After a long year of writing, we’ve made it to the end of the 2024-25 school year! It’s been a great year for the Life Section here at The Daily Campus. From seeing the growth of new writers to writing roundtable reviews about every new song by the Costco Guys, there’s been few dull moments with this section. To recap the year, members of the Life Section reflect on their favorite memories this year.
Ben Lassy, LE (he/him/his)
Well, I’ve reached the end of the road, but what a wonderful trip it has been. I’m no journalist, hardly a writer and definitely not a leader, but somehow, I found myself enjoying all three of these roles for the Life Section.
My favorite memory is less a memory, and more of a series of little moments. There are few things more profound than seeing someone improve their writing and find a voice. I’m grateful to have maybe even had the slightest role in that happening for some of you. Thank you all for a great two years. I’ll never forget them.
James Fitzpatrick, ALE (he/him/his)
What a pleasure it’s been to help lead this section for two semesters! An encounter with Ben in fall 2023, whom I had known from the Waterbury campus, led me to The Daily Campus. I loved being a staff writer during 2024, though I will forever cherish my time as the Associate Life Editor.
From “Lifebreakers” gone wrong, late Sunday nights and a section pizza party, we had a blast this year. This is a general overview of my time with The Daily Campus and Life Section, but I’ll go into more detail in my Grad Issue column!
Dan Stark, SW (he/him/his)
Nothing stands out more to me than launching my column “The Music Never Stops” this year. I came into the Life Section this year after two years of writing for Opinion and was unsure of what this year would look like. Writing this column has been such a joy, as I’ve been able to grow as a writer, interview some amazing people and get more eyes on my work. I can’t wait to lead this section of wonderful people as Life Editor next year!
And there’s truly no other group who I would rather accuse me of being the infamous “Rizzler Enthusiast” on a weekly basis—I would have cracked by now if it was me!
Sam Brody, SW (she/her/hers)
To go from an intimidated freshman to the incoming Associate Life Editor, in the span of a year? I never would’ve predicted it! This section has taught me the value of the student voice, and I’ve loved having the opportunity to speak with different people about what they’re doing on campus. There are incredible stories out there for those who look for them. I’m also very happy to be given the opportunity to write my very own column.
Of course, the Life meetings are simply iconic. It’s a good time, every time, even though I’ve had some accusations of Rizzler enthusiasm thrown my way. It’s not me, guys!
Bonnibel Lilith Rampertab, SW (she/her/hers)
There’s never a dull moment in the Life section meetings. Our hatred for Bill Gates runs deep in our veins as established in “Lifebreakers,” our version of icebreakers. One time, we had to guess where the gavel we use was hidden and, for the first 15 minutes, it was like an egg hunt.
On a serious note, “Take Back the Night” was super comforting to me with the community it built. I’m glad I covered it twice.
Elijah Polance, SW (he/him/they/them)
Being able to write music reviews for some of my favorite artists this year has been a delight. I’ve also thoroughly enjoyed covering different Creative Writing Program readings. They are always so thought-provoking and enjoyable, so I hope I was able to pass down some semblance of their magical feeling to those who couldn’t make it.
Of course, I couldn’t get by without mentioning the infamous “Rizzler Enthusiast.” I got caught up on the lore a little late and still feel like I’m missing something, but the never-ending accusations towards different Life Section members have been rather entertaining.
Patrick Boots, CC (he/him/his)
Our Life Section has the distinction of being the most fun part of any Daily Campus newspaper. Don’t believe me? Where else can you read all about the coolest campus events, new media and music, and how about those columns? There’s something for everyone!
One of my key moments was being able to put “Under the Rock” into motion. Special thanks to Ben, James and Karla, our Life Editor emeritus, and Sam and Lillian, headmasters of the arts—not to mention the readers!
The good news is that the momentum isn’t stopping any time soon. I’m so happy to return to the Life section and usher in a new year.
Ayyan Tamjeed, SW (he/him/his)
It’s funny that when I first visited the DC building back in August, I didn’t even consider writing for the Life Section. Now, here I am writing about my favorite memories of the past year.
I’ll miss the Sunday night section meetings when I’m back in North Carolina for summer break, from everyone’s knee-slapping “Lifebreaker” responses, covering the best musical group in the world and hanging out in the “Freak Corner” (don’t ask).
To the incoming editors, Dan and Sam, I know you guys are going to cook next year. I look forward to what the Life Section will be like in August!
Maleena Muzio, SW (she/her/hers)
Joining the Life Section my first semester truly shaped my experience at UConn. There is no group of people I would rather share thoughts on Bill Gates with or play “GeoGuesser” for 30 minutes with at meetings.
If I had to choose a favorite moment, though, it would definitely be the “Jingle BOOM!” roundtable. Honestly, I had no clue who the Costco Guys were, and I thank the Life Section for introducing me to one of the most unique musical groups of the century.
Thank you to everyone at Life who gave me the confidence I needed to keep writing!
Noa Climor, SMOC (she/her/hers)
Honestly, this paper has helped me find my place at UConn, and it’s all thanks to the Life section! I met the kindest people and worked on some truly exciting articles, and it’s been wonderful to find such a fun community.
I have favorite moments more so than a favorite memory, and those are the “Lifebreakers” at the start of each meeting. Everyone is insanely funny and cool, and coming up with a silly response is the highlight of the meeting.
Thanks, Life! I’m excited for another semester. I give you all five big booms. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!