It’s difficult to imagine my college experience without The Alligator.
I applied to The Alligator to become a copy editor over a year ago as a last-minute decision, kicking off what would become one of the most rewarding times of my life.
I joined the paper because of my interests in editing, but as a biology major, it was unfamiliar territory. Newspaper publishing was completely foreign to me.
I felt out of place at first. My inexperience was evident due to my lack of knowledge about AP Style terminology or journalism practices. However, the environment at The Alligator couldn’t have been more welcoming and accommodating to newcomers like me. The community of people who work here is wonderful in helping beginners adjust to the ins and outs of a paper.
Despite my uncertainty and trepidation, working at The Alligator became a part of my weekly routine. Copy calls, communicating with editors and reporters and chatting with others in the office became commonplace for me. What was once unfamiliar became so second nature that weeks off felt strange.
And I was always itching to go back.
I’ve loved being the copy desk chief this past semester, and I’m grateful to the people who helped me grow in this leadership role. Reflecting on not only the past semester, but my entire time at the paper, I truly feel proud to have been a part of something a lot bigger than myself.
I want to thank the talented people I’ve worked with, and a special shoutout to my managing editors, Bailey Diem and Zan Valere, and of course, my editor-in-chief, Delia Rose Sauer.
To my truly dedicated copy editing team, thank you so much for your hard work this past semester. It’s been so rewarding to see you grow alongside me. To Pristine Thai, Sofia Bravo, Macy Martin, Cristal Diaz and Sebasthiane Brakha, I can’t wait to see you thrive in both your academic and professional journeys.
I’m going to miss The Alligator, but most of all, I’ll miss the people working here.
To anyone outside of the journalism field considering joining, please apply, and don’t miss out on the chance to dive into a different experience and make lasting memories.
I never would’ve anticipated that my last-minute decision to leave my comfort zone would play out this well. I am departing The Alligator knowing it changed me for the better.
Jin-Hee Lee was the Summer 2025 Copy Desk Chief.
