Hello readers,
I bring to you the last edition of the newspaper of the semester, as well as my last edition as Co-Editor. Being the Co-Editor of the newspaper has taught me what it truly means to take a chance on myself.
On my 18th birthday, after the first class of my undergraduate career, I stormed up to the Fine Arts building looking for Dr. Jenks. Once I found his office, it was a matter of seconds for me to introduce myself, put myself out there, and ask how I could be a writer for the paper.
In my first semester, I started off as a contributing writer and was promoted to staff writer. By my second semester I was part of the editorial board as Copy Editor. By my sophomore year I was Co-Editor.
It took a lot of courage and hard work for me to accept each role. I want to maintain the courage that I had at 18 and not let it waver.
For the comments that I have faced directly and indirectly about my identity and the pushback that I have received after the recent stories I’ve written, this is a reminder: I am a bilingual, bicultural, Mexican American woman.
Your lack of acceptance of diversity and cultures, and your attempts to make me feel incapable are fruitless. No me puedes detener y no me puedes intimidar. Yo sé que puedo. Que al fin, soy una Carreño.
I also want this to be an example for others. You are more than capable of anything you set yourself out to do. Don’t doubt yourself. The way to create change in the world starts with you.
To add, at the core of it all, what kept me going despite my very complicated schedule, classes, involvements, and personal life, was my true love for writing, research, and learning.
I took my 3 and a half years at Dominican and ran with any and all opportunities that were given to me. Obviously, I could have never done it alone.
To the Dominican Star Staff, you are incredibly amazing, and I know you’ll do a great job to continue to provide excellent reporting to everyone at Dominican.
To the professors and mentors that have guided, encouraged, and helped me countless times, thank you a million: Dr. John Jenks, Dr. Tracy Caldwell, Dr. Persis Driver, Dr. Kelly Burns, and the entire Stars Connect Team.
To my family and friends, thank you for supporting me, loving me, and hearing me rant about everything. Thank you for giving me space to be my authentic and true self.
And for everyone graduating, we did it! I know we will all continue to grow and flourish in ways we could never have imagined.
So, thank you, readers. For caring, for staying informed, and for keeping us busy. I could never have done this without you.
For the last time, your editor.
Xoxo,
Betsy Carreño
