I felt my first dose of imposter syndrome in college writing my application to be a Sports reporter with the Daily Bruin. I had to call my mom so she could explain the rules of football to me as I wrote a practice article for the application, a surefire sign I was qualified for the position. Read more...

Photo: Olivia Simons stands for a portrait. (Darlene Sanzon/Assistant Photo editor)

Working at the Daily Bruin gave me nightmares. This paper has given me nightmares for years – even before I became an editor. Here are some highlights: 2022-2023 Sports editor Sam Settleman requested a photo of his own face – rather than one of the athletes – for the gymnastics wrap’s A art. Read more...

Photo: Jeremy Chen stands for a portrait in front of Kerckhoff Hall. (Michael Gallagher/Assistant Photo editor)

In my application to join the Daily Bruin, I said that while my major may be political science, my heart was in journalism. And it was true. Read more...

Photo: Matthew Royer stands for a portrait in front of Kerckoff Hall. (Michael Gallagher/Assistant Photo editor)

“What are we having for dinner?” Throughout my childhood, I frequently posed the question to my mother hours before we would sit down to eat. Wanting to avoid accusations of being a picky eater, I would offer a follow-up statement. Read more...

Photo: Abigail Siatkowski smiles for a portrait in front of Kerckhoff Hall. (Darlene Sanzon/Assistant Photo editor)

I was supposed to go to law school. I even applied to law school. But this paper, man. Changed everything. Transferring to UCLA changed everything. I came to UCLA from UC Davis without any prior experience in journalism. Read more...

Photo: Sharla Steinman stands for a portrait. (Michael Gallagher/Photo Assistant editor)

“It’s a blessing in disguise.” My grandfather, an infallible optimist, would often fall back on this adage when life didn’t go as planned. Although I never met him, my mother would use this same phrase to console me growing up. Read more...

Photo: Aditi Kumar stands for a portrait in front of Kerckhoff Hall. (Michael Gallagher/Assistant Photo editor)

While I love sticky, warm summer days and the smell of saltwater and sunscreen, my mind can’t help but drift back to the events that unfolded less than a year ago and permanently altered my outlook on life. Read more...

Photo: Kirsten Brehmer’s grandma and mother are pictured holding her as a newborn baby. (Courtesy of Kristen Brehmer)