By: Jaida Dent
As a writer, it isn’t an often (or welcomed) occurrence when you can’t find the words to say, but for one of the first times in my life, I can say that I am at a loss for words. To say the phrase, “My time at the Vanguard is over,” is a tough pill to swallow. To imagine a reality where I don’t get to send announcements in our WhatsApp group, see everyone at our weekly meetings, and get to learn more about each of you in your pieces, is a reality I can’t even believe I will be stepping into.
The Vanguard has given me so much: joy, love, community, and purpose. I’ve always had my eyes set on joining a campus club when I first started college; it was a toss-up between The Vanguard and WBCR, but my confidence (and maybe the fact that I was juggling a new job and an immense workload) held me back. I remember attending a meeting on a whim, in support of my fellow JAMS sister and graduating senior, T’Neil Gooden. Though I didn’t understand the process of what I now know as the “budget overview,” I still felt welcomed, safe, and SEEN. It was okay for me to share my ideas and even help someone cultivate their own. This was the beginning of my purpose.
I wrote a few pieces as a staff writer before being offered the position of Arts Editor at the end of the Spring 2024 semester. I remember being home on the phone with my best friend when I got the message. You could’ve told me that I won the lottery because this felt like a jackpot to me. For the next year, I produced some of my proudest work and grew as a writer. I found my voice in the arts section. I brought creativity to the paper and pushed my boundaries as a young journalist. I was the face of the section, but more importantly, I was a guide for other writers wanting to take a stab at the arts. I had scratched the surface of my purpose.
Now, the journey of the Managing Editor was definitely not an easy one. Lord (and my mama) knows I’ve been through ups and downs, felt pushed around left and right, and at times been at my lowest points. At times, I didn’t know if I was actually meant for this job. I didn’t know if my peers saw me as someone worthy of this title. I didn’t know if I had the strength to endure the late, late, LATE nights of editing every week. But the reward of being a leader overshadowed the hardships I faced. I felt so much joy seeing how proud each of you was when your pieces were published, and I was honored to be a part of that process. I felt joy in learning each of your unique writing styles and figuring out how to give you the best support possible for your pieces. I felt joy in knowing that each of you trusted me to guide you through each issue.
But I felt the most joy when I finally reached my purpose. To be a friend, a confidant, and a motivator. To be a journalist with unbridled enthusiasm for this industry. To be a catalyst for growth in student journalism. I found myself as a person in my four years at Brooklyn College, and I have every single one of you to thank for that.
No journey in life is taken alone, and I have so many people to thank for being a part of my story.
To Kate Dempsey, Paulina Gajewski, and Serin Sarsour: Thank you for creating the foundation for The Vanguard that I’ve been able to be a part of, and thank you for allowing me to continue this legacy. I’m honored to have been a part of the Managing Editor club.
To the incredible staff writers and cartoonists I’ve worked with, Reagan, Renae, Sammy, Mia, Anastasia, Ameena, and Josiah: Thank you for your energy and your commitment to this paper. Thank you for bringing all of your individual expertise to each of your pieces. Each of you has made me a better writer and leader, and I hope I’ve helped you in some way. Thank you for letting me be a part of your college life.
To Manny, Luis, and Alfonso: Thank you for being my literal bros. I love the bond that we have and our shared love of wrestling, and I couldn’t ask for any other crew to sit through Sports Reporting with. You’ll always have me as a friend and creative ally, and I hope we can make more memories together in our new lives.
To Emily: Thank you for your dedication to journalism. Your work radiates your love and tenacity for this job and paper. It was beautiful to see you find yourself as News Editor and be willing to take on hard-hitting topics. I’m excited to see what new stories and voices you will highlight.
To T’Neil: Not only do we share a major, but we share the experience that is being a Macaulay student, and I’m so happy that we connected. Your pieces have always brought me such joy to read and edit, and I’m glad that we have been able to start and end our journey in The Vanguard together. I’m so excited to see you bring your talents to the world of publishing, and I hope you continue to bring your positivity and whimsy to your future projects.
To Yassir: My other fellow Macaulay student. Thank you for being a rock to me and allowing me to vent about all the hardships we encounter as students. I’ll always cherish our laughs and the free time we’ve spent inside the office or at WBCR. Your energy is so contagious, and I always feel put in a better mood when you come around. I know our paths will cross again (hopefully not when I need medical attention), and when we do, we will both be better at bowling without the bumpers.
To Key and Mars: My content creator duo, thank you for bringing whimsy and fun to The Vanguard! Mars, I love how you’ve been able to take on this role and bring so many social media ideas to the table. Your writing has also been so amazing to read, and I can feel how strongly you feel about each topic you’ve spoken about. Key, I always love being able to talk to you every week about the most insane and random topics. I love how you always help other people with their pitches and are able to bring new ideas to our meetings. I will miss reading your recipes, and I hope you release some type of cookbook to keep sharing them with the world.
To Margot: I feel so much pride and joy seeing you continue the work of Arts Editor and how you’ve absolutely taken charge of the section. You bring such radiant energy to the section, and I’m truly honored to have guided you through your first semester as Arts Editor. From the moment you joined The Vanguard, I knew you were special and full of potential, and I think you’ve only begun to scratch the surface of who you are. Keep pushing yourself and being open to exploring your art. I know you have so many great things headed your way.
To Jocelyn: I’m so proud to see you bring your artistry and creativity to every single issue and graphic you have worked on. No matter the challenge we’ve thrown at you, you’ve been able to do it and exceed our expectations. I love how you’ve found your voice and been able to express your own interests, and I hope you have felt safe to be your complete self within the office. Keep being your authentic self and keep your sparkle!
To Serena: I’m just thankful to have met you. I feel like our friendship has been so valuable to me as a person and a writer. You’ve made me feel seen and valued, and I’ve learned so much from you that I have helped me be a better person. You are such a shining light, and never let anyone try to dim you or silence you. Your voice and your passion are your most powerful tools; continue to use and cultivate them. You will always have me as a confidant and a friend to figure out this crazy life with, and I hope you’ll allow me to remain a part of your journey. I’ll forever be your biggest champion and ITTSO’s number one fan.
To Rami: This is the hardest part to write because I literally don’t know how to tell you that you changed my life. We already had a great relationship, and to know that you wanted me by your side in leading this paper, I feel forever indebted to you. You are one of the purest souls I’ve ever met. I love how you love the people around, you make them feel seen and understood. I had the best experience doing this job, and a majority of it is because of you. You are such a force to be reckoned with, and truly, no one can play with your pen. Never change, Rami Mansi, and keep cranking it like the fierce diva I know you are.
It’s bittersweet to say goodbye, but I’ll never be far away. Each of you will always be in my heart, and I hope you’ll keep me in yours. Keep student journalism alive and never be afraid to use your voice.
XOXO,
Jaida Dent