Rena Weafer, Editor-in-Chief
When I graduated high school, I knew I wanted to pursue writing, but I was unsure of what form. When my leader at freshman orientation told me about the Arts & Lifestyle section of The Mass Media, I found a way to practice my writing in a new way that incorporated my values. Amplifying artists and writers in my community became a vital practice in my everyday life. I met many people from our campus community and explored paths that would otherwise be unknown to me.
After becoming Arts Editor, I developed my advice column. I accepted submissions from students, but many advice articles were based around my personal experiences as a college student in Boston. Advice with the Arts Editor became a therapeutic way to vocalize my feelings while also helping other students. I still reflect on the emails from students voicing their appreciation for the discussion of mental health topics and expressing how my writing helped them through their problems.
As Editor-in-Chief, I learned more details behind the scenes of our campus life while navigating an explosive political climate. I am grateful for every person on The Mass Media team who helped us create reliable coverage for our campus community. I am also grateful for every faculty and staff member who reached out to express support for our paper. For the network I have built and the experiences who made me the writer I am, I will always be grateful for The Mass Media.
Naomi Bethune, Opinions Editor
Over the past two years, I’ve had the tremendous privilege of being a member of the Mass Media team. In the fall of 2023, during the spark of what would be increasing global political instability, I began writing opinions articles as a way of offering perspective on these events. As a student of philosophy and a lifelong creative writer, joining The Mass Media has granted me with the chance to draw stronger connections between the two. I’ve greatly enjoyed reporting on a variety of social and political topics, with each article introducing me to more information, altering my personal perspectives and creating a sense of solidarity with community struggles.
My time with The Mass Media has lead me directly into my post-graduate pursuits: starting in June, I will be working for The American Prospect as a John Lewis Writing Fellow, where I will continue to develop my journalistic skills. Without the support and guidance of my coworkers at Mass Media, I may not have discovered this incredible opportunity, let alone be privileged enough to participate in such a prestigious fellowship. My deepest gratitude goes out to all who make the Mass Media the formidable, unique publication that it is and will surely continue to be. I would also like to offer my everlasting thanks to those who have taken the time to read my pieces, who have supported my writing, and who have provided me with inspiration, confidence and guidance. You have all left me forever changed, which is one of the greatest gifts of all.
Mercy Moncada, Opinions Writer
No words can express how full my heart is with appreciation for The Mass Media and all of its readers. I’ve been writing here for two years, and within that time, I’ve written articles that have prompted some students to contact me with support or to express how they related to the content. This newspaper has made me feel like my voice was valued and heard, thanks to the support of the staff to the encouragement of the student body. I plan on continuing to write on my own after graduation, but I truly wouldn’t have the confidence to continue this path if it wasn’t for all of you. In the true words of PBS, our content here at The Mass Media is brought to you by readers like you — so thank you. It wouldn’t be possible for us to give the news and information we do if it weren’t for UMass Boston and its students. I hope you all continue to enjoy the articles in the newspaper, and of course, my support of The Mass Media’s remaining and new staff will be ongoing as an alumna. Thank you all again for taking the time to be on this journey with me, and I wish every single one of you nothing but the best!
Olivia Reid, Photography Editor
I’m a Communications major from Easton, Massachusetts. I joined The Mass Media in 2022 as a photographer and have proudly held the title of Photography Editor since 2023. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities and experiences I’ve gained during my time here. After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in the media and communications field while continuing my art. As a freelance photographer with a focus on concert and event photography, I’ve been fortunate to bring my passion and skills to The Mass Media and continue to grow creatively. One of the highlights of my journey was the unforgettable opportunity to photograph Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour on behalf of The Mass Media in May 2023. I’m especially thankful for the friendships, connections, and sense of community I’ve found here. Being part of such a dedicated and hardworking team has been a truly rewarding experience.