campus editor of The Hilltop. (Photo by Paige Kiarie/The Hilltop)
I first applied to The Hilltop at the end of my freshman year, eager for a way to get more involved on campus. I had always been passionate about journalism and deeply admired The Hilltop’s legacy.
I began writing for the campus section at the start of my sophomore year and immediately fell in love with the role. For the first time, I felt a deeper connection to Howard. I took pride in capturing moments across campus, from celebrity visits to organization events and student protests. Each story gave me a clearer understanding of what it meant to serve as both a journalist and a historian of my community.
I also found myself inspired by my editor, Natalie Betts. With every article, she pushed my writing to grow stronger and more intentional. Naturally, I became curious about her role, asking questions whenever I could and taking her advice to heart. That curiosity eventually turned into aspiration.
When I stepped into the role of campus editor, I felt both excited and nervous. It was my first leadership position at Howard, and I immediately felt the weight of wanting to lead with purpose and care. I thought about my mom’s words — that I have always been a natural leader — and the trust that Sydney and Aniyah placed in me. I still remember reaching out to my writers for the first time and feeling their excitement to start the year together.
I also remember the warnings that the position would keep me busy, and busy I was. It was an eventful year, and I learned to a whole new level that there is truly always something going on around campus.
My team made it all worth it. Watching my writers develop their voices, pursue stories with confidence and navigate the demands of journalism was one of the most rewarding parts of this experience.
Serving as campus editor has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my time at Howard. Print nights, constant communication and the opportunity to be present in so many spaces across campus brought me a sense of purpose I didn’t know I needed.
Some of my favorite college memories so far are tied to The Hilltop — even the little ones. Whether I was on FaceTime with my family back home while editing articles, texting everyone I knew for sources or sitting in the office with the rest of the team, it became a constant in my daily life. Somehow, every day included The Hilltop in one way or another.
This role sparked a deeper love for journalism than I ever expected. It strengthened my confidence in my voice and reminded me of the impact that thoughtful storytelling can have on a community.
I am incredibly grateful for this experience, for my team, and for The Hilltop.
With love,
Tara Grey
Copy edited by Daryl R. Thomas Jr.