A Farewell Letter: Why I Love My Job

Dear readers,

For those of you returning, I appreciate your sustained readership, and for those of you who are perhaps viewing our newspaper for the first time, I encourage you to stay. I ask that you continue exploring all that has been said here — and all the wonderful things to come. There's a lot of beauty in it.

I’ve worked at the Exponent since the spring of 2023 — nearly three years ago. I joined the ranks as a Sports & Outdoors writer, a position I held for three semesters, and became a section editor in the Fall of 2024. After a year on the leadership team, I was fortunate enough to be selected for my current position as Managing Editor. All the while, I have grappled with a personal conundrum, one I still have trouble reconciling: Am I in this for the right reasons?

It would be easy for me to sit here and laud the fourth estate for enforcing accountability — for keeping the powerful in line, and ensuring that truth remains accessible to all people. Don’t be mistaken, I have the utmost reverence for these principles. It’s truly an honor to succeed the incredible lineage of reporters who’ve defended the essential freedoms that afford me this position. There is a reason the First Amendment comes first — this much I know.

However, when I reflect on my experience at the Exponent, this truth is not the first thing that comes to mind. Instead, I feel inclined to celebrate a more personal victory — selfish as it may be. Journalism has allowed me to connect with whatever subcultures, organizations or individuals I deem interesting. I get paid to meet people — to go on adventures and tell profound stories.

 I remember when I started in 2023, and my section editor was teaching me how to reach out to sources. “As a journalist, it is kind of your job to be annoying,” he said. While I found his instructions humorous at the time, I didn’t realize how important they really were. I can talk to anyone. It's trite because it's true: Strangers are friends you haven’t met yet, and reporting, in many ways, is an antidote to social anxiety. It's a remedy to the inhibition that paralyzes us and muffles our inspiration. It's an escape from quiet desperation — the confidence I always needed, but didn’t know I had.

For me, the Exponent has brought this revelation to light. I will boldly move forward with my career in journalism, consoled by love. There is no greater privilege than this incredible life I lead, alongside the colorful cast of characters who texture its every surface. I will live a thousand lives, and grow acquainted with the many sinners and saints who walk this Earth. And in their stories, I will see myself, and carry a piece of them with me. 

I want to thank everyone who made this experience so rewarding. I love you all.

Will Malizia