My hand shot up to take a news pitch at my first Globe meeting. Little did my freshman self know, no one else was actually going to take the smoking story, anyway.I always knew I wanted to be at the top, editor-in-chief, but deep inside—and I let little people know this before now—I was afraid of leadership. How could I hold a candle to the great editors of the past few years? I could be taught and I could be encouraged, but could I really teach and encourage others?Last semester really sealed the deal. Yes, I could. Problem solving last minute was a slap in the face. We had so many changes to get used to and most of the seasoned editors graduated. I can time manage and handle stress like the secretary to the editor on “The Devil Wears Prada”…except I am the editor.I guess you could call it baptism by fire. But I came out a seasoned editor myself along with the editor-in-chief who is a great friend, mentor and roommate. I’ve never looked up to someone so much in life. I owe much of what I know now to her.I learned that thinking like the reader is key. I know you really want to know what is going on behind the scenes, and that’s why I want to bring back the legacy The Globe held with its investigative, in-depth—and carefully unbiased—reporting.I’m doing this because I love being a journalist, giving my time to incite discussion among my peers and university faculty along with the Downtown community. What a fulfilling job. From the fun feature to the stressful, yet exciting, news article…I haven’t found my niche quite yetThis job is more than just a single line on my resume. Every decision I make will have its repercussions. It could be a simple AP style check to decisions on how we are going to cover a sensitive or controversial issue or what we put on the front page. I’m not only sustaining a reputation, but I’m also forging a staff of writers and editors in a stage where their minds are wide open for guidance and growth. They will no doubt be teaching me. I’m already seeing potential beyond what I could have ever achieved at their stages.I’m young for an editor, but I feel like I have experienced a decade of communication skills jam packed in these few years of college.Our staff is new once again. But with a new staff comes the opportunity to forge a community—a welcoming community for every major, especially freshmen that need a place to belong.I know I was a bit strange as a freshman with my ambition. Even my roommate thought I was crazy. But I feel like I do have at least one thing in common with newcomers to this school. I was afraid of the ultimate challenge, and that can be different for everyone. It be could simply coming up to the office to introduce yourself. The solution is feeling comfortable in a community that accepts you and having mentors who will guide you. The Globe is the whole deal. It’s not just a college newspaper; it’s a place to make friends.Starting now you will be continuously challenged throughout your life, but once you catch that ambition bug and get involved, you will start to see your name in print. There’s no feeling quite like being a part of something…and this is your first step.