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Monday, May 11, 2026

Opinion: Columns

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Opinion

Finding hope as history repeats itself

How I wish I had better news. It’s Pride Month after all — one of many occasions throughout the year when we celebrate diversity in a world that doesn’t always embrace such a thing. I’m happier with myself than ever, living my truth has been a blessing, allowing me to thrive. Unfortunately, being happy with oneself, is a different thing from being happy with one’s situation, even further removed, being happy with the state of things.


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Opinion

We want a seat at the table

At first glance, most people I’ve met don’t realize I’m an Asian American, which led to my desire to embrace my Filipino identity. It pushed me to learn more about that side of my heritage. It was something I was proud to represent in my accomplishments, such as graduating high school and attending UF. 


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Opinion

It’s about time

Despite the enormous efforts the community has made to establish its presence, The Alligator has lacked consistent coverage of AAPI people in the Gainesville community. Admittedly, this is the result of an inconsistent amount of AAPI reporters on our staff from semester to semester.


Opinion

My life is really a slice-of-life movie

April 24, 2022, I got an email asking me to interview for The Alligator. A year later, I’m publishing my goodbye column in this semester’s final paper. My driver’s license might read the same name, but the kid who got that email isn’t the same as the one typing this column.


Opinion

The Alligator kept me sane

I’m leaving this place knowing I’ll miss it with every fiber of my being. And in all honesty, I’ll probably forget which stories we worked on, but I won’t forget how much I grew with you.


Opinion

If walls could talk

Those walls, though some now covered in mold, know The Alligator’s newsroom isn’t for the weak. It’s a pressure cooker of immensely talented, high-strung 20-somethings trying to launch a career in a field where you’re told to do cartwheels for pennies. 


Opinion

Dear diary, saying goodbye sucks

Two years ago, I thought I would stick with The Alligator right up until graduation, but sometimes finish lines come sooner than expected. I never wanted to be a name on the masthead, but sometimes cards just fall a certain way. 


Opinion

I am so tired

I could say I put in all this work to serve the UF and Gainesville communities, which would be noble. I could say I did it all for the clips and for a career after graduation, which would be cynical, but understandable in this dying industry. But neither is exactly true. I did it because the people around me were doing it.


Opinion

Look Mom, I’m in a newspaper

As a senior who always felt late to the game, I spent the last year hustling to catch up. It seemed like everyone started writing for The Alligator in their first year, interned at a newspaper in their second and had a job lined up by their last. But despite the setbacks, I’ve grown more this semester at The Alligator than any other. 


This gallery is a roundup of the best multimedia created for “Where We Stand” by The Alligator staff.
Opinion

Where We Stand

In a place like north central Florida, our connection to the environment is everything. It surrounds everyday life no matter who you are — a UF student here to get your degree and leave or a longtime Alachua County resident.


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Opinion

Before it’s too late

Before my generation, young people weren’t given a platform to share their lived experiences. With the rise of digital media, however, this dated norm is being erased. 


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Opinion

What Women’s History month looks like at UF

March marks a month to commemorate the transformative achievements of women to the world and even our very own university. Women’s History Month celebrates the observance and celebration of interventions made by women in our culture. 


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Opinion

Women’s History Month: What is UF standing for?

Despite how great we are, we are looked down upon when we exhibit natural human characteristics considered "unladylike." We’re criticized for not acting soft, pretty, gentle or caring. We're stripped from our feminine identity when we favor something or act in a way that’s stereotypically masculine. 


Florida defensive end Brenton Cox stands in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium during the Gators' 29-26 victory over the No. 7 Utah Utes Saturday, Sept. 3, 2023.
Sports

Where does Brenton Cox Jr. stand?

The pass rusher projected as a high day two prospect with the potential to move up in the draft; he’s a former five-star recruit with elite potential. However, recent concerns have caused Icarus to crash back to Earth.


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