Dear Readers,
I started the year by asking students a question: What will you make of your power? As I reflect on the year, I am humbled by the perseverance, resilience and power the UP community showed through moments of joy, hardship and celebration.
Four years ago, when I became a news reporter as a first-year student, I had no idea where this journey would take me. I still remember walking into my first Beacon meeting, intimidated by the talented people around me, and still discovering my place on campus.
Like many students in clubs, organizations and other groups, we yearn to be a part of a community, many of us finding it here at UP.
I often think the perception on campus of The Beacon isn’t the greatest. We have made mistakes and continue to look for gaps in our coverage. However, for me, The Beacon has felt like a home, one that is made up of the stories of our community — I hold this dearly in my heart, and I couldn’t have lived without it during my time here.
Over the last four years, dozens of students have worked tirelessly to uphold The Beacon’s mission of seeking the truth. Oriented by social justice and the inherent dignity of all, I believe the journalists at The Beacon have collectively looked to rewrite injustices by shining the light of truth. Storytelling is a powerful tool, and I believe it is sacred to those who embody the ethics and principles of journalism.
My junior year, I wrote about how stories shape us and therefore shape the way we change the world. My mission, then and now in my work, is that change happens when we use our voices to empower the lived experiences of others. In doing so, we bring attention to how systems of oppression exist within this institution. Our voices can call upon the student body to stand up against the inexcusable actions of those in power. We learn how others have transformed their pain into doing good for this world.
I see this reflected in our coverage this year. We’ve shed light on a decade-long battle for visibility, the effects of the Trump administration’s actions, the living conditions of students, the tragedies we face, the injustices our brothers and sisters face and the safety of students. We’ve shed light on the talents of our student body, faculty accomplishments, the importance of community and more.
To the UP community and those who vulnerably shared their stories with us: I cannot thank you enough for your trust. I am beyond grateful for your belief in us; it is the reason we keep doing what we do. At a time when student media and freedom of the press are under attack, your support allows us to keep pushing through the bumps in the road.
To staff and faculty: I am incredibly grateful to have met so many of you during my time at UP. Thank you for being available to weigh in and for allowing our coverage to be more robust. Many of you have extremely busy schedules, families and partners — and you almost always responded to a Beacon email promptly and were happy to do so. Thank you so much for your support and the flexibility you gave us as students.
To the UP administration: The summer before I became editor-in-chief, I had the opportunity to intern for Street Roots. My editor and colleagues had an unwavering commitment and dedication to the resilient, joyous group of vendors who sold our papers in the streets to make a wage, many of whom are homeless or live on the streets. This experience changed my life and informed my pursuit of truth, reporting and editorial direction for the year. Thank you for your reciprocity, even when our questions were challenging.
To my staff: I am so proud of you. I have seen all of you grow into diligent and caring reporters. It seems like just yesterday I was teaching many of you how to write a nutgraf, what quotes you should or shouldn’t put in your stories, and many of you now will be doing the same thing for the next group of reporters to carry on The Beacon’s legacy. I believe in all of you. I want you to believe in yourselves and do the right thing when it’s asked of you.
To my editorial board: You are the most talented, hardworking people I know. I am amazed how you stepped up to the plate this year, many of you as first-time editors. And I know, I drove you crazy. But I asked you what was necessary to look back and say, ‘Wow, we did that.’ You should all be proud of yourselves and the legacy you leave behind. Julianna, thank you for your patience and heart. Riley, thank you for being my devil's advocate and saving grace. Tiffany, thank you for bringing your most authentic self. Natalie, thank you for your brilliance. Maggie, thank you for your dedication and strength. Naara, thank you for your flexibility and commitment. Netty, thank you for being you, always. Camille, I always knew you had a special gift for storytelling; I am so proud of you, my little sister. Good luck next year.
To Nancy: Oh, Nancy. It seems we’ve been through it all together. You are the reason I am a journalist. So many times I doubted I could do this, and you were always in my corner, believing I could do it. I remember confiding in you and am so lucky to have done so. I owe you my career. I couldn’t have done this the last four years without you, and I am excited to be closing this era together. Thank you so much.
All that is left to say is goodbye.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Cortez
Kimberly Cortez was the 2024-25 Editor-in-Chief at The Beacon. They can be reached at cortez25@up.edu.
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