When my past Resident Advisor-in-mate Ricardo Castillo (Editor-in-Chief of Spectrum 2024-25) asked me if I would be interested in joining the UB Spectrum team my sophomore year — my first statement was:
“The newspaper? Bruh what.”
I was a Marketing Assistant at Explore Buffalo, where I’m now currently the Marketing Coordinator (upgrade!), and Ricardo was looking for a new Social Media Manager for The Spectrum. I happened to be available and conveniently sitting right next to Ricardo while on Duty in Evans. Little did I know that saying “sure” would be one of the best decisions I have made while at UB.
Since that fateful day in the Hall Office, I have been with The Spectrum for two years now. Lore drop — I actually graduated December of 2025 but I love The Spectrum just so much I decided to stay for the love of the game (and a little bit of plot, to be honest). I’ve also gained a little bit of a reputation for sleeping on the couch in my office — as I found it as the perfect place for all-nighters before exams. Unfortunately, the team has caught me lacking a little bit too much with that as I would like to admit (I’m looking at you, Jacob).
On my first day in office, Ricardo gave me a tour around and showed me to the media office — which was all the way in the back by the stacks upon stacks of archives. It was definitely, uh, in need of a little bit of TLC for a lack of better words. Over the summer, I completely cleaned the office out, put some cute decorations and warm lighting and made it into my new home on campus. In fact — I would argue it's one of the best offices within The Spectrum’s little home in SU, and I think many would agree with me. The only thing not touched was the super ancient computer that everyone refuses to move since there’s been a sticky note on it for years that says “do not move” in bold letters — and I have an irrational fear of moving it so that ancient computer will probably stay there for years to come. But even with my new home, something was missing.
My team.
Believe it or not, there was no Social Media Team before I landed down at The Spectrum. I remember telling Ricardo:
“Yo let’s get a team together for socials because I honestly can’t do everything that’s buzzing in my head.”
And his response was:
“Bet.”
And with that, the Social Media Team for The Spectrum was born and I became the Director of Marketing & Communications. Throughout the semesters I’ve spent with assistants coming onto the team and out, I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the hard work I have seen the team accomplish and help The Spectrum dynamically change, especially when everything seems to be moving towards the digital world. I’ve learned how to be a better leader, and how challenging the dynamics of managing a team can be. You need to fail (a few times) before you finally get that click — and you have to look at those failures as something to build upon, not keep the future weighted down.
To Emma: You have been my day one girlie. From the amazing layouts and fun themes of the newsletter to just being there to observe my countless crashouts (thank you) you have always been reliable, helpful, and a huge asset to the team. Fun fact — Emma designed our merch for Fall 2025 and the pink color choice was absolutely fire. Plus, your fashion sense is always on point.
To Ella, Kaylah, Amirah and Beyonce: My little chicas - thank you so much for all the time you have spent making the socials team amazing this year. From countless videos to funny TikTok ideas, to just eating food together, every meeting and video filmed has been a blast. I am so, so proud of each and every one of you (you too Emma).
Alyssa & Lilly: We’ve grown so much closer over this year and I’m so happy we did. I’ll know where to catch you guys around.
Jacob: You have always been the best to talk to — every conversation is always so chaotic it makes me honestly forget anything that has happened that day, which is a compliment by the way. Never, ever lose the passion you have for The Spectrum. You’ve honestly inspired me to work harder to bring more content to The Spectrum from the love I see you have for this organization.
Mylien: We are both the “uncs” of The Spectrum at this point. I know you’ll do great as the Editor-in-Chief for next year.
Izabella & Amy: Thanks for dealing with me.
Wasif: Thank you for paying me (finally).
Thank you again to everyone in The Spectrum — and even those who have liked, commented (negative or positive!) or shared our posts — as this has been quite the journey. I’d like to think I’ve made some impact here — such as finally changing our Instagram password after I don’t even know how many years. I’ve been able to experience and share so many stories, lives, and moments that make the 12:00 a.m. “uh Sabrina I forgot to ask for a graphic for my story” — all worth it.
If there’s one piece of advice I’d give: it would be to be kind. It’s a lot harder to be good than bad — even when wronged — and that’s not a weakness. It shows character.
I’ll miss this place. Thank you, UB Spectrum.
Sabrina Wroblewski was the director of marketing & communications and can be reached at sabrina.wroblewski@ubspectrum.com
