The Spectrum Vol.69 No.39

THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO, SINCE 1950

VOL. 69 NO. 39 | MAY 10, 2020

UBSPECTRUM

Commencement 2020 PROFESSIONAL STAFF

BRENTON BLANCHET

JACKLYN WALTERS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MANAGING EDITOR

NICHOLAS MEURER GRAPHIC DESIGN MANAGER

NATHAN STUTZ ADVERTISING MANAGER

HELENE POLLEY

LAURYN KING

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

ASST. MANAGING EDITOR

ARTS

ANASTASIA WILDS

ALEX WHETHAM

ASST. EDITOR

SR. EDITOR

JUSTIN WOODMANCY

ISABELLA FORTUNATO

ASST. EDITOR

ASST. EDITOR

NEWS

MULTIMEDIA

ALEXANDER BROWN ASST. EDITOR

ASST. EDITOR

REILLY MULLEN

ALEXANDRA MOYEN

EDITOR

SR. EDITOR

SR. EDITOR

VINDHYA BURUGUPALLI

ALEXIS HENG

SR. EDITOR

ASST. EDITOR

SPORTS

ANTHONY DECICCO

WAYNE PENALES

WEB EDITORS

SAVANNA CALDWELL

CASSIANA ENDERLE

CHIEF

CHIEF

JUSTIN WEISS SR. EDITOR

SAMANTHA VARGAS

PAOLO BLANCHI

OPINION EDITOR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

ENGAGEMENT JULIAN ROBERTS-GRMELA

ELIZABETH NAPOLITANO

SR. EDITOR

ASST. EDITOR

Dear Readers, Each year, we print our annual Commencement Issue as the final physical newspaper of the semester. While it usually contains stories on graduation and the ending of the academic year, for many of our editors, it’s something more: an opportunity to

ALEX LENNEBERG ASST. EDITOR

BENJAMIN BLANCHET

NICOLE WADDINGTON

SR. EDITOR

ASST. EDITOR

say goodbye to The Spectrum. Given the circumstances, we are presenting our 2020 Commencement Issue in a digital format, with the sole purpose of commemorating the graduating or departing editors who have made our publication what it is

today and, who we hope, to support student newswill continue to impact rooms during these trying the world outside of times, give this a read.

UB and our newsroom.

Again, for news on how Thank you, the pandemic is impacting Brenton Blanchet the university community, 2019-20 Editor-in-Chief follow us on socials and peep the website. For a good cry and motivation

2 | Sunday, May 10 2020

COMMENCEMENT

ubspectrum.com

Thank you and farewell My grandfather taught me patience, The Spectrum taught me how to use it

BRENTON J. BLANCHET EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Before I began my pursuit of journalism … actually, scratch that. During my firstever interview in February 2012, a source gave me the greatest advice I could ever use.

“Life is about dealing with all situations in moderation,” he said. “Whether you’re a celebrity, a teacher or just a guy with a shovel in his hand, digging a ditch.”

That source was my grandfather, William Cassidy. Our interview –– which lasted several hours longer than I could’ve projected –– was part of my eighth-grade physical education project to interview someone with a career in athletics and ultimately write a report on their life.

In my many late-night dinner conversations with my grandfather since that interview, I realized he wasn’t necessarily a “professional” athlete –– just an avid golfer, a former master caddy and the king of his telephone company in the ‘80s. But every person he knew tells a different story about him. And he’d tell you a different story during every meal.

I never expected his encouragement when I was elected editor-in-chief a year ago, when we talked on the phone as I was standing outside of the Student Union, to mean so much to me 11 months after he passed. And I never expected his advice about handling things in moderation to carry through to my first role as a leader this year, but it did.

As I say goodbye to The Spectrum today, and to the last four years of becoming the writer I always dreamed of becoming, I also say goodbye to the position my grand-

father knew me to excel in. I’m hopeful he’d be proud of what I’ve accomplished in these four years and what we, as a staff, made happen this year.

And in all fairness, everything I learned at The Spectrum is only a result of my friends and mentors who stood by me.

To Ben: Those who enter Student Union 132 for years to come will remember everything you’ve done for this paper, from making us an untouchable force on social media for the first time ever –– something which you did against all odds –– to writing stories that will go down in history as the most important features The Spectrum has ever pursued. You are the sole reason I even gave this a try at the start, and you’ll be the reason hundreds of future Bens and Brentons take notice.

Tanveen, if it wasn’t for you, I honestly don’t think I could’ve gotten through the last two years of this, or have had the courage to be doing the things I love everyday on the side. I knew you had a spark when you started pitching me ideas about German rappers the moment we met, despite me not even being your immediate editor.

And that thought was solidified for me the second I had to fact-check your 1,000word column about international trade, which I still hate you for. You’re the best features writer I know –– yes, that includes myself –– and you’ll always be my favorite news editor. I, too, am glad to be graduating college with a best pal forever.

Jacklyn, there was never a doubt in my mind when I chose you to be my managing editor last year. I’m glad to have met somebody so willing to tell people how things are going to be, although I admittedly jumped a little bit every time you yelled at our staff to pay attention in class.

Thanks for being someone I could confide in and standing behind our vision for this paper through it all. We did it, dude.

Sam, I’m so grateful we’ve grown as close as we have this year. From the cancelled tattoo appointments to your passion-project columns about your everdelightful cat Simon, you’re never afraid to be who you are in print and in person.

We’ll be friends for quite a long time, but still, this is a sentimental-ass column, so I have to say something like “don’t ever lose that.”

Jody, I can’t thank you enough for your

years of lessons and insight. The first day I walked into that Spectrum classroom, I was admittedly petrified of you. But your tough love was exactly what I needed to grow into who I am today. I hope that the things I’ve left the paper with are even somewhat comparable to everything you’ve given me since I was 18. I’m blessed to have called you a teacher and I’m glad I can call you a friend.

Helene, you’re my office mom. Fiscal transitions nearly ruined our lives a year ago. But through it all, we’ve managed to talk trash about anyone who was getting on our nerves and you’ve walked me through how to call an insurance company for the first time as an adult. Thank you.

I’ll be sure to call periodically with more comedy routines.

To our 2019-20 editorial staff: You have been the hardest-working and most compassionate staff I’ve ever been a part of in my four years at the paper. Not only have we triumphed during a pandemic, but the memes have been otherworldly. And it’s an honor to know we did this together.

Paul and Lauryn, I literally did not deserve you at all this year. Lauryn, you saved our asses so many times over and Paul, you’ve absolutely shined as a freshman.

Cassi and Savanna, your humor made us all feel welcome during late nights and your tolerance for my Trillers did not go unnoticed. I hope this year was everything you wanted it to be.

Alexandra and Reilly, I’m so grateful to be passing this paper down to two passionate reporters. Alex, never lose your love for uplifting others’ voices. It’s what makes you special. Reilly, I’ve never met someone so willing to take on literally any story ever. Keep that trait. Pass it on.

There’s a whole future staff ready to learn from you both.

And to the rest of my lovely news desk, Julian and Liz: You will make excellent reporters wherever you go. Nicole, I have no doubt that you have what it takes to help make students care. To my multimedia friends –– Vindhya, Wayne, Alex and Alexis: We started last summer with a bare desk and it has been a pleasure watching the four of you make it flourish. Wayne, your strength this year has been incredibly admirable. Vindhya, keep trying new things and changing how we approach

multimedia.

To my sports desk: It was a weird start to the year without a sports editor (a blessing in disguise), but I still think that decision brought us some of our best yet. Justin, you are the most capable sports reporter I’ve ever met. I have a feeling I’ll start seeing your byline everywhere I turn. Anthony and Alex, you have so many years ahead of you to make this sports section special and you’re already doing it. Myah, I wish we had more time with you, but I have no doubt you have the skills to do something special.

To my lovely arts folks –– Alex, Isabella, Justin and Anya. Alex, I still remember when you walked in my office and told me how much you wanted to be an editor. And I’m so glad you’ve led this crew, because I honestly think your knowledge of music might make you my editor some day, too.

The rest of you guys brought something super special to a desk that built me, and I hope you can continue to do that wherever you go.

To the former editors who always encouraged me from the start –– Brian, Maddy, Tom, Max and others: I hope I made you proud reading as alumni this year.

And to my loving family on the outside: Mom, Dad, Nanny, Liam, Carron, Cara, Juliana: I’m only writing this because of the support you’ve shown me throughout the last few years. You’ve read all my articles, encouraged me to be my best self and have held your tongues every time you heard me rant about rising pop stars. I won’t forget it.

Finally, to our readers: I hope this year inspired you to join our staff, read The Spectrum just a bit more or engage with the community. My whole motive for becoming an editor was to make you feel heard, and I hope I did that in some way.

This paper gave me my best friends, strengthened my bond with my brother and led me to my first clips as a music journalist.

Wherever I land after this, I always want to be a leader. But not just a leader; one that handles situations in moderation. I want to always be a leader that cares.

Brenton Blanchet was the editor-in-chief and can now be reached at brentonblanchet@gmail.com and on Twitter @brentonblanchet.

And now, the end is near BENJAMIN BLANCHET ENGAGEMENT EDITOR

Eighteen-year-old eyes. A future in business.

It was all the luggage I needed for Grandpa’s 2005 Kia. And close to 300 miles later, some of the first mist I got on that luggage came from exiting that old car, too.

Thanks to my 80-plus-year-old grandpa’s will to tow an eager freshman out to Western New York, he gifted those eyes with a sight of one of the world’s natural wonders: Niagara Falls.

Easily the furthest trip we’d been on, we were miles away from Bella Napoli in Latham, Alex’s Barber Shop in Albany and River Road in Bethlehem.

We weren’t signing a loan at CAP COM or doing our morning cryptoquip contests in the pages of the Times Union.

Instead, he was helping me transition to a world outside my own.

He was equipping me for a life where increasing knowledge every day of my life would be my North Star: my time at the University at Buffalo.

That celestial body, however, didn’t go without its changes.

My future in business eventually turned into this, where my hours flipping through the Times Union pale in comparison to the all-nighters at The Spectrum’s office, learning about James O. Putnam or cooking up FOIL requests to get card swipe records from the state’s largest public institution.

Not even I could see the shine on this star.

It took the guidance of a friend, Kenneth Kashif-Thomas, who suggested my myriad of opinions was worthy of instilling in print. It also took advisors like Jody Biehl and Luke Hammill to propel my work to new levels.

Now, as I depart my course, I’m charging into a career in community reporting and tasked with covering nearby municipalities.

And it feels like I’m doing the integral work at The Spectrum all over again, as this independent student newspaper and its small little basement office has built me from the ground up.

That foundation was formed by veteranned UB reporters like Max Kalnitz, Thomas Zafonte, Brian Evans and Tanveen Vohra, who had been rocks and believed in my work, challenging me to move my reporting further.

Active staff like my beloved brother Brenton, Jacklyn Walters, Sam Vargas, Lauryn King and more have championed our paper, and I’m oh so proud of the efforts they’ve taken to continue it over the past few years.

So now, as prospective greats like Alexandra Moyen, Reilly Mullen, Justin Weiss and Alexander Brown take the reins, I won’t be the old man ripping apart pieces anymore. I sure as heck won’t be trying to film a TikTok, either.

I won’t be spotting ripped off bookstore roofs anymore.

And I won’t be combing through the University Archives in search of every single name ever put on a building or place (phew).

So if I’m facing the final curtain, I’m proud of the four years of acts I’ve performed.

And unfortunately, there’ll be no encore.

There will just be the memories sandwiched somewhere between the smell of dozens of paper issues stacked up in my closet and the weird sugary taste of hun-

dreds of double-doubles downed during late-night Google Docs sessions.

They’ll also be the mist hitting my eyes unlike it did six years ago with Grandpa.

Rather, it’ll be like the mist which hit my eyes last week in the middle of a job furlough after doing weeks of critical community work on a pandemic.

Yeah, things have changed.

The cold keys to the Kia are now in my pocket.

The spot where Grandpa and I took pictures near the edge of American Falls finally opened again.

But Grandpa isn’t here anymore, even if it feels like he brought me here today.

And the rolling mist hitting my eyes isn’t just from the falls, it’s from a flow of tears, too.

It’s an emotional stream that’s signaling one thing: the end is near.

But it’s also a green flag on a new beginning.

A new beginning for 24-year-old eyes.

And a new beginning, that for a future in journalism.

It’s all the luggage I’ll ever need along with Grandpa’s 2005 Kia. Benjamin Blanchet is grateful for his time at the University at Buffalo and can be reached offcampus this summer and beyond.

Twitter: @BenCBlanchet

COMMENCEMENT

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Sunday, May 10 2020 | 3

I’m no good at goodbyes (or headlines) Like a senior quote, but worse!

LAURYN KING ASST. MANAGING EDITOR

This isn’t my goodbye to UB, but it is a goodbye to The Spectrum and the dominant experience of my college years. More importantly, this isn’t a goodbye to my friends, but it is a thank you.

When I walked into the office freshman year, terrified of an editing quiz and all of the seemingly-always-have-their-livestogether people, I never knew it would become such a big part of my life. I didn’t know it would be where I met the majority of my friends in college, where I’d finally get the courage to publish something I wrote, or where I’d spend what felt like 90% of my semester.

I’ve learned a lot during my time at The Spectrum: AP style, what a nutgraf is, way

more sports positions than I ever wanted to know, and how to be the person I want to be.

I’m heartbroken that our semester ended up like this. I miss walking into the office knowing I would get Sam’s stromboli, Justin’s high-fives and Jacklyn asking if I want her to save me a piece of cake when I “come home” more than I could have expected. The frustration, the tears and that one production day that went until 4:30 a.m. when I had to get up two hours later for finals were all somehow worth it.

To The Spectrum and to my friends, I can’t sum it up better than Glinda and Elphaba did: I have been changed for the better because I knew you.

To my non-Spectrum friends (especially Ian!), thank you for always letting me talk about what was going on in the office and being genuinely interested, even when I went on for way too long and in way too much detail. I hope you don’t mind if it takes a bit for me to find a new personality.

To Cassi:, I love you more than words.

I couldn’t have done anything in the last ten years without you — okay, maybe one or two things, but I wouldn’t have wanted to. You truly are my best friend, and you know half the reason I’m writing this goodbye column is so I have another excuse to play my favorite game, “I Love

My Beautiful Best Friend Cassiana Rose Enderle.” Thank you for constantly inspiring me and helping me grow, being your best friend is the best thing I’ve ever done.

To Alec, I can’t explain how much I appreciate you always listening to my ideas, my problems and my pointless thoughts.

From the first day we met, you’ve encouraged me in every one of my endeavors and let me be there to cheer you on in all of yours. Whether I was so tired I cried or overwhelmed with nerves before an interview, you supported me through it (and made me grilled cheese after it). Thank you for always letting me come over after a long day, reading my first drafts and understanding when I had to put our Sunday brunch dates on hold. Peanut butter pancakes are only worth stealing if I’m stealing them from you.

To Savanna, I literally wouldn’t be writing this without you. Thank you for making me finally pursue my journalistic (read: editing) dreams, and thanks for making sure the office always had chips and queso.

To Nicole, the first time we ever Snapchatted was in the office we ended up sharing, and talking about The Spectrum the night of the Christmas party is one of my favorite memories from last semester. Disappointing Galina by ruining my palette is more fun when it’s with you.

To Jacklyn, you are the best immediate boss I’ve ever had, and I’ll compare every job until my retirement with being your assistant. I look up to you more than you know and I hope one day I can be half as strong as you are.

To Ben, I’ll miss all of the Soulja Boy jokes, ridiculously obscure, yet useful, knowledge and girls’ room discussions.

You are one of the smartest people I know and I’m honored I get to call you, the one and only grandfather of journalism, a friend.

To Brent, the editor-in-chief who appreciated every member of staff and made sure they knew it. Thank you for trusting me when I almost definitely did not have the right experience. I hope I made you proud (even if the Robert Pattinson column didn’t).

To all my other Spec-chums, I am so proud of you and can’t wait to see what else you go on to do. Whatever it is and wherever you are, you have my heart and all my support. And for those of you still at the paper, I hope you don’t mind me coming home every once in a while.

Lauryn King is in denial that she’s no longer the assistant managing editor and can be reached at lauryn.king@ubspectrum.com and on Twitter @LaurynSKing.

The winner takes it all, and I have A love letter to my friends and colleagues

SAMANTHA VARGAS OPINION EDITOR

It’s been almost two months since UB shut down campus, which means it’s been almost two months since I’ve been in The Spectrum office.

Or since we’ve had a secret “girls room” meeting.

Or since we’ve gone on a Tim Horton’s run, only to find out the line was too long.

Or since we’ve bleached someone’s hair in the conference room.

None of us thought it was going to end like this.

Coming into my last semester, I was ready to just push through and get to the next step. But having missed out on so

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 27, 2020 VOLUME 69 NUMBER 35 CIRCULATION: 3,000

Do you have an interest in journalism, graphic design, photography, social media, advertising, cartoons or copy editing? The Spectrum is always looking for enthusiastic students who want to be part of our team. Join our 45-time award winning independent student newspaper for hands-on, real-world experience in your field.

much, I wish there was a way to hold on just a little bit longer. So here I am, in the same position I’ve been in for the last few weeks, crying at 2 a.m. while remembering all of the great experiences I had on staff.

I’ve been on staff for over two years, and owe a lot of who I am as a person to being involved in this publication.

Not only have I gained an immeasurable amount of industry knowledge, but I’ve also been able to build some of my closest friendships with our amazing staff, both past and present.

I’m leaving The Spectrum with a job and an extensive portfolio, but it’s the relationships I’ve made that mean the most to me.

I don’t think I’ll ever meet a better group of people. The friends I’ve made while working here are by far the brightest, most determined group of people to ever grace this publication. The fact that we didn’t get to spend our last few weeks together is absolutely devastating.

I first joined as a sophomore. I hadn’t even realized there was a newspaper on campus until reading a copy my roommate had brought back to our dorm and, being the pretentious film student that I was, knew I had to stop whoever was responsible for the reprehensible movie reviews I had read.

The views expressed – both written and graphic – in the Opinion section of The Spectrum do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board. Submit contributions for these pages to The Spectrum office at Suite 132 Student Union or news@ubspectrum.com. The Spectrum reserves the right to edit these pieces for style and length. If a letter is not meant for publication, please mark it as such. All submissions must include the author’s name, daytime phone number, and email address.

Anyone interested in joining The Spectrum’s editorial staff can email Brenton J. Blanchet at: eic@ubspectrum.com.

For information on adverstising with The Spectrum: VISIT: www.ubspectrum.com/advertising CALL US: 716-645-2152

Anyone interested in joining The Spectrum’s professional staff or advertising team can email Helene Polley at: hapolley@buffalo.edu.

The Spectrum offices are located in 132 Student Union, UB North Campus, Buffalo, NY 142602100

That was two years ago.

I had started off on the arts desk with Brent, who would later become our editor-in-chief, and Brian, who would later become the sole proprietor of the largest collection of white t-shirts in the country.

I remember being so shy during my first class, despite my horribly dyed blue hair, I could barely make eye contact.

Brent, you’re by far one of the most talented writers I’ve met, and I know you’re going to end up writing for the Rolling Stones and having Sunday brunches with Ariana Grande someday. And Brian, if you’re even reading this, Greta Van Fleet wasn’t that bad. We just wanted to tease you. I joined the paper looking for a hobby, and you guys somehow turned it into an entire career change.

Jacklyn and Tanveen, you have become the smart, driven, super hot “Sex and the City” girlfriend group that I had always dreamed about. I could spend this entire goodbye column talking about how important you are, but I’ll have to save that for another day. T, you are a ray of sunshine and I don’t think there’s anything that could hold you back in this life. I know you’re going to become super successful, and be the most stylish person in your newsroom. Jacklyn, you are so ob-

scenely smart that the mere notion of you not becoming a world-renowned journalist is laughable.

Ben, despite your implorable preference for Dunkin Donuts, your friendship and 25-year-old wisdom has been invaluable.

Isabella and I won’t be joining the birdwatching society, but we will always be down to hit up a Denny’s after 2 a.m. to hear your thoughts on art and politics.

To Reilly and Julian, I’m so proud of you guys and how you’ve flourished. We were the best team, and I can’t wait to see what you both accomplish. I know we’re the same age, but let me have this.

To all of our Monday meetings where we’d decimate the staff writers, to our girls nights drinking white claws and watching “Mamma Mia,” and to all of the memories we’ve built in that windowless office.

There’s no way to possibly thank every person who deserves recognition through the last two years.

The Spectrum gave me everything I didn’t know I needed in college, and it was a privilege to be a part of.

Samantha Vargas is the opinion editor and can be reached at Samantha.Vargas@UBSpectrum.com and on Twitter @SamMarieVargas

PROFESSIONAL STAFF

MANAGING EDITORS

ARTS EDITORS

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Helene Polley

Jacklyn Walters Lauryn King, Asst.

ADVERTISING MANAGER Nathan Stutz

NEWS EDITORS

Alex Whetham, Sr. Isabella Fortunato, Asst.

Anastasia Wilds, Asst.

Justin Woodmancy, Asst.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Alexandra Moyen, Sr. Julian Roberts-Grmela, Sr. Reilly Mullen Elizabeth Napolinato, Asst.

Brenton J. Blanchet

OPINION EDITORS

WEB EDITORS

Samantha Vargas, Sr.

GRAPHIC DESIGN MANAGER Nicholas Meurer

Savanna Caldwell, Chief Cassiana Enderle, Chief

SPORTS EDITORS

CREATIVE DIRECTORS

Justin Weiss, Sr. Anthony DeCicco, Asst.

Alex Lenneberg, Asst.

Paolo Blanchi, Sr. Jiayi Zhang, Asst.

ENGAGEMENT EDITORS Benjamin Blanchet Nicole Waddington, Asst.

MULTIMEDIA EDITORS Vindhya Burugupalli, Sr. Wayne Penales, Sr. Alexander Brown, Asst.

Alexis Heng, Asst.

4 | Sunday, May 10 2020

COMMENCEMENT

Bye kids

The Spectrum taught me more than how to be an award-winning journalist

JACKLYN WALTERS MANAGING EDITOR

I remember sitting in my first Spectrum class. It was fall 2018, the first day of my second year at UB. A year –– I promised myself –– that I would change my perspective.

And boy was I in for a treat.

Jody started talking about journalism and I was hyped. “This is perfect,” I thought.

It was everything I was looking for in a career all lumped into one 300-level class.

How lucky was I to be in a class taught by the spunkiest woman around, to be writing for a paper with a woman editor-inchief ? Then the senior editors went to the front of the room to give their spiels.

I looked to the front of the room, and four men looked back at me.

This, I would soon learn, was my first lesson in journalism: Never assume anything.

So I picked the editor with hair that looked most like mine, and set a goal: I would be an assistant editor by the spring, and senior news editor by the next fall.

But, as I have consistently been reminded since, nothing happens how you expect it to, especially in a newsroom.

I was an assistant by the end of October and it wasn’t long before I was paired with a girl I barely knew to co-run the news desk, a girl who showed up late to our first assignment and who helped me misquote an important source in our first byline together.

But I was soon reminded, again, that first impressions are never what they seem.

In my two years at The Spectrum, I’ve learned to question everything. I’ve been yelled at, I’ve been disrespected, I’ve had

an angry reader bang on the office walls and scream about my coverage.

And as much as I’d love to make this column my “Miley, what’s good?” moment, I think this one’s more important than that.

My time at UB has been less than satisfactory, to say the least. My time at The Spectrum, though, almost made going to this school worth it. And even though it feels like all I’ve done in the last two years is cry and yell, I have a few people to thank, and a laundry list of lessons from it all.

I’ve learned that behind every viewpoint –– and every screaming 40-year-old man’s Facebook comment –– is a person with a story to tell. Not every person will be worth your time, but listening to their perspective always is.

Keeping an extra outfit in your desk never hurts, scheduling time to cry can be healing and coffee simultaneously is and is not an acceptable meal. Sometimes, having fun outside of the office is worth throwing up in the features desk recycling bin the next day; sometimes it’s not.

And I learned that, even though I don’t want kids, some kids will always have a place in my heart.

The first of whom is that stupid b---h who showed up late to our first assignment. Tanveen, I brought my soulmate to UB with me in 2017, so I definitely never expected to meet my real soulmate at The Spectrum. I can’t thank you enough for always matching with me, for co-writing 100-word blurbs even when everyone told us specifically not to do that, and for relentlessly intimidating my boyfriend just for fun. We were the best duo, and best news desk, this paper has ever seen. I’ll never get over the fact that our dads work for the same company –– or the fact that you normalized calling me “Jackie” –– and there is no one else I would rather win an award with than you.

To my other soulmate: Zach I can’t thank you enough for your patience, for understanding when I had to stay in the office until 2 a.m. and for giving me your swipe so I could still come home to you afterwards. You have seen me at my lowest, and encouraged me relentlessly. Remember when we saw that accident at midnight, and I was drunk and wanted to report on it? You steered me away, and for

that I owe you my deepest thanks, and also my reputation. I love you endlessly, thank you for not judging me any of the times I cried about hating UB. Brent, thank you for always putting the paper first. Thank you for helping us learn important lessons, sometimes the hard way, and for reminding me that my opinions aren’t the only ones that deserve to be published. You’ve taught me that sports are important, sometimes, and you don’t always have to yell at people for them to respect you. (And a big shoutout for letting me paint my office pink.)

If someone told me four years ago that I’d spend my last semester of college deciphering whether an Italian woman was talking about meatballs, Meatloaf, or Billie Eilish, I probably would have asked who Billie Eilish was. But, Helene, we did just that. No one has ever called me “baby” or made me laugh as often as you. From our daily trash-talking sessions to the days you made me breakfast, there was never a dull moment and I will never forget the impact you’ve had on me. I love you with my whole heart, even though you insist I’ll have 12 children and I know you still haven’t read my profile.

Lauryn, you are the best assistant, fact checker and girls-room roommate anyone could ask for. You’ve anticipated my needs, and we always seem to be on the same wavelength –– two things that very few people in this world can achieve.

Thank you for bringing me my laptop charger and always offering Hi-Chew right when I needed it. I don’t know what I, or The Spectrum, would have done without you this year.

Sam, you have simultaneously been my mom, roommate and parent to the son my boyfriend wishes he could have. The first time we spoke you made sure no one in our male-dominated office “was creepy to me,” and since that interaction I knew you’d have my back. Thank you for always being my hype man, and for always offering to color my hair or give me bangs in times of distress. Your chaotic energy figuratively gives me life, and your cooking expertise has literally kept me from dying.

I’m glad to call you my friend, even though you like Tim Hortons.

I could never question my judgements,

ubspectrum.com

or know how to write a headline or letter of recommendation without Ben. I am constantly amazed by your dedication to journalism, and I’m glad you never left the girls’ room (despite my persistent efforts to kick you out). You may not be the grandfather of journalism, but you’re definitely the grandfather of the newsroom.

And Jody, you inspire me every day to pursue the truth. In a university that seems blind to the power of journalism, your passion and dedication shine through.

Thank you for believing in us and fighting for us, and I promise to always keep turning over rocks.

Alexandra and Reilly, I’m so glad to be passing the baton to you. I hope you always seek the truth and fight for your staff.

Remember that everyone’s perspective is important, and keep Paul for as long as you can –– he’s an angel.

For everyone staying, and everyone leaving, you have all taught me invaluable lessons about journalism and life that I will always hold dear. I hope you all know how much you have shaped who I am today, and I can’t wait to see you all prosper in life.

I’m proud to say that The Spectrum I’m leaving behind is nothing like The Spectrum I came to two years ago, but I’d be lying if I said I was ready for anything this organization threw my way, and I’d be lying if I said I was ready to leave.

While this semester didn’t end the way I expected, and I never really said goodbye, I think it’s better that way.

The Spectrum I know will never exist again, but that’s kind of the point. Next semester will bring new editors, new challenges and new, well, news to pursue. To say goodbye to you all would be a disservice to those who came before me and those who haven’t yet arrived.

Because this paper news organization was never mine, or theirs, or anyone else’s.

It’s for all of us, so we can learn to question our worldview. It’s for our readers to be informed about their campus. And it’s so UB knows that no matter what nonsense it tries to get away with, we’ll be there to call them out on it.

For the last time ever, Jacklyn Walters is the managing editor and can be reached at Jacklyn.

Walters@ubspectrum.com and @JacklynAWalters.

Trying to avoid regret at the end of an era

A guide to going with your gut in an era of your life where doing so will never be more encouraged

ALEX WHETHAM SENIOR ARTS EDITOR

I never had a chance to make The Spectrum office the home it could have been.

Usually, these types of columns are a place where I should say “things didn’t turn out how I planned them, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

But that’s simply not true.

If I could go back in time to my first year of undergrad, I would have done things very differently.

My first time writing for The Spectrum was a mere nine months ago, and I’ve only been an editor for about seven and a half

of those. And I wish that those numbers were more than doubled.

I’ve always had a passionate love for writing about the arts. I ran a blog from the ages of 15-18 specifically for reviewing music I was interested in. I frequent RateYourMusic.com, a website that is specifically for sharing opinions on albums.

Since joining the site when I was 12, I’ve amassed nearly 1,600 ratings.

But I never put two and two together and took that next step into truly getting my love for the arts out there by writing for The Spectrum until my undergraduate experience was coming to a close.

The world even threw me a bone during my first semester, when a mutual of mine and current EIC Brenton Blanchet’s invited us to the same Super Smash Brothers night. I remember him mentioning his love of music and interest in writing on The Spectrum’s arts desk. While that day seems to be a distant memory, we definitely talked about Kanye West.

But I just went on after that night without taking any action.

The world threw me another bone in the beginning of my third semester when I took ENG 212: How to Write Like a Journalist. I loved the class and got an A, but I never signed up for the paper.

It was like seeing the horizon of a new world, but simply turning around and going back home.

I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about why I didn’t just take the leap until recently. I knew my gut was telling me to sign up for the class or at least contribute an article, and I knew that I wanted to write about things I was passionate about and give it a platform for other people to see.

But I think I was scared.

I was scared of the criticism, scared of the thought that maybe what I was writing wasn’t 100% perfect. Even as I write this I know that this first draft is not going to be exactly what readers are going to see.

But I’m not as scared of it anymore, and that’s why I wish that I had done this earlier in my life.

Since signing up for The Spectrum, I’ve had dozens of articles published. I’ve interviewed artists I admire, reviewed albums and films I love –– and didn’t love –– and it granted me opportunities that I could only dream of before just doing it.

Now, I contribute articles for Canadian arts blog Exclaim!, my ability to write has improved immensely, and most importantly, I’ve been able to make lasting connections with my peers at The Spectrum.

But I wish that I’d had years to get to

know them instead of months.

This type of thought process is inherently negative, and there’s nothing that I can do to change anything I regret; I’m not a time traveler.

So instead, I’m going to appreciate the time that I spent at The Spectrum. I’m going to cherish the friendships I’ve fostered. And while I wish that we’d gotten the chance to say an in-person goodbye, these strange times have made the endings of many aspects of our lives unceremonious and digital.

I’m happy that I was able to have the little time I had at The Spectrum. I almost never did it at all.

But I did. And you should too, even if you’re intimidated.

You won’t have the same experience that I did, but that’s okay. It may change your life anyway, and college is maybe the greatest time to chase your passions and interests.

I may have never had that chance to make The Spectrum office the home it could have been, but I’ll never regret being a part of it for the short time that I was there.

Alex Whetham is the Senior Arts Editor and can be reached at alex.whetham@ubspectrum.com or on Twitter @alexo774

COMMENCEMENT

ubspectrum.com

Sunday, May 10 2020 | 5

Gotta go It’s a sign of the times

CASSIANA ENDERLE WEB CHIEF

I never thought that one day in March, sitting in Capen with my friend since middle school, would define so much of the rest of my college experience.

I never thought I would be walking into a news office, excited to get a job with my extreme lack of experience and interest in writing.

I also never thought I would be sitting in that same office years later, on the nastiest couch ever, at four in the morning, waiting for draft, with two finals the next morn-

ing, completely calm because I was with people I loved.

Over just a few years, three yearly Smash tournaments and unlimited chalkboard polls, assistant copy editors became copy editors and copy editors became web editors, which quickly turned into web chiefs (thanks Brent).

Even though I’m thankfully not graduating yet, I am leaving my position to spend my last year at UB figuring out what I want to do with my remaining years. Unfortunately, I can’t put “making life-long friends” as the only skill on my resume.

Keeping this short and typing through tears, I want to put it in (improved) writing that The Spectrum truly gave me some of my best memories and I am so grateful for every bit of it, even the part where the “copy crew” didn’t have names and were just one combined person. I wouldn’t have wanted to share a heart with anyone else.

Savanna, thank you for being my cochief, co-author and musical-singing partner. I love that I get to say, “I’ll see you

soon.” Thank you “Mamma Mia 2” ladies for letting me live my hair-dyeing dreams through you and being the perfect amount of chaotic.

Brent, thank you for valuing me as a person, an editor and a One Direction stan.

You are the most talented writer and Triller-creator I know. Jacklyn, thank you for giving me an example of who I want to be when I grow up. You are the strongest woman I’ve ever met and you are so loved.

Thank you Liv, Ty and Vick for being so patient and understanding of every “That’s on a Wednesday, I can’t” text. You guys are the reason I’ll cry when it is our time to graduate and I feel lucky that I’ll have you to miss.

Tim, thank you for bringing homemade dinners to the office and listening to me rant about AP-style exercises before every Monday class. Thank you for not getting frustrated with me pulling my laptop out to edit on early Sunday mornings and letting me come home to your cozy studio apartment at the end of all the late nights.

So, I guess this is goodbye I don’t know how to do this

SAVANNA CALDWELL WEB CHIEF

I rarely thought about writing this.

The only thing I’ve written, with Cassi, for The Spectrum before this was a column about pole dancing.

At the end of every academic year I would read all of the “goodbye columns” the seniors would write before they go to print. I’d tear up because they were always so moving. Everyone would talk about how they found their home away from home in our windowless office, how they shared laughs or napped on one of the couches.

But I didn’t think I would ever write one.

I didn’t think my relationships in the office would go much beyond Lauryn and

Cassi, friends I’ve had since middle school.

I thought we would always remain the “copy crew.”

The group that everyone thought was just one conglomerate person with the same personalities.

But for the first time in years, things began to shift.

At some point, the late-night group changed in the spring semester of 2019.

It was no longer Brent, Cassi, Lauryn and myself. Suddenly there were these people who would stay late and laugh, go off on rants, jam out.

People who knew our names.

I know that seems so small, but really made a world of difference, and I found myself not wanting to leave.

These people welcomed us, made us feel included.

They reached out to us to see how we were doing on individual levels –– y’all know who you are.

So I stayed. Cassi stayed. Lauryn stayed.

We had new members of our copy crew around this time too, and they transitioned onto different desks and are doing so well.

Now the 2019-20 academic year seemingly came and went in the blink of an eye.

And I’m stuck.

Before I actively wanted to leave on every production day.

Goodbye UB JULIAN ROBERTS-GRMELA SENIOR NEWS EDITOR

Last semester, my intramural soccer team lost in the semi-finals of the UB playoffs.

It was a bummer for a team that still never won a championship. We’d come so close so many times over the last seven semesters.

“But at least we had one more opportunity,” we thought. “We still had the spring.”

Turns out we didn’t.

Spring 2020 was cancelled and my time in Amherst came to an unexpected early ending.

Now I’m isolated and disoriented. I don’t know what’s next.

But I’m one of the lucky ones. I’m

healthy. My family is healthy. Both of my jobs continued operating remotely.

Over 30 million people filed for unemployment over the last seven weeks. There are over a million coronavirus cases in the U.S. There are almost 70,000 deaths. Minority and low-income communities are disproportionately affected by the virus.

Essential workers still risk their lives going to work. Many are underpaid.

So I’m very lucky compared to how this is affecting others.

But now, graduating, I don’t know what to do next. I decided to defer for a year from graduate school. Since the program is only three semesters long, I didn’t want to risk losing one to remote learning.

Although I’m grateful and excited to start next year, I don’t know how to spend my time until then. Both of my jobs depend on my “student” status at UB and I’ll be out of work after graduation.

I suppose that will make me a “freelance journalist” for a while. But this is a particularly hard time to find a job as a writer.

Journalists across the country are being furloughed.

Somehow, I’m optimistic.

Although the economy is in shambles,

Most of all, thank you for being there through every dancing-in-the-kitchen moment and crying-in-your-lap moment. If I were a tomato plant, you would be the stick holding me upright.

Lauryn, thank you for pushing me out of my comfort zone (e.g. convincing me to write a goodbye column) and being the reason I am who I am. You have consistently been the best person in my life since 7th grade when we were put at the same table in English class. You are my best friend and I can’t wait for so many more years of confusing strangers into thinking we’re dating. In the words of Harry, “I’d walk through fire for you.”

To the AP Style Guide that got pages folded over and a hot sauce packet stapled to its cover, I love you. And I’m sorry.

Thank you for letting me quietly admire all of you for over two wonderful years. I promise I will continue to after I leave.

Cassiana Enderle is a web chief and can be reached at cassiana.enderle@ubspectrum.com.

But now, I can’t stay.

I have to look to my future and take steps in that direction.

I still have one more year at UB, but it needs to be filled with academic work and, hopefully, hospital work as well.

So since I cannot stay this upcoming year, I’ll say goodbye.

Alexandra, thank you for the laughs and always telling us like it is. The voice of reason was always needed and definitely appreciated. You’re going to make an amazing Editor-in-Chief. I cannot wait to see where this paper goes under your reign.

You got this!!

Justin, I’m sorry I never wrote those sports pieces for you. You are one of the kindest and most thoughtful people I have ever met. You make everyone around you want to become a better person and it’s neat to see. Stay golden.

Cassi and Lauryn, I’m not saying goodbye to you two, obviously. I just want to put in “print” that I love you both.

Reilly, thank you for the fun stories.

It has been amazing to see you grow in such a short period of time. Follow your journalistic “voice,” I think it’s one people benefit from hearing.

Nicole, you’re one of the people I wish I spent more time getting to know. I cannot wait to see all that you accomplish. You’re

so admirable. I genuinely feel that you can achieve anything you set your mind to, and that in itself is amazing.

Sam, I cannot thank you enough for being such a welcoming person. You were one of the first people to make me feel included and I genuinely appreciate it so very much. I am deeply grateful for you being a listening ear, making my birthday wonderful and your hairstylist expertise.

Brent, thank you for just “giving a damn.” You’re one of the reasons I stayed this year and I’m glad I did. You’ve made my time at The Spectrum actually mean something to me. I’m very thankful for the fact that you care about our well-being.

You’ve been a great EIC and I appreciate you.

Lastly Jacklyn, thank you for showing me the woman I aspire to be. You’re so unbelievably strong and caring all at the same time. There isn’t enough I could say to share my appreciation, but you’re an incredible human being. Thank you for teaching me so much more than anything I could learn in the AP Style Guide.

Thank you to everyone on staff. I love you all dearly and hope to cross paths again in the near future.

this is one of the most important times in journalism, when it is most needed. When chaos and uncertainty ensued at UB, The Spectrum’s purpose was more obvious than ever: answer the student body’s questions.

Give people information they can use. Tell stories that will help people remember.

I hope I can keep doing this after graduation.

I haven’t really realized that this is the end of UB for me until I started writing this “goodbye” column. Maybe that’s because we usually say goodbye through traditions. With community. Waiting out the days before virtual graduation at home leaves me in a confusing, liminal state.

This is the first activity I’ve done to recognize that I’m about to move on.

I remember my last full day on campus was the day Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced we’d be shifting to distance learning: a Wednesday. I stayed late reporting the story in The Spectrum’s office with my peers and friends. But I didn’t completely understand that was the end. It didn’t feel real at the time.

So, I’ll finish with a proper goodbye.

College at UB has, at times, been something I’ve been eager to finish. Something

I can’t wait to get over with. As a Buffalo native, I’m excited to explore somewhere new.

Nevertheless, I spent my time here studying the things I’m interested in, that I’ve always been interested in.

I’ve had outstanding professors over the years who’ve inspired me and encouraged me to the point that I’ve gone through phases of wanting to be things like a “logician” and a novelist. Thanks to them for their patience and attention.

Thanks to all the teaching assistants, graduate students and workers that keep the campus functioning.

Thanks to all the friends I’ve made, who I’ll miss dearly.

Thanks to The Spectrum for opening up a world of opportunities to me. I’m grateful for the guidance from my editors.

I know The Spectrum will continue to be a place for kids to enter the journalism world and begin writing for an audience. It is in good hands.

Savanna Caldwell is a web chief and can be reached at savanna.caldwell@ubspectrum.com.

Julian Roberts-Grmela is a senior news editor and can be reached at julian.grmela@ubspectrum.com and on Twitter @GrmelaJulian.