Looking back at my time at the University of Connecticut, countless events have happened. My freshman year was nonexistent due to the COVID-19 pandemic when I participated in the meme-worthy Zoom University. My sophomore year began with a move across the country and ended with me creating my own little bubble in Storrs, Connecticut. Junior year was marked by my start as a Neag student, a historic fifth national championship for men’s basketball and my appointment as Managing Editor of The Daily Campus. My senior year brought trials and tribulations as a new educator and leader of a Tier III organization — and yet another national championship. As this year comes to a close, I can’t help but look back and think about all the amazing opportunities I’ve had and all the incredible people I met.
Getting involved at The Daily Campus started small. I attempted to find the building during my sophomore year, failed, and never reappeared until the end of that year when I applied for an editor role. Sadly, I didn’t get that job, but I did get something even better: An invitation to join The Daily Campus’ production team the next fall. Little did junior year Raquel know that she would be leading that very same team a year later.
Despite all the twists and turns of my college career, I couldn’t be more thankful for the people I’ve met and the memories I made at UConn.
Many of those memories occurred in a small brick building I couldn’t find my sophomore year. Nestled between Moe’s and Buckley Residence Hall, The Daily Campus building remains mysterious to many UConn folks.
While The Daily Campus building may seem unassuming (and honestly a little creepy to the naked eye), it is so much more than that. Not only is it home to UConn’s independent student-run newspaper — it is also the heart of my experience at UConn. Through The Daily Campus, I met people who became my closest friends, grew as a leader and strengthened my connection to my fellow students. I gained opportunities to lead other like-minded individuals and grew into a stronger, more confident Raquel.
My experience at The Daily Campus has changed me for the better and taught me so much about myself and what I can accomplish.
To my girl boss E-board, I could not have survived this year without you and I’m so thankful for all the work we’ve done. We have made significant and long-lasting changes within The Daily Campus and worked to create the best newspaper possible. Sure, there were trials and tribulations (often all at once), but we made it through and supported each other through all of it. I couldn’t be prouder to be part of such a strong and fearless group of women.
Maddie, thank you for teaching me to be firm in my beliefs and always being a support system (and human shield) in and out of the production room. Naiiya, you always kept our executive meetings light and could always bring a smile to my face — even on my longest days. You managed all the Kuali and budget forms with grace and skill that I can’t even imagine. Charlotte, our digital queen, thank you for always fixing the website and reminding me that positivity and kindness do wonders in this world. I honestly don’t know what I would have done this year without the three of you.
Photo courtesy Raquel Montelindo/The Daily Campus
To my Managing Editor team, thank you for all the work you put into this year. Emily, thank you for your leadership guidance, kind words of support and expertise with Adobe Photoshop. Shannon, thank you for being one of the first people I met and connected with at the DC and always being by my side on crazy production shifts. I don’t know how I would’ve survived all the long production nights without you both.
To my production squad, you make the job fun and I’m so blessed to have worked with all of you this year. Here’s to more collaborative production playlists and goofy icebreakers.
To the new executives, get ready for the most insane, fun-filled and jam-packed year you’ll experience in college. You will face challenging experiences, but you’re never alone. Lean on your fellow executives and support each other through all the changes and challenges. I have faith in you all and know you will continue the legacy that The Daily Campus began in 1896.
All in all, my time at The Daily Campus has been an unforgettable one. I couldn’t be more grateful for my experiences at The Daily Campus and the people I met as Managing Editor.
As I sign off as your Managing Editor, peace out and enjoy the wonderful things The Daily Campus offers. I know I did.