There’s an old New York Times column that I re-read every once in a while. It’s all about the ways in which we reveal ourselves to others, and how that vulnerability creates room for the kind of relationships that aren’t dependent on perfection, but on acceptance. As this lede suggests, I am quite fond of this piece, but the final sentence is my favorite part — “If we want the rewards of being loved, we have to submit to the mortifying ordeal of being known.” This line was one of the first things that came to mind as I thought about how to put my time at The Cavalier Daily, easily one of the most formative periods of my life, into words.
The Cavalier Daily taught me that real, meaningful connection isn’t about simply being present or playing it safe. It requires openness, sincerity and the courage to be seen as you truly are, flaws and all. In pushing me to embrace that vulnerability, The Cavalier Daily has brought me people who have shown me that true belonging can only come when you lead with authenticity. Because, as cliché as it is, the people make the place. And the people at this place have taught me that letting others in, while not always easy, is always worth it.
The fall of my second year I was having, hyperbolically speaking, a crisis. After realizing that biology was not for me at the end of first year — another cliché, sorry — I was in the midst of a mission to figure out what it was I actually wanted to do. I thought, as someone who enjoyed writing in all capacities, joining the college newspaper was a good place to start…