When I first started drafting this column, I found myself wishing that I had some beautiful story to explain why I applied to the Daily Bruin. But as I thought about it more, I realized it’s the story of why I stayed – why I came back day after day and year after year – that matters far more to me.

During my four years with the paper, I gained a profound understanding of who I am – what kind of storyteller, what kind of leader, what kind of listener I am and what truly drives and inspires me. Most importantly, I learned what my mission and purpose in this world will be.

I started my journey as an intern for the PRIME magazine, but the first article I wrote set in motion my choice to take a different path.

The goal for the piece was to explore the immense amount of work that goes into maintaining UCLA’s beautiful campus, a day-in-the-life of UCLA groundskeepers. But during my first interview, I discovered serious issues with understaffing, overworking and broad dissatisfaction among the groundskeepers; I knew right away that I wanted the piece to focus on these concerns.

However, the article turned out far fluffier than I intended, because I was allowed to speak only with the grounds supervisor instead of the actual groundskeepers. At the time, I also lacked the right avenues and skills necessary to fully investigate the issues raised.

I received harsh criticism for the piece. One of the groundskeepers wrote that giving the credit to the grounds supervisor was “an insult to the people who actually do the work and get no recognition,” and deemed the article “false praise and fake news.”

His words knocked me off balance – largely because I completely agreed.

I was, without a doubt, proud of the article, but I was also deeply unsatisfied with it. It felt like a half-story, hinting at serious issues but refusing to give them the attention they deserve.

I continued writing for PRIME that year, but my dissatisfaction still gnawed at me. So, when the opportunity to get involved with the Bruin’s investigations section fell in my lap that summer, I did not hesitate.

I joined Justin Huwe and Zinnia Finn, my two wonderful mentors, on a journey to breathe new life into the dying section – Enterprise. I began the work that has come to define who I am today.

As a listener, I discovered the importance of demonstrating attentiveness, not only with open ears, but also with an open heart. I learned to be an illuminative listener rather than an extractive one, asking questions that encourage intensely raw responses and ease sources into uncomfortable conversations.

I learned to put kindness first in every conversation, listening while my sources got choked up sharing devastatingly intimate personal stories, while they cursed or shouted in frustration and while they awkwardly laughed off an upsetting memory.

As a storyteller, I learned how to weave together personal anecdotes, documented information and data in a way compelling enough to demand accountability and change from systems of power.

In much of my life, I am perceived as an agreeable, non-confrontational person.

But in my enterprise articles, my voice is stronger than ever – empowered by the vulnerability of my sources and the trust they place in me to do their stories justice.

I have never thought of myself as much of a leader, but as Enterprise editor, I found I am able to inspire others through honesty and personal connection. I speak candidly with my writers, sharing the mistakes I’ve made, the lessons I’ve learned and the sincere excitement I feel for the work – encouraging them to embrace the many learning curves and find joy in the day-to-day tasks.

Although I am now moving on from the Bruin, the intense passion for accountability and justice-related work I’ve discovered will undoubtedly continue to guide every choice I make. I feel tremendously grateful for everything I have learned along the way, both about myself and investigative journalism, and I am proud to be in the company of so many wonderful people at the Bruin.

To my incredible DOES (Data, Online, Enterprise and Social editors) – you have all made this year so special. I will cherish the memories we’ve made together, and I cannot wait to see what these next few years have in store for each of you.

And to my extraordinary fellow investigators, I admire each and every one of you. I am so proud of everything we have accomplished together.

Lex Wang and Joan Thyagarajan, thank you for leading this beautiful section with me.

Tzung was Enterprise editor 2024-2025, assistant Enterprise editor 2023-2024, Enterprise team lead 2022-2023 and a Prime contributor 2021-2022.