I’ve always enjoyed doodling, drawing eyes, stars, and flowers all over my notebooks in middle school. However, I had already decided that my “thing” would be jewelry making, and that I didn’t have the time for yet another hobby. 

When I joined the Liberator team in sophomore year as a staff writer, I was intimidated by the lead editors. The process was stressful, but manageable: I was assigned a story topic, I wrote the story, and I submitted my final draft to the editors for further revision. My first semester passed by without a hitch, but I began to feel bored with the two articles per quarter that all staffers did. At the same time, I became friendly with the graphics editors, Asha and Amelia. 

Asha was a senior, and Amelia was planning to become a lead editor next year. They encouraged me to apply for the empty graphics editor position; while I had no idea what I was doing, I had an iPad, stylus, and a willingness to give digital art a shot. After all, there’s no such thing as too many hobbies. 

I had big shoes to fill during junior year, but I settled into a comfortable routine. I enjoyed making editor’s requests come to life and seeing the pages filled with color after printing. Being a graphics editor was stressful at times, but the Liberator team is adaptable and always willing to help. 

Among the rise of AI-generated images, I am so thankful that the LASA Liberator has resolved to remain entirely made by humans. The LASA Liberator is in good hands, and I look forward to seeing how each new artist decides to leave their stylistic mark on the paper. 

Although I will greatly miss my sewing machine, bead boxes, and paints with me during my year abroad, my trusty iPad and stylus will remain stored in my backpack, ready for a new sketch or doodle at any moment.