LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

When I first started out at Santa Monica College (SMC), I felt a bit out of place. Santa Monica was a city I wasn’t too familiar with, but SMC was a school I had heard great things about so I decided to give it a try.

My first several semesters at SMC were characterized by a looming sense of imposter syndrome. I didn’t join any clubs, and kept to myself because I was shy during and after my classes. Last fall, I decided to enroll in a class for the school newspaper, the Corsair. At first, I remained a pretty reserved person. Even though I was the sports editor, I didn’t talk to people unless I really had to, and would only be in the newsroom for the tasks I absolutely needed to be there for. At the time, I didn’t think about engaging with others beyond sports writing and editing.

This semester, I’ve had the opportunity and privilege of being Editor-in-Chief, which has allowed me to become an entirely different person. I’ve been able to develop my leadership and social skills in ways I didn’t think I could. I’ve definitely been a friendlier person, and am friends with others who were in the newsroom last semester that I previously didn’t talk to. These skills have given me a new sense of confidence and maturity that I know I lacked before.

In addition, I have also covered stories on a variety of topics aside from my comfort area of sports. I met dozens of people for interviews, heard countless people discuss issues they’re passionate about and share their experiences and stories. I was even able to see the Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris, and the Mayor of Los Angeles Karen Bass, in person at the Women’s March last month. I let myself become a part of the community in the newsroom at the Corsair, and it’s been amazing so far.

At SMC, I feel that everyone is looking for a sense of belonging and a community to call their own. The club row last week epitomized that, and I was able to witness just how diverse SMC can really be. Clubs about shared hobbies like the Geek and Film clubs. Clubs like the Gender Sexuality Alliance, which provides a safe space for students in need of one. Religious clubs like the Muslim Student Association, Chabad at SMC, and Bible Study, which allow students to share their faith with one another.

These clubs allow students to resonate with those parts of themselves that they may not be able to outside of the club. I’m about to graduate in a month, but I wish I had taken advantage of joining clubs sooner so I could have met more people and not have that looming sense of imposter syndrome I did for so long.