By Tony Lipka
Believe it or not, this will be my first and last time writing for the Vanguard. Working as Photo Editor, with the privilege of getting my designs printed and distributed around campus weekly, was not something I came into Brooklyn College expecting. But, four semesters later, I couldn’t imagine my college experience without being a part of the Vanguard.
I’m from rural Vermont, and as a commuter school, Brooklyn College is notorious for being unsociable. For my first two years here, that’s how I was. Eventually, I found friends who didn’t go to school with me, but this didn’t change the fact that I still felt alone on campus.
It took some time, but joining the Vanguard boosted my confidence and made me more outgoing in and out of class. Seeing our issues distributed around campus and knowing the hard work the team put into them made me feel a part of the school’s culture, and this feeling has only increased since I began. This is why graduating feels so bittersweet. After taking years to integrate myself into such a great community, it’s time to pass on the torch.
I still remember how long it would take me, along with Serin Sarsour and Kate Dempsey, to get the cover right the first few semesters. There would be mixed opinions, and it took some time for me to get used to accepting criticism in that way, especially when it comes to creative work. But if it weren’t for those edits, comments, and honest criticisms, I would have never improved. These four semesters have served as an invaluable lesson in creative collaboration. Truly, it has felt like a boot camp, where every week I am yet again faced with a new set of challenges.
The Vanguard is one of the most welcoming communities I have ever been involved with. When I started to come to meetings regularly, I came to realize that while we operate a serious print publication with journalistic integrity, it wouldn’t operate the way it does without the community behind it, without the snacks, off-topic conversations, and room-filling laughter.
This semester, anyone I met in class, whether they were a writer, painter, photographer, or just someone who wanted to try something new, I’ve pointed them in the direction of Roosevelt Hall. I knew that once they found themselves at one of our meetings, it would be hard for them to stop coming back.
I want to thank Kate Dempsey and Serin Sarsour, the most welcoming and competent team I could have ever been brought on by. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be writing this. Paulina and Rami have carried on that legacy and have continued to grow the Vanguard not only as a publication, but again, as a community. It has been awesome watching and growing alongside other members of the team.
Shout-out Luis, for having such a great sense of humor and bringing great energy to our weekly meetings. The same praise goes for Amira, Jaida, Manny, Eden, T’Neil, Serena, and the rest of the team. They create an atmosphere and a spirit that I believe has cemented itself in the bedrock below Roosevelt Hall.
And while recent events on campus will leave a long-lasting, sour taste in my mouth, seeing the Vanguard’s work in response gives me hope for a brighter future. Goodbye to BC, and to the rest of the team, see you soon.
Sincerely,
Tony Lipka