From a writer who wrote her articles at 2 a.m.
By JESSICA YUNG — campus@theaggie.org
“Does it ever drive you crazy, just how fast the night changes?” – One Direction
My childhood band sang that over 10 years ago, and I never fully understood that until now. I have always experienced my childhood and early adult life as slow, but these two years –- and especially 10 months — have gone by insanely fast.
Since joining The California Aggie in summer of last year, I’ve gotten to meet and explore so many different people and experiences. I’ve met a firefighter who was confused about pronouns, a dramaturg, Native American community leaders, a physics professor, a chef and many more.
I can guarantee that I would never have met any of these people without The Aggie, and I am so grateful that I was able to experience the full truth of campus, warts and all.
This campus has its problems: the strikes, the protests, food insecurity, housing insecurity, etc. But this campus is simply beautiful when you take the time to experience it and explore.
To the future campus writers, I give you this advice:
- Thank your sources and don’t be afraid to use your own networks for inspiration.
- Don’t write your articles at 2 a.m. the day after it’s due. Your editor being asleep is not an extension.
- Be curious and have an open mind. There is always something new to write about.
- Be aware of the impact your stories have.
- Use transcription software; Transcribing by hand is awful.
- Communicate with your editors and fellow writers.
- You don’t work for the campus’ marketing department.
- Every single campus organization has an Instagram account.
- Remember your audience and your writing’s purpose.
- Once you turn in the story to your editor, it is no longer yours.
Yes, this job isn’t easy. It’s hard to come up with pitches. It’s impossible to deal with sources who don’t get back to you.
But the job has its power and value. I remember the two young Native American community leaders who felt goosebumps and cried over their story being published and heard. I remember the dramaturg who deeply valued her story being heard.
Despite its ups and downs, I’m so glad and honored to be a part of The Aggie family, and I am so grateful for my editors and people who work on my articles (who are often unpaid).
I am grateful to my family and ancestors who have worked so hard to give me the opportunities that I have. I am thankful for my mentors who have guided me through my life’s journey: Aaron, Luis, Marty, Trina, Michelle, Mrs. Henderson, Mr. Lazzaretto, Topaz, Rose, Professor Lerma, Zambello, Haus and Cooney.
But I am especially grateful for my friends who I have made here at Davis. There are too many to count, but I’ll give a shoutout to: Nico, Varsha, Brian, Tyson, Saul, Nhi, Minh, Haleigh, Tyler, Sparky, Alan, Isaac, Sean, Robbie and Osato.
Thank you for making my time here at UC Davis something to celebrate. I know we’ll all do great things.
To the readers, thank you. Your attention is important, especially when modern life has so many distractions. LL&P.
Written by: Jessica Yung – campus@theaggie.org
Jessica Yung is a staff writer for the campus news desk. She is heading to Sacramento State University in the summer to pursue an Education Specialist Credential.
