“Our ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment,” is a ubiquitous phrase in every media and advertising job posting.

Translation: We want you to go, go, go.

As cyclical as the industry is, there’s a reason for this, with constant new stories to cover and items to promote. But amidst the hustle and bustle, taking a moment to breathe and relish in the present is crucial.

I long to rewind time and revisit some of life’s unforgettable moments — like rewatching your favorite movie to catch those subtle details you missed the first time. There are snapshots in my memory that I hold dear, like the thrill of receiving an email from my editor informing me of the high readership of my first story, covering the 2021 Met Gala. Or the warmth of witnessing elderly couples tenderly embrace as I covered a jazz performance. Then, there was the pride of profiling a wellness entrepreneur who has since been honored with the Black Excellence award from the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus.

I cherish the camaraderie formed over friendly games of Kahoot and Jeopardy, where I got to know my colleagues beyond their articles. But alongside the highlights, there were also moments tinged with regret — like brilliant stories left unfinished due to time constraints or scrambling for photography due to a lack of planning.

Yet, perhaps my greatest regret is not seizing the opportunity to grab lunch or dinner with another editor or writer to chat and connect, all because of the lack of time.

I realized that time is not just a measure of seconds and minutes, but a precious gift to be treasured and savored. Amidst the chaos of deadlines and late nights, I found solace in the connections I had made. Each story and encounter left its mark on me, shaping me into the person I have become. I remember being a timid sophomore at the campus fair, feeling lost in the crowd. Now, as a senior, still timid (but I can hide it better), about to step into adulthood, the journey feels surreal.

In the bustling Massachusetts Daily Collegian newsroom, time played tricks on us all. Days stretched out endlessly, each filled with the hustle and bustle of deadlines and assignments. We poured over every story, agonizing over every word and detail as if our very lives depended on it. And yet, somehow, in the blink of an eye, the days melted into weeks, the weeks into months, and before we knew it, another year had slipped through our fingers.

One of the greatest highlights of this journey was the opportunity to design the Collegian art magazine alongside the exceptionally talented and dedicated Caitlin Reardon, our next Collegian editor-in-chief, and Shanti Furtado, an assistant multimedia editor and PR coordinator. Working on the magazine was both a labor of love and a lesson in patience. Time seemed to race by as we analyzed typography and layout, striving for perfection on every page.

Amidst the chaos, there were moments of stillness. Time seemed to stand still as we marveled at the visuals we worked so hard on.

Time is the most confounding thing in the world. We simultaneously wished for it to go faster when faced with mundane tasks yet longed for more of it when engrossed in something we loved. It is a paradox we grapple with daily and a dance of contradictions.

Thank you, Collegian, for reminding me to cherish every moment.

I hate you for the fleeting time I have left with the team.

You’ve shown me the intricate balance between racing against the clock and cherishing the moment, a wisdom I’ll hold close as I navigate life’s ever-shifting tides.

Samourra Rene was an Assistant Arts Editor. She can be reached at [email protected].