College has never been my thing, I remember being a freshman about a month in and calling my mom to tell her college isn’t for me and that I wanted to drop out.
I had changed my major three times before I found the Spectrum. I was signing up for night classes and online classes because I was nannying during the day. I sat in the back of the class and listened to Matt talk about everything we were going to have to do that semester. I remember freaking out because I thought I was going to have to learn how to write an article over night. I didn’t feel relief until he said something about multimedia. At the time I had no idea what that meant, but to my surprise it was everything I was looking for.
Right before I joined ENG 394, I had picked up a camera for the first time and had absolutely fallen in love with it. I didn’t know what this meant for me or for my career in the future but finding something you love to do doesn’t come around often.
During the first day of classes, I went up to Matt and told him I was a nanny and didn’t have much free time during the day. I made sure it was okay with him that I would give him what time I didn’t have to offer. I found out very quickly that the Spectrum was going to be the perfect fit for me. Matt told me on day one that the senior multimedia editor was graduating at the end of the semester and that he would need a replacement. This was very overwhelming on day one, but I remember going home and telling my roommate all about how excited I was to be a part of something I loved at UB.
I never felt like I fit in at UB, or that anyone really understood having a job and other things outside of school. The Spectrum was one of the first times I’ve felt seen and welcome.
Being a Senior Multimedia Editor for three semesters was one of the best learning experiences I could’ve asked for and I’m so grateful for the connections I’ve made along the way.
Izabella and Amy: Thank you for making the Spectrum what it is. There wouldn’t be so much laughter and fun in the office during meetings if it wasn’t for the positivity you both brought throughout the semester.
Izabella, I wish you the best of luck with law school in the future and I have no doubt that you will continue kicking ass as the EIC.
Amy, for being so young, I see amazing things in your future. You have accomplished so much in such a short time with The Spectrum. Thank you for always giving me a good laugh every time we were together.
Alyssa: Thank you for not only becoming a very good friend of mine but for also hyping up everything I did this semester. There wasn’t a time you didn’t help me with anything I asked of you. You were the best assistant anyone could’ve asked for. You are going to kill it as the new Senior Multimedia Editor.
Sabrina: Thank you for going to the office with me to get work done and hanging out. You were there when I needed anything, and not just for graphics. When anyone needs you, you are there and never fail to deliver anything anyone needs from a podcast, to graphics and social media posts. You are superwoman, don’t forget that.
Jacob: Thank you for always saying what everyone is thinking. You’re the best. Keep up the great work.
Mylien: You have been an insane news reporter since I joined the Spectrum and your stories never fall short. I’m so excited to see where you take things in life.
To all the other writers on the Spectrum, thank you for putting up with me and for waiting 10-15 minutes for me to find some archived picture that will work for your story or for trying to find someone to get to the event you were writing about. It hasn’t always been easy, but I think we have all done a great job keeping the Spectrum running. I’m so grateful for everything the spectrum has taught me and for everyone I’ve met along the way. My experience at UB wouldn’t have been the same without each and every one of you. Thank you.
I’m sure I’ll see everyone at Slick Willie’s eventually.
Lilly Ensminger was the senior multimedia editor and can be reached at lillian.engsminger@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
