By: Key Jones-Ford
Three years ago, I made the decision to finally finish my degree in the midst of several life-altering events. It took everything in me not to rip my hair out semester after semester. However, I can say The Vanguard was rarely a reason I wanted my hair to be ripped out.
I wanted to write and create, even when I was in high school. I find joy and desire in writing and capturing the stories around me. I’m not the most social or tech-savvy, and neither have I had many chances to show off who I could be. So when I was offered the position as content creator by previous Vanguard Editor-in-Chief Kate Dempsey, I jumped at the opportunity, and what an opportunity it’s been.
I’ve been to see Rico Nasty, Pokemon GoFest, and was bold enough to apply for press badges to Comic Con because of this position. I’ve taken my skills from here and transferred them to my secondary projects and hobbies, and in doing so, I’ve found that I want to continue it.
While I’m still waiting for my big break, there’s much about BC I won’t look back fondly on, but I have a short list of appreciation and the people I will miss.
Mars, my fellow content creator: I’m so thankful I got to do this alongside you. It was a joy to bounce ideas off of you and capture the joy and radiance of the team. While I’m sad to go, I know you’ll be just fine, and I leave you in more than capable hands.
To Jocelyn: Where would we be without layout? Your graphics add life and color to everything we publish, and the covers are always top-notch. I’ll miss our bonds over fandom and TADC, and our
To Luis: The content team would not have been what it was without your video skills and direction. You were a silent assistant through it all, and while I can’t do a lot, I can publicly shout you out and thank you. I hope one day we get to work together again.
To Jaida: my fellow senior and Drag Race affectionado. I remember how much you lit up the rooms you were in and how happy you made everyone around you. And though we’re going our separate ways, I’ll never forget admiring that sunniness. Don’t lose it; we need more of you in the world.
To Serena: I’ve loved seeing you grow into each position you took, and I was glad that I got to be a content creator with you. You’re more than fitting for the role of Managing Editor.
To Rami: I’m going to miss your pop culture opinions and your music recommendations. You’ve been a delight to be around, and I still remember writing my very first piece with you. I have it archived in my room for the memories.
Admittedly, there’s not a lot I’m going to miss about school itself; graduating will be a well-appreciated break until I go back for my Master’s and eventually, PhD. But there are smaller things that I will miss that I took for granted.
I’ll miss going to Jupioca before and after every class; a mango green tea with mango popping boba was my usual order almost every day for three years.
I’ll miss the excuse to just “browse” the beauty supply shops on Nostrand Avenue on my way home from class.
I’ll miss the convenience of having access to a gym and dance studio for free.
And of course, I’ll miss Thursday’s meetings and faces. The Vanguard will always have a special place in my heart. It’s been an honor and a joy to serve as the first of many content creators. There’s so much I got to do, and there’s so much that could be done; I look forward to seeing it years down the line.
Finally, I’ll leave you all with a secret. Almost every recipe made for the paper was one that a family member gave me or one I developed and tested myself. Food is as important to life as it is to community and sharing with each other. To the writers who come after me, remember that. You never know who’s going to want to try a new recipe, so make sure it’s something you know comes from the heart.
~ XOXO, Key Jones-Ford