Before my first copyediting shift in my freshman year, I remember sitting in Whitney reading through AP style rules out of anxiety. I didn’t have journalism experience, but I had applied after my DC copy editing predecessor and sister, Kayla, strongly recommended I (forced me to) get involved with the on-campus organization. As per usual, my sister was right, and joining The Daily Campus was one of the most impactful decisions of my college career.
From 1 a.m. production nights to debates over stylistic guidelines, working at the DC was always a highlight of my week. With one earbud in — usually listening to a film soundtrack song on my copy editing playlist — I made countless memories in our small office, now permanently set to cinematic scores in my brain. The community created through the newspaper made shifts fly by and gave me a sense of belonging here at the University of Connecticut.
So, in true Life fashion, I’ll break down my gratitude for many who contributed to my DC experience by songs from my copyediting playlist.
“Finale” by Justin Hurwitz
This jazz banger from the movie “Babylon” is an apt representation of my brain during a late-night rush to finish pages, so it is only fitting that I attribute it to the production team. I was lucky to spend many of my college milestones, from holidays — like Scampus — to the national championship my first year, with such an amazing group. To the executive board members who created such a welcoming space, I am grateful for your leadership. Taylor, my copyediting and barista buddy, I will forever cherish our chats and endless references to the Tim Robinson drive-thru sketch. Naiiya, your impromptu visits were always the best part of my shift. A bonus song is “Portals” by Alan Silvestri for the second shift copy editors; 8:00 p.m. crew, on your left!
“Test Drive” by John Powell
This musical masterpiece from “How to Train Your Dragon” encapsulates the passion and incredible storytelling abilities of the DC writers, artists and photographers. It was a privilege to read articles and admire the art and photos that taught me so much about myself and the world, as well as what songs I needed to add to my queue. All my sports knowledge can be credited to the articles I’ve read at the DC, and I could even confidently hold a conversation about March Madness by this past season. The future is certainly bright for the future of journalism with the DC staff taking flight after graduating.
“Prelude” by The Blasting Company
A song from the television show “Over the Garden Wall” — a fantastical coming-of-age story about two siblings — was a necessary pick to thank my sisters, Kayla and Gabby. While only one of them worked at the DC, my weekly calls with them while walking back from copy editing are essentially an extension of my shift. Kayla, thank you for always answering my frantic messages about AP style and for copy editing this article! Gabby, thanks for never answering my calls (Seriously, respond to me!). I wouldn’t want to navigate the Unknown with anyone else.
“Step Out” by José González
Originating from the movie “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” — which, serendipitously, is about the love and passion put into magazine production — this song reminds listeners to leave their comfort zone and act on their dreams. In graduating from UConn, the memories I will carry with me are those I made at the DC. I have everyone in our humble newsroom to thank for my newfound willingness to explore my passions — to take leaps, even when I’m stressed out of my mind, frantically memorizing AP state abbreviations over Friday French toast sticks and a Whitney dining hall omelet from Bobbi.
This musical montage of my past three years at the DC is, much like the magazine issue released at the end of “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” dedicated to the people who made it — not just our newspaper, but my formative, forever-cherished experience here at UConn.