Somehow, my time at the Massachusetts Daily Collegian is up. They say that time flies when you’re having fun, and if you know me, you know that I love a good cliché. In many ways, it feels like I just got started here, but, as I am legally obliged to do, I must finally press “log out.” So please, sit back, relax and get ready for a somewhat chaotic (yet hopefully kind of coherent) senior column.
How I got here
If you had told me four years ago that I would be sitting here now, writing this column, I probably would have laughed in your face. In fact, when I first got to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, I might as well have been a different person altogether. At the time, I had my heart set on becoming some big-name, high-level computer programmer (probably for Nintendo or something, at least in my wildest dreams) and fittingly, I declared a computer science major.
As I quickly learned, computer programming and I don’t exactly see eye-to-eye. Every day, I’d stay up into the wee hours of the night, practically begging my code to work as it should (spoiler alert, it rarely ever did). In between classes and homework, I’d spend my time complaining about my major on the phone to my parents, or I’d simply drive home to avoid being on campus. I needed a change, and fast.
Come second semester of my first year, I took English 112, UMass’s required freshman writing course. I always hated English class. Back in high school, I swore to all of my friends that once I was done with my schooling, I’d never pick up a pencil again. That sentiment didn’t age well at all and thank goodness for that.
Our final assignment in 112 involved writing a movie review, and in the most “me” way possible, I chose to analyze the certified dumpster fire that was the 2021 Amazon original film “Cinderella,” starring Camila Cabello. For a so-called non-writer, boy did I love writing that paper. Once I turned it in, my professor, Leah Barber, pushed me to keep going, suggesting I look into some of UMass’s many on-campus media outlets. Eventually, I made my way to the Collegian, my soon-to-be home for the next three years.
I remember the first time I walked into the Daily Collegian office. The feeling in the air was palpable. I’ll never forget it, although it’s nearly impossible to describe in words. I had come to the office for an opinion meeting, hoping to pitch a story about size inclusivity at the UMass Store. To my surprise, the horde of writers – packed into that little basement office like sardines – didn’t cast any judgmental glances or throw tomatoes at me when I spoke. Instead, I was validated, all by people I had never met before. It felt right, and it felt like I belonged.
My Op/Ed got published, and I knew I had found my home away from home. I became what I like to describe as an “all-around” writer for the Collegian, joining the Arts & Living and News sections. On a whim, I even joined the Social Media section, where I combined my love of all things Collegian with my (perhaps a bit unhealthy) love of internet culture.
Suddenly, it was all about numbers. Under the guidance of the incredible Kate Devitt, I learned the ins and outs of Canva and the high-and-mighty Instagram algorithm. Our Instagram page went from 2,500 followers to 3,000. Then, as I became the head social media editor, 3,000 became 4,500, and it’s still climbing to this day. It’s a crazy feeling to see that your work is being reached by so many, but it’s even more rewarding to see the Collegian’s talented journalists and photographers get the recognition, likes and reposts they deserve online.
I can’t wait to see where the Social Media team takes the paper next year. Nellie, I have full faith that you’re going to kill it as head social media editor.
Above all else, though, I think my biggest accomplishment at the Collegian was parading around the office, bothering as many people with my corny jokes as much as I possibly could. The people truly make the Collegian what it is, and if not for this (not-so) little school paper, I don’t know where I’d be.
A tribute to my friends
And now, we’ve arrived at the portion of this column where I attempt to thank the many wonderful people who’ve shaped my time at the Daily Collegian. If you’ve ever seen that clip of Jennifer Coolidge at the Emmys a few years ago trying to read a sprawling list of names, only to be cut off by the producers with a raucous musical score, you know how I’m feeling.
Daniel, when we first met at a Collegian news meeting two years ago, I never imagined how close we’d become. After countless nights filled with laughter, Jackbox and Poland Spring-fueled jokes, I somehow convinced you to become my roommate. In doing so, it created one of the strongest bonds I could possibly ask for. You might just be the smartest person I’ve ever met, always on top of every news story as it’s breaking. You’re going to be an astounding editor-in-chief next year.
Caitlin and Johnny, you’ve done such a tremendous job leading the Collegian. With your guidance, I’ve felt supported every step of the way, and that’s been truly invaluable. Kalina, seeing you fills my heart every time. You bring me so much joy, and I’m so proud of you for living, laughing and loving your way to the top.
To Katie, my twin, your friendship has made my senior year unforgettable. From spontaneous nights out on the town to laid-back movie marathons at my apartment, your easy-going spirit and willingness to spend time together has meant so much to me. To Abby Joyce, I sometimes swear that we share the same brain. There could be 100 people in a room who don’t understand my humor, but we can always count on each other to get our niche brainrot references.
From now on, whenever I sit down to watch “Saturday Night Live,” I’ll always think of you, Asha. Gustavo, that same sentiment goes for when I listen to “CHIHIRO” by Billie Eilish. And lest I forget the hit 2023 single “Strides” by Noddery, featuring vocals by the legend herself, Paige Hanson.
Abby Ikonen, while you’re technically not in the Collegian, your infectious energy has made you a favorite of just about everyone at this paper. I honestly don’t know if I could have made it through the past four years without you. From our Olympics watch parties to our weekly dorm parties, you’ll always be my ride or die.
There are so many people in this organization that I simply don’t have the word count to mention, but just know that I’m currently thinking about you (yes, you!) and the impact that you’ve made on me. Maybe I’ve picked up on one of your funny catchphrases, maybe you helped me in a time of need or maybe you just gave me a smile in the office and it brightened my day just a little bit more. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything.
The inevitable sad part
I’m a bit ashamed to admit it sometimes, but I’m definitely a Disney Adult. And as any fan of the House of Mouse knows, there’s always that moment in every Pixar film when things just get a little depressing. The colors fade away, it starts to rain and the violins start to play a melancholy tune. Picture that, but now in writing form.
I’ve always been a deeply insecure person, and a bit of a nervous wreck. Day-in and day-out, the little voice in my head seems to find a new way to broadcast worries and self-doubt into the forefront of my mind. There are days I wake up and wish that I could be anyone else – someone with a different body, or someone with a different personality. I try my best to never let it show. I smile. I stay positive. I tell jokes.
Despite that mental rain cloud over my brain, being surrounded by the people in the Collegian office made me feel comfortable in my own skin. I felt accepted without having to shrink myself down. I didn’t need to change for anyone. I wouldn’t trade that feeling for the world.
But now, it’s time to say goodbye. The Collegian has been such a mainstay in my life, and the thought of logging off for the last time makes my heart ache. Growing up just 40 minutes away from Amherst, going to UMass has always been at the top of my metaphorical vision board, and now I find myself at the end of my childhood self’s plan.
Everything in my life is about to change, and honestly, I’m terrified of it. The passage of time is as inevitable as it is frightening, and as unwilling as I am, I step into the great beyond that is “The Real World” trying to keep hold of every little memory this student publication has brought me. To everyone at the Collegian, I hope that I made you proud.
Oh, and don’t forget to follow @mdcollegian on Instagram.
Nathan Legare was the Head Social Media Editor. He can be reached at [email protected] and followed on X (formerly Twitter) @Legare_Nathan.
