that I have learned that I plan on keeping holding onto for the rest of my career.

Holding on to accountability and making sure that I own up to my mistakes is what helped me improve the most. What I have learned is that you will get farther in your career and journey if you are honest with yourself and the people around you. We all make mistakes and fall behind at some point, which is fine, but being able to own up to that is what will make you stronger and a stronger worker.

Consistency, when working for a newspaper, is a big key. You must stay on top of everything and allow yourself to have a schedule that will keep you going and keep you consistent.

I used to not be consistent and that held me back and didn’t allow people to trust me as much as they should. But once you change that and prove it to others around you, you gain newfound respect from your co-workers.

Lastly communication, this one is self-explanatory yet one of the most important parts. I was prone to failing at communication, after realizing that if I want to be taken seriously, I needed to communicate better. Once I did, it made my life so much easier.

I hold these three lessons close to my heart to make me a better writer and co-worker. Without learning these lessons, I would not be where I am with The Current Sauce now.

I want to say thank you to everyone that I have worked with on staff, every person I interviewed and every story I got to share. I am beyond blessed for this experience and the lessons that I have been taught and cannot wait for my future and what is to come.