When I transferred to UB, it felt like a death sentence. Okay, that’s dramatic, but after years of saying that I’d never stay home for college, only to end up right back there after one semester, it felt a little like defeat.
But that decision was probably one of the best I’ve made. I admired The Spectrum as soon as I discovered it in the fall of my sophomore year, during my second semester at UB.
At the time, I was a business major hating life and looking for a way to somehow pour myself into my passions — reading and writing. Original, I know.
So I emailed the then Editor-In-Chief, Anthony DeCicco, and we set up a meeting to discuss my “writing sample,” which was a poorly written personal essay about my life until that point. If I still had it, I’d post it here. I’m sure it would be more entertaining than this.
After meeting some of the staff and learning about The Spectrum's expectations, printing schedule, and story requirements, I chickened out. I didn’t think I was at the level of writing necessary to partake, and I couldn’t add ENG 394 — The Spectrum’s writing workshop — to my schedule, already overloaded on credits because of transferring.
While I was technically “involved,” I never truly wrote an article until the fall of last year. My first story was written with former Senior News Editor Kayla Estrada about a giant snake found on Lisbon Street. That story got posted on the @buffsbarstool Instagram and received over 2k likes and 800 sends. I was not expecting that, and it was awesome.
By the end of the fall semester, I was in position to become the assistant news editor. Unfortunately and fortunately, I chose to spend my second semester abroad in Florence, learning and growing more than I ever knew possible.
I wasn’t officially an assistant editor until this fall, and even writing this as the “managing editor” feels surreal. I never expected to be here. I was always a big dreamer, but this was never really something I had my sights on. I didn’t have the experience or seniority, and I had been gone on and off. Surely there were more deserving people.
But an opportunity arose, and I decided to go for it. I am eternally grateful to Ricardo Castillo and Matt Parrino for trusting me with this. It has given me the defining moments of my undergraduate experience. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without The Spectrum.
I can tell a story forever, which is maybe why I’m here, but what I need to do now is thank everyone.
Izabella and Amy: Thank you both for making The Spectrum your home this past year and for embracing this exciting and challenging season with such grace.
Izabella, your rise from assistant sports editor to EIC was quick, but no one is more deserving. You’ve shown incredible dedication and leadership every step of the way.
And Amy, there aren’t many kick-a- - freshmen out there. We were beyond lucky to have you as a Copy Editor this year.
Thank you both for always showing up on production days and for being a steady, reliable presence. I wish you nothing but the best and know you’ll do amazing as the next EIC and ME.
Ricardo: It’s almost confusing for me to think back to the beginning of this semester, because we barely knew each other, and now we’re great friends. Thank you for trusting me enough to work alongside you when the future of The Spectrum was up in the air. I was probably the last person you expected, but I’m so glad it worked out. You’ve given me one of the greatest opportunities, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Thank you for being the peace in the newsroom and for teaching me how to take the high road (sometimes). I’m a better person because of it.
Sophia: We did it! And I couldn’t have done it without you. Whether it was juggling class and law school applications, editing stories together or going on walks after my five (FIVE) LSAT attempts, you were always there. You are one of the most compassionate, witty and just absolutely amazing people I know. I am so excited for us to be lawyers. Thank you for the best advice and for being a fellow English major. We gotta stick together.
Mylien: Thank you for teaching me how to be a reporter, not just a writer. The other day, Ricardo said that you are probably the best student news writer in the county, and everyone in the room just accepted it as fact. You are a boss. I’m happy The Spectrum has you for a little longer. You have amazing things in your future — whether it be as a scientist, a writer, or both.
Marina, Nadia, Haley: Thank you guys for stepping up to the plate and writing some fantastic stories. I appreciate your creativity so much. I’m excited for you all to continue to blossom at The Spectrum; your hard work never went unnoticed.
Ryan & Grant: Though I wish I was involved in The Spectrum more at the beginning, thank you guys for being great role models. For the semester I knew you both, your commitment to this paper was always something I admired. Ryan, thank you for your guidance on my first few stories. I can’t remember what they were about, but I remember learning so much in so little time. Grant, thank you for showing me what true dedication looks like. I hope Ricardo and I led this paper in ways you two would’ve.
Emma: Thank you for the best newsletter layouts every week. After editing stories til late Tuesday night, there was nothing more satisfying than seeing that the newsletter would be presented creatively, making the stories pop. I appreciate your work so much.
Matthew: Thank you for running the business side of things. I know it was a lot more effort behind the scenes than what we sometimes saw. I wish you nothing but the best.
Lilly: Thank you for bringing your incredible photography skills to The Spectrum. There’s no story without a photo, and you really saved us with some last-minute requests.
Matt: You are probably the coolest old person I know. Thank you for dealing with my rants and dramatics and still seeing my potential. Thank you for wanting this position for me and helping me transition into the role. I owe you so much.
Above all, thank you to our readers. Thank you for continuing to engage with The Spectrum — whether it be through the newsletter, Instagram, or our website. Without our audience, we are nothing.
This paper has shaped me in ways I’ll carry far beyond UB. It’s been the space where I’ve found my voice and my purpose. I’ll miss it more than I can say, but I leave knowing that The Spectrum is in good hands, and that the stories will keep coming.
In the words of Winnie the Pooh: I’m so lucky to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.
Bye for now,
Hannah
Hannah was the managing editor and can be reached at hannah.rashad@ubspectrum.com
Hannah Rashad is the managing editor of The Spectrum.
