When I joined the Trinitonian in the fall of my senior year, I was expecting a fun side gig. I knew I enjoyed writing, and was curious to explore (and get paid!) to do it — but I did not expect just how much I would grow to love it. It’s become a cornerstone of my identity and something I hope to pursue after graduation. In my last piece, I want to reflect on my time with the Trinitonian and offer some words of wisdom I’ve picked up.
Looking back, I think my only regret is not having started working for the Trinitonian sooner. I would’ve loved to see how much I could’ve improved if I had started earlier, but I’m still very proud of where I’ve ended up. Through hot takes on sleep schedules, reviews for media dear to me and, of course, complaining about Trinity, I’ve been able to learn so much. Through this broad exploration of topics, one truth has emerged: writing has power.
Something I never realized when I began is just how versatile and powerful a tool writing can be. The freedom and depth of expression that are possible through writing are things that I think nobody is selling well enough. The things I’ve written for the paper go far beyond the print and the paycheck — I feel it’s altered the way I think about and analyze almost everything. The ability to untangle complex thoughts and put them on a page is something we all need more of, and I highly recommend this practice as a way of doing so. Creative writing, poetry, journaling, reviews — it’s so freeing to simply put the words on paper, and it strengthens your analytical mind. Now that I have experience in writing reviews, for example, I view the things I watch, play and discuss differently. The act of stringing together something in writing, in my experience, has helped my brain be much more organized. As your thoughts unscramble into text, you unscramble your understanding internally, too. That skill, however, is not something I would have developed on my own.
I am so grateful for the support I have had in writing for the paper. I owe the most thanks to the editors — the heroes of the Trinitonian who slave away day and night to ensure I don’t sound absolutely insane in print. Their tireless efforts have gone such a long way in teaching me — and all the other writers on staff — and the work they do could never be overstated.
Additionally, I want to thank all the people who have read my ramblings. To hear that the things I find interesting and am passionate about resonate with others is an otherworldly feeling, and I can’t help but feel proud when someone compliments my work. It’s rather odd at times, actually, considering this is a position I never saw myself in when I started at Trinity.
In a previous article, I discussed how important it is to go beyond your major and explore diverse experiences, and for me, the Trinitonian is a prime example of that. I am graduating with a bachelor’s degree in computer science this May, and experiences like this would’ve never been open to me if I had remained solely in that world. The lessons of that article came directly from me. Take advantage of the myriad of opportunities that are on offer. You never know when one of them will change your life. With that, I’d like to say one last thank you to the Trinitonian and its readers, and bid you all one last farewell!
*The image caption on this piece was updated on May 1 to accurately reflect the pictured Trinicat’s name.
