Hello, my name is Victoria Valenzuela. I am an incoming junior with a major in media studies and minors in intercultural global studies, urban studies and critical race and ethnic studies. I am also the incoming Executive Editor of the Clarion.

Unfortunately, I was never a part of my high school’s newspaper or yearbook because I was afraid. I didn’t like my writing. But when I got to DU, I had an awakening. I was no longer going to hide behind my camera, and the Clarion gave me the opportunity to branch out. Since then I have definitely grown, and I went from a contributing photographer to an Executive Editor. I’m proud to say that I’ve written 15 pieces and made countless edits for the Clarion.

I know that I’m not perfect and in the words of the great Hannah Montana, “nobody’s perfect,” but that’s a good thing. It’s why we tell stories. Assent and dissent are interesting. But stories cannot be told without the story or the storyteller. We, the writers and the readers, are dependent on each other. So as the readers, you need to tell us what you think, recommend changes, suggest topics for discussion or become storytellers as well.

As your Executive Editor, I plan on reviving the Clarion’s social media (shameless plug: follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest and like us on Facebook @duclarion), strengthening the connection between journalists and readers as well as the connection between contributing writers and section editors and improving the overall quality of the content we publish.

My plan, alongside Editor-in-Chief Hannah Branit, is different and ongoing. Put simply, we want to improve any and every aspect of the Clarion we see fit—or that the community demands—in order to leave behind a strong foundation for the future.

I’m going to leave you with this little piece of advice: don’t be afraid to share your story, voice your opinion and exceed your potential, whether that be in the classroom or at a Clarion meeting.

Sincerely yours,

Victoria Valenzuela

Executive Editor