Looking back at my memorable stories

As I write this column, I’m missing my last class as an
undergraduate to meet the noon deadline. It’s rather
fitting.

I have learned a lot during my time at UCLA. For example, as an
anthropology student, I can give a spiel about mega-fauna and the
Upper Paleolithic if need be.

But I have also learned to prioritize. And today is not the
first time I’ve put The Bruin at the top of the list.

Looking back at the last four years, UCLA has been quite a
journey. And like any trip, the quality is heavily dependent on
what you choose to do and whom you do it with. Where you are is
merely a formality.

In the same way people keep travel diaries and buy souvenir shot
glasses to mark the places they have been, I have stacks of
newspapers at my apartment, starting with the one I picked up on my
first tour of UCLA, that do the same for me ““ they mark my
time here.

I remember the last four years through the Daily Bruin’s
coverage. In a sense, my memory is a jumble of headlines, stories
and photos. Occasionally, some of my own bylines made the cut.

Among my many pages are stories about the California recall, a
presidential election and a war.

Just as memorable is the cold night spent in a tent with
students fighting for a diversity requirement, and I will always
have the story of the homeless guys I went to dinner with on a
summer night.

By looking through these old papers, I not only remember all the
“important” stuff, I also remember my own years
here.

The Bruin has taught me to seize the moment, to keep my ground
while being sensitive to others, and to challenge what I’m
told.

Through reporting and editing, I have also learned countless
facts about UCLA and new things about myself. I’ve even been
called the staff mom or grandma on a few occasions.

But on top of it all, I’ve learned that it’s OK to
take chances, it’s important to think outside the box, and
it’s necessary to trust others.

Coming to college, I could not have imagined what it would be
like to graduate.

As I walked away from Kerckhoff one last time, I couldn’t
help but get teary-eyed. I spent hours thinking about stories we
told and ones we never got around to.

Graduation gives us a chance to start another voyage. The open
road is inviting, and it’s priceless to be able to look back
at what you’ve accomplished, even if the tangible evidence is
recyclable.

Like many others in my position, I’m walking away from
here with a fuzzy idea as to where I’m going. But I can tell
you this: It has been one heck of a ride.

Zohoury has also served as a news writer and an assistant
news editor. She would like to thank the Bruin staff for driving
her insane while keeping her sane at the same time.