Editors Note: A Word from Our Staff

I remember graduating from elementary school, the pompous day of activities, pictures, and celebration seemed to be the biggest milestone. Funny how perspective changes. I always looked up to my mother; her tireless work ethic, long days, and stressful decisions made her a superhero in my eyes. She is still one of my positive inspirations and an example of how to be a great person.

That being said, I often failed to remark on how impactful the influence of my father was on my upbringing and morals. From a reporter to a teacher, he still strives to enlighten the next generation on the importance of uncovering the truth, free speech, and journalism as a whole. As I have gotten older, I see more and more similarities between us.

Growing up, my father told stories of Snowden, Woodward & Bernstein, and other figures who had fought for the truth. It was clear to me that there needs to be accountability from leadership. Without scrutiny from everyday people and the press, the truth slowly fades into darkness. This is only becoming more important by the day as the press gets more and more strangled. The tightening fist of the current administration and the massive loss of local media sources to corporate ownership (or outlets simply going out of business) have created a situation where echo chambers exist. Propaganda only works when the media is being controlled, and criticism is void.

Graduation from CU Boulder last spring pushed my friends and I further from the comforts of education. Corporate positions, or jumping back into a master’s degree, felt like the path to traditional success. Instead, I wanted to help the community that had treated me so well at CU and learn how to make the world a better place. I found that yellow brick road at Yellow Scene.

Starting in an unpaid role allowed me to gain experience while helping free up space for a future role. I got to see what it took to produce a successful publication, how the office operated, and where I could most devote my time to help. The fast-paced experience, implementation of professional habits, and close-knit team have allowed me to gain infinitely more experience than a typical entry-level role.

I quickly learned that my yellow brick road would not end in disappointment, but in the emergence of a better self. From grant writing, fundraising, database/spreadsheet management, helping with ad proofs, social media posts, and a host of other duties, I found my place. My best tip for those entering the job market is to find where you want to dedicate your time and make that place happen. There is a light at the end of the tunnel for all of us; you just have to ignore the shadows and listen to your head, heart, and gut at the same time.

I’ve also learned there is one thing that we can all do a little bit better, it’s a trick I learned from one of the Nordic countries. If you are in an argument or disagreement, repeat back to the person what they said to you before responding. It seems small, but I believe our whole country would be much better off if we could find a way to understand each other. The belief that we can all work towards something better is the most powerful force in the world.

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