Fulfilling Potential: The News and Politics Editor’s Reflection

When I first set foot on Howard’s campus, there was a lot of uncertainty about who I was and what I wanted. Despite this uncertainty and new environment, I knew two things would never change — my love for politics and writing. Those two things would be a constant in my life, no matter what.

I applied to The Hilltop during the summer before my junior year with no real expectations. The opportunity to write and report about politics was intriguing to say the least, but I thought twice because I would be entering the journalism world as a non-journalism major. “Why not just apply? The worst they could say is no,” I told myself. Little did I know that this decision would be one of the most important ones of my college career. 

When I received my acceptance letter, I was ecstatic. As soon as I met Skyler Winston, my section editor, I was encapsulated by her welcoming and encouraging demeanor. She immediately became someone who looked up to and strived to emulate, and I am eternally grateful for her guidance.

I began my work as a news and politics staff writer covering the historic 2024 election. Never in my life did I think I would have the opportunity to report on a Howard alum running for president, let alone experience it in real time. I took this job very seriously and pushed myself to work harder than I had ever worked before. 

Following the election, I increasingly viewed working for The Hilltop as something bigger than myself. The way in which my writing impacted the Howard community mattered; elevating the voices of others mattered. The possibility of making just one person more informed about the world around them mattered to me. 

Serving as a staff writer last year and a section editor this year has been one of the more fulfilling experiences of my life. The Hilltop has challenged me to exit my comfort zone, taught me the importance of discipline and pushed me to my fullest potential. 

Thank you, Sydney and Aniyah, for taking a chance on me and providing me with the opportunity to learn and grow as a section editor. Thank you for believing in me and my potential. The Hilltop has played an integral role in my evolution as a Howard student, and I will always credit this publication for my future success.

Copy edited by D’Nyah Jefferson – Philmore