From Our Editors

ILLUSTRATIONS BY STEPHANIE HOLT

Our graduating staff editors answered: What was something you were scared to do, but did it anyway?

PR & Promotions

Whether it’s a leap of faith or a baby step, take it. Trade comfort for growth and you’ll be surprised where it takes you, regardless of the outcome. Finishing my bachelor's degree has always been a goal of mine, but the inner thoughts kept coming through. Once I finally committed and began my journey, doors of opportunity opened up left and right. All of those doors would still be closed if I didn’t take that first step. So, take it. K O D I E R E D O N G O Trade comfort for growth!

Assistant Online Editor

It’s OK to try new things, even during the last semester of your senior year of college. I know we would all like to have everything together and be absolutely certain of life after college, but that’s not always the case for a lot of us, and that’s perfectly okay. If you want to explore different fields, then do it.

I did and I’m grateful for doing so. As everyone says, it’s never too late. N A H I D P O N C I A N O Try new things!

Editor-in-Chief

Change is so scary for me. It’s hard for me to go with the flow, to just do things, to just make friends. College was all of that. I end my college journey filled with happy memories that I put myself out there to be EIC (among other things) and lived my life. Stay uncomfortable, achieve impossibles and let life surprise you, dear reader. D E L A N E Y T R A N Let life surprise you!

Listen to your heart!

Multimedia Editor

During my freshman year, I realized that I didn’t enjoy the major I initially picked, and I was scared of changing it. Although my previous major had financial incentives, I knew I had to put my happiness first and changed my major to journalism to pursue photojournalism. If you ever find yourself in my position, listen to your heart and do what you think is best! R E I N A S U I O

PR & Promotions

When I first came to CSULB, I was scared I would dread every second of university life. The coursework, the professors, and everything in between. Over time, I created some of the strongest relationships with some of the most beautiful people I have ever met and my heart has never felt so accepted.

Word of advice: You WILL find your happiness. J E W E L D A Y O A N You’ll find your happiness!

Senior Editor

Auditioning for college immediately before undergoing back surgery was a huge fear of mine. Not only was rejection almost inevitable, but knowing I would have to tell professors about my surgery after getting accepted was something I dreaded. I ended up getting into all of my top schools, and I would have deeply regretted not going for it. A N I K A L J U N G

Study abroad!

Online Editor

I think my biggest personal accomplishment was studying abroad. My parents were hesitant, but I worked hard, saved for it myself and received a scholarship. It was my first time being alone in a different country, but it was the best experience of my life! Please study abroad if you can! A N N I K A B R A N D E S

Assistant Multimedia Editor Don’t be afraid to do what you’re passionate about! I’ve always enjoyed writing and multimedia journalism but feared not making enough money or living a stable life. My first year of college I was working toward a law career but changed my mind a year later. I’m proud to say I’m a journalism major and excited for where this career will take me. Weigh your options. S T E P H A N I E C O R N E J O Follow your passion! Just go for it!

Senior Editor

I was able to get over my fear of rejection when it came to applying for internships and jobs. The best advice I heard during the past four years was to just go for it, because you never know what doors will open for you. Sometimes you need that push to get out of your comfort zone. C H E L S E A Q U E Z A D A

J A D E L E W

Be yourself!

Features Editor

Don’t be afraid to be yourself. I was scared to be myself for a long time because I was afraid of what other people would think of me. Finally, I decided to not care about what others thought and just take my first step, and that was to dye my hair. Now, my hair is one of the things that defines me. Just be you, now—you’ll thank yourself later for it.

Art Director

Turns out, things are much less scary once you take the first step. From starting college, to new jobs or relationships, to going abroad,

I now look back on the those decisions as huge catalysts for growth. T R A C Y K E L L E R Take the first step!

Live life with your heart and soul. Never let it stop you from your vision of success. Have no fears, no impossibilities, NO REGRETS.

Front, spread & back photos by Reina Suio Assisted by Delaney Tran