As an inexperienced and naive sophomore finding my footing at Howard, I didn’t have a clear understanding of my place at the university, but I knew that I aspired to write for The Hilltop. I heard rumors about the esteemed reputation of the nation’s oldest (and best) Black collegiate newspaper and kept up with their coverage of major campus events like the Blackburn takeover, but I didn’t believe that I was qualified to apply for a staff writer position. Still, I sent my application in, no real news experience or clips, just hopes and dreams. However, I never thought that this dream could transform into a reality I could one day call home.
When filling out my application as a reporter, the investigative section instantly caught my eye. I’ve always been fascinated in uncovering the story within the story and holding institutions accountable, especially our beloved university. Truthfully when I was accepted I didn’t realize until two months too late, and almost thought that I lost the job but thankfully I didn’t.
The inaugural year of the investigative team was the same year that I joined staff, but despite our novelty much was accomplished. While we produced stories less frequently than the other sections, I watched as my colleagues wrote award-winning pieces about the aftermath of the same Blackburn takeover that drew me to the paper, and about the shortcomings of the mental health facilities on campus.
Over the span of my two years as a writer, I was able to learn under my amazing editor, Makenna Underwood, but entering senior year I was determined to make my own mark as the second official investigative editor. While I came in highly ambitious, I can admit my shortcomings as an editor and the many failed projects we had this year as a team. However, despite these failures, I am much more concerned with our successes. I am immensely proud of my team and the tenacity, grit, perseverance and intuitiveness that my writers displayed as natural investigators. You all are the future of this unit and I know that you will go far if you keep this spirit!
To the editorial staff, I thank you all for the countless laughs and core experiences that I will carry on for the rest of my life. I learned more from all of you about what it means to be a successful reporter and team member than I have anywhere else before. To Afia and Natalie, thank you for the many late-night sessions in the office far past our bedtimes, you all made this semester enjoyable even when I felt like giving up. Big three forever. To JD, Juan and Sydney, thank you for taking a chance on me this year to deliver in this coveted position, I appreciate the guidance you all poured into me. To Camiryn, thank you for having patience and grace with me on all of those late Sunday nights when we worked through my team’s stories. To Kyle, I appreciate you for being a great friend both domestically and overseas where we got to represent The Hilltop in the United Arab Emirates. To the rest of the staff, thank you all for inspiring me to be a better me every day, you all are destined for greatness and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for everyone.
Until Next Time,
Donovan McNeal
