When I applied to The Hilltop my freshman year, I had no idea this would be where I’d finish off. I joined the newsroom as a staff reporter—just someone who loved writing and was eager to get involved. My aunt, my guiding light, encouraged me to take that leap of faith, and I applied the night applications were due. Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, I couldn’t have imagined my journey here or that I’d one day be part of its deeply rooted legacy as campus editor, especially during one of the most historic years at Howard.
A quote from our very own founder Zora Neale Hurston has stayed with me: “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” My first three years here were full of questions: ‘Is this worth it? Do I keep making these social (and academic) sacrifices? I’m not even a journalism major—what is all of this for?’ But this year, I got my answer.
This role gave me the chance to serve as both an archivist and storyteller for our university—shedding light on the issues and events that shape our community. From reporting on the presidential election season happening right here on campus with our own alumna to shifts in administration and everything in between, I found purpose in telling stories that mattered.
There were moments I wished we could’ve covered even more and broadcasted more current events and important work students, faculty and more are doing – through grassroots activism and important research. But I hope my time as campus editor showed my commitment to amplifying the voices of often-overlooked communities here.
To my fellow editors—thank you. The friendships we’ve built mean the world to me. Our long nights in the office, the laughs at four a.m. during print deadlines, the venting sessions about life —those moments grounded me. To Camiryn and the copy desk, your work was the backbone of everything we produced. To Donovan and Afia: it’s us! Words truly can’t explain just how much you both mean to me. To Juan and Sydney, thank you for your guidance, you guys were often the calm to many storms. To JD, thank you for seeing my potential before I did.
To my incredible team of writers—Tara, Damenica, Yacine, Ssanyu, Athea, Sariah, and Camila—thank you for trusting me to lead through a monumental year. From late nights to breaking news scrambles, you continually amazed me with your talent and dedication. I hope I’ve helped build your confidence as reporters and as young ladies matriculating through life because you all are more than capable of whatever you might choose to do. To tackle this year’s coverage while juggling through the ebbs and flows of life, you all handled it with grace. The campus section is in excellent hands.
As I reflect, the feeling that overwhelms me most is gratitude—gratitude for this experience, my community and unwavering appreciation for God and my ancestors, who have always been my strength.
Signing off,
Campus Editor, 2024–2025
Copy edited by Camiryn Stepteau
