Growing up, teachers loved to remind us that as students, school was our job. If we failed to turn in our homework, they would sweetly chastise us by saying, "Would your parents ever not go to work in the morning?" We all knew the answer to that.
But what these teachers failed to mention is that when you get to college, the situation gets murkier. If school is a full-time job, then how are you supposed to work that random desk job to make extra money, chair two committees, and still find time to socialize? Finding the answer to that scheduling dilemma has plagued me for the past four years.
As each quarter began and first week turned into midterms, which spiraled into finals week, I always thought hopefully to the quarter ahead. I thought about how I would be taking fewer classes, or working fewer hours, or not have to worry about applying for this job or that internship. Next quarter, I’d say to myself, "I will have sooo much free time." Next quarter, I would promise, "I will finally have more time to commit to the Daily Bruin."
Then the next quarter began, and those large gaps of freedom during the day suddenly filled up with commitments that never ceased to surface. And for quarter after quarter, the one thing I wanted to do ““ write for the newspaper ““ constantly eluded me.
Copy editing had stable hours, so I tried my hand at that and enjoyed it, but it still wasn’t quite what I was looking for. Then finally, winter of my junior year, I trained for sports. My five-story legacy that year is sure to be forgotten, but at least I was on my way.
This year, my numbers weren’t much better. Senior year, which I imagined would be the easiest year ever, quickly became the busiest. But I managed to write a few articles each quarter, and though my list of subjects is short, it is memorable. I got to interview famous actors, inspiring students, and even my literary idol. With each story I improved my reporting and writing skills a tiny bit more, and each morning when a story ran I would eagerly head toward the nearest newsstand and rip the paper open in excitement.
The Bruin did not define my UCLA career, but I will never forget the memories I made in those windowless Kerckhoff offices, surrounded by some of the most dedicated students I’ve ever met. And after four years of juggling school, work and the Bruin, I still didn’t figure out what my "job" was supposed to be; but it doesn’t matter now ““ I have a real job to find.
Randazzo was a Copy editor from 2005 to 2007, and contributed to Sports and Arts & Entertainment.