The most enjoyable I’ve ever had was in The Alligator’s workplace

My time with The Independent Florida Alligator was outlined by love and laughter.

Yes, I spent numerous early mornings, late nights and short-lived weekends stressing, complaining and typically crying over looming deadlines, a brutal information cycle or unedited drafts. But this newsroom gave me the group I wanted once I reluctantly moved to Gainesville in Fall 2022, and it fostered friendships that may final till the tip of time. 

I had the respect of spending six semesters with probably the most comical, cool and inventive folks I’ve ever met. Despite our variations and disagreements, we shared the frequent goal of holding scholar journalism afloat. I prefer to assume we had enjoyable whereas doing so.

Something particular occurs whenever you put a horde of scholar journalists right into a newsroom workplace collectively. It’s a type of magic which you could’t discover wherever else. Being a scholar journalist is exhausting. This business requires sacrifice and thick pores and skin. Blood, sweat and tears are inevitable. But the folks make it price it.

To my companions in crime, Alissa Gary and Zoey Thomas, you made me really feel beloved and supported once I wanted it probably the most. From the second we broke out into our first spherical of giggle suits throughout employees interviews, I knew we have been in for semester collectively. Being your digital managing editor was every thing I ever needed.

Alissa, I look as much as you a lot. Your fixed composure, even within the face of panic and issues, is exceptional. If your dream was to be The Alligator’s editor-in-chief, my dream was to serve by your facet. 

Zoey, my good information prodigy, thank goodness for Norman Lewis’ courses. The smartest thing to return out of that class was this friendship. Empathy is without doubt one of the world’s strongest instruments, and also you wield it with grace and energy. The Alligator is in good arms.

Corey Fiske, despite the fact that you didn’t bear in mind me after residing in the identical freshman 12 months dorm corridor and finding out overseas collectively in Italy, I hope you understand how excited I used to be to grow to be your buddy this semester. Your giggle is infectious, and your one-liners are at all times on level. And thanks for the do-it-yourself brownies. I actually wanted these.

Juliana DeFilippo, for those who have been a “My Little Pony” character, your cutie mark trait can be candor. I’ll miss the quizzical look you give once I say one thing that doesn’t make any sense. 

Shaine Davison, our resident DJ and tea vendor, you could be well known on your humor, however I’ll bear in mind you on your resilience and musical expertise. Ben Platt higher be careful.

Noah Lantor, please by no means change. Your ambition and go-getter perspective will take you far. Hopefully down the highway our paths will cross once more, and we are able to cut up a Twix bar. Shoot for the celebrities, my buddy.

Sydney Johnson, you outline what it means to be a lady boss. You ran our multimedia desk just like the Navy. Our photographers, videographers and designers have been fortunate to work below your tutelage. I hope they know that.

Vera Lucia Pappaterra — oh, how far now we have come. Watching you develop as a reporter and now as an editor has been among the many highlights of my faculty profession. You are fearless. After three semesters spent working with you, I’m glad to say you now not scare me.

Maria Avlonitis, you’re a powerhouse, and we thrived as a result of we had you on our group. You are the superhero who answered our cry for assist, and your dedication to your reporters and to this paper impressed us all to work tougher.

Pristine Thai, our resident cat woman and AP fashion sorceress, I really like you dearly. Thank you on your unusual commentary, which is eternally preserved within the quote bag. No matter the place we go in life, I do know you’ll at all times be stalking my iPhone location.

Luke Adragna, you’re the brother I by no means had however at all times needed. Your compassion, endurance and type presence was a help system I relied on all through this semester, even for those who didn’t understand it. Thank you for making me smile.

Mandy Roman, our quiet warrior. Our motley crew might be loud and overwhelming, however you preserved an aura of calm and collectedness. Every newsroom wants that anchor.

And, Megan Howard, I belief you’ll maintain the newsroom accountable and welcome the following group with open arms. In the meantime, please chorus from any fistfights with social media influencers. Stay fierce.

In abstract, it’s the those that make the quietly growing older newsroom on Southwest thirteenth Street come to life. This place gave me hope once I felt misplaced, and it reignited my confidence once I was frightened. It gave me a household.

Thank you, The Independent Florida Alligator, for being probably the most enjoyable I’ve ever had.

Sophia Bailly was the Fall 2025 digital managing editor. 

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