When I entered Howard as a journalism major in 2021, I was unaware of what the school’s student journalism scene had to offer. However, once I found out about The Hilltop, I made it my goal to eventually write for the nation’s oldest Black collegiate newspaper.
That journey to The Hilltop, like my journey at Howard, was not simple. My sophomore year, I decided I had some decent clips and applied to be a reporter. I wasn’t accepted, or rejected, but an even worse third thing: I was ghosted. To this day, I have yet to receive an explanation for this. I remember feeling deterred and confused, but decided that working for The Hilltop was my personal summit.
The following year, I wrote for another campus publication and began to hone my skills and develop my journalistic voice. I reapplied for The Hilltop, and to my delight, was accepted to be a Variety reporter. I was thrown immediately into work with our freshman edition and made the front page of the print edition.
The reward of seeing my work in print only spurred me to take the reporter role seriously. I often prioritized The Hilltop over my schoolwork. The School of Communications set a foundation for me as a journalist, but The Hilltop offered me a sandbox for playing. The hands-on and collaborative environment gave me the space to be a writer, make mistakes, explore topics that interested me and gave me access to opportunities I only dreamed of.
Entering my senior year, I thought: what would be a better ending than becoming the Variety editor? The chance to guide a team of wonderful writers through coverage of a truly historic year on our campus was something I couldn’t pass up.
The quote “news is only the first rough draft of history” was always at the forefront of my mind as an editor. I’d like to think that when people wonder what this time period at Howard was like, our coverage will provide insight. Meeting deadlines and working with others to publish quality coverage is no easy feat, but I’m extremely proud of how we all rose to the occasion numerous times.
I want to extend my gratitude to my fellow editors and our copy team, who have made this such an enjoyable experience. To JD and Juan, thank you for entrusting me with this position. To the Big 3 ™️, thank you for making The Hilltop office a welcoming space over these past few months. I cherish our connection.
To my team of eight wonderful writers, I want to thank you for trusting me with your intellectual property and working with me. You are all such impressive young women and I can’t wait to see what you all become.
To my former writers, Aniyah and Sydney, I can’t express how proud I am of you two for moving into leadership positions with such grace, focus and vision. The semester I worked with you two was a brief window into how talented you both are, and I can’t wait to see what you two do.
This journey is mine, but so many others as well. I want to extend my gratitude to my sister, my family and my ancestors.
I like to think I’ve reached The Hilltop. And so it is.
With love,
Afia Nyarko Barrie
