With The Beacon celebrating its 75th anniversary, we wanted to share our thoughts on the paper. This paper has given us a lot. It has given us a fucked sleep schedule, unrelenting stress, a love for 172 we wouldn’t have had without our lovely office and common view, but most importantly, this paper has given us, well, us. The Beacon brought us all together and after spending probably over 100 hours together, it has made us so much more than “The Berkeley Beacon Editorial Staff.” 

So, we thank this paper for giving us clips and each other. Here’s to 75 years and many, many more. 

Lucia Thorne, Editor-in-Chief 

I can’t say I’m a fan of staying up till 5 a.m. on Wednesday nights, but like, y’all are cool I guess. All jokes aside, I would not have learned or evolved this much as a journalist without this paper and my talented fellow staffers. Love y’all and couldn’t do this without you. <3

Camilo Fonseca, Content Managing Editor 

Not only has this paper given me the most hands-on experience in journalism, it’s the whole reason I’m a journalist in the first place. These caffeine-fueled production nights may be long, but there’s nowhere else I’d rather spend them, and no other staff I’d rather spend them with.

Shannon Garrido, Content Managing Editor

​​The Beacon gave me good times with good people, for free.

Campbell Parish, Magazine Editor and Operations Managing Editor 

All of the many late nights were worth it to meet all of these incredible people. Being surrounded by individuals who push me has made me the journalist I am today. I have grown and been challenged by this organization and the people involved. So much love to you all <3

Marcus Cocova, Multimedia Managing Editor

Most pursuits in life seem pointless and disappointing. Being able to produce journalism is the only good fight there is. I’m glad The Beacon is here to be one of the few things that feels meaningful. 

Frankie Rowley, News Editor 

While The Beacon and I have had our disagreements, I owe so much to this paper. I truly do not think I would be where I am without it. I describe The Beacon as a “mini Boston Globe” when trying to explain what it’s like—this paper will break you. It’s long hours, late nights, and adopting a part-time job that doesn’t pay you. But it’s worth it. 

I love you guys, big thanks to The Beacon for you all, and for subtly making me hate the news. <3

Bailey Allen, Deputy Enterprise News Editor 

There’s something so cool about putting hard work into a story and seeing it in print the next morning. With The Beacon, I’ve interviewed so many people with interesting stories and I’ve learned an incredible amount from my fellow editors. Although we spend way too many late nights in the newsroom, I secretly love it. The news never sleeps, right?

Vivi Smilgius, Deputy Express News Editor

I had simultaneous introductions to Boston, Emerson, The Beacon, and all its lovely staff. I’m so grateful to have met these people and shared this paper. <3

Adri Pray, Assistant Express News Editor 

Going from correspondent to editor in the span of two semesters was an intense and sudden change. I’m thankful I had a paper full of people to help me realize my potential.

Abigail Lee, Assistant Enterprise News Editor

I never know what to expect from The Beacon, and that’s the beauty of it. I’m grateful to learn from everyone, and I look forward to what the future holds. 

Karissa Schaefer, Living Arts Editor

I don’t know if I’d evolve this far as a journalist without The Beacon. Both as a writer and a collaborative member of a news team, I’m grateful for the one-of-a-kind experience. I will continue to write from LA in the fall—The Beacon cannot get rid of me.

Hannah Nguyen, Deputy Living Arts Editor

My experience as a Beacon staff member has been a rollercoaster of emotions, and I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given and the people I’ve met so far.

Hadera McKay, Opinion Editor 

I just started at The Beacon this year, but I can honestly say it’s already been a fun, communal, and chaotic experience. I’m excited to keep learning and growing as a writer and editor. 

Sabine Waldeck, Deputy Opinion Editor 

The Beacon has been my four-year on-again-off-again relationship that at the end of the day I love so much.

Justin Chen, Assistant Opinion Editor

Working for the Beacon is one of the best experiences I have ever had in journalism. Coming from a completely different major, I was hesitant to join because of my lack of experience. But The Beacon embraced me, and I gained so much real-world experience in journalism. I look forward to more! 

Tyler Foy, Sports Editor

Joining the Beacon has given me experience that I couldn’t have received at any other student publication. Although the stress and the pressure seem to always be at the maximum level, the people I’ve been able to connect with through this organization make each week worth it!

Jason Tulchin, Deputy Sports Editor

To be honest, I’m not a fan of sleep deprivation. And I hate coffee. But, the Beacon has allowed me to work tirelessly for my passion: ranting about sports late at night. Going from correspondent to staff member in less than a semester was a big leap of faith for me, but I wouldn’t have done it for any other paper. 

Kaitlyn Fehr, Chief Copyeditor 

I will forever be grateful that former EIC Katie Redefer dragged me into this paper. It’s become a second home to me, and I look forward to every Wednesday night. Despite the late nights and the frustrations, I love The Beacon, and I’m going to miss it when I graduate this spring. 

Charlie Ambler, Deputy Copy Editor 

This paper has given me a sense of what it feels like to be a journalist. It’s a chaotic experience, one that will have your mind spinning within seconds of entering the newsroom. But it is also exciting. The people you’re stuck with for hours on end quickly go from being tolerable to being the people you ask for life advice—while trying to figure out when an article will finally reach the copy desk.