I joined The Michigan Daily as a second semester freshman on Zoom, in a time of uncertainty and loneliness: the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the course of a single semester, The Daily brought me new friends, a newfound passion for mobile app development and design, and an opportunity to develop useful skills in technology.
As we transitioned to in-person classes and in-person functioning of the paper, there were many new challenges to navigate and it became overwhelming at times. I’m thankful I could always depend on the Daily for being a constant in my life. Working on the mobile application and meeting up with other Mobile Devs to work or just chat became an escape from all the outside pressures. I’m proud to say I was part of the team from the mobile app’s conception to release, and I’m really excited to see what happens with it in the future.
During my next chapter at the Daily, the Data team welcomed me with open arms as I began to explore an entirely different side of the technology behind the Daily. Directly developing content for articles and brainstorming stories has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m looking forward to one more semester of working with Data!
A big thank you goes to my mentors and wonderful leadership on Web who always made Web such a welcoming place: Simran, Eric, Dora, Angela, Matthew, Maya. Without you guys, Web would not be the place it is today. When people ask me about what communities on campus foster belonging and happiness, without fail, I think of our weekly Sunday meetings, nights at NYPD, walks home together, running into each other on campus, parties at Angela’s house (I can’t believe I haven’t been to one oops) and sitting around the tiny Web space upstairs fixing code.
To all the wonderful people on Web I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with and working with, thank you for being so delightful and dedicated. What really astounds me sometimes is that not only are you so kind and supportive, but you all possess an incredible level of innovation and drive which is inspiring to see.
I can’t imagine my college experience without the Daily. I may be gone in a semester but I’m so excited to see what the Web team will continue to accomplish! 420 Maynard St. will always have a place in my heart.