Our newsroom faces various challenges reporting campus news, but those difficulties pale in comparison to saying goodbye to our graduating staff members and contributing writers.
Although we hate to see them go, we jump at the opportunity to celebrate their academic accomplishments, the time they have spent with us and the lasting impact they’ve had on the newsroom.
Jaelynn Diokno – Production Designer
If you have interacted with any published or posted Lutrinae content, then you have seen Jaelynn Diokno’s work. Facilitating the production of more than 40 issues, Diokno’s contributions to the Lutrinae can not be understated.
Starting as a contributor, Diokno found her footing making visuals per suggestion of faculty advisor Dave Kellogg upon hearing she was a communication design major. Diokno recalls seeing her first project published with the Lutrinae, a visual for Dia de los Muertos: “I felt very accomplished and I was like, ‘OK, I could totally do this for the next two years.’” She has been the production manager since fall 2023.
“Going into the paper, I didn’t think I would have such a connection with journalism and student voices,” said Diokno. “Before joining the Lutrinae, I didn’t really try to learn from the community here. Being a part of it and just talking to everyone and hearing, like, when we’re in the newsroom and we just talk, I think that’s something really special. I really like designing for a community like that and just working with people like you guys, it’s very sweet.”
Through her time as production designer, Diokno learned to trust her artistic intuition. “[I] try not to be too in my head as a designer, like maybe it’s not the craziest visual that I’m putting together, but it means a lot to people,” Diokno said.
“I’m definitely going to miss the newsroom and just the dynamic that we all have. I think every semester and every year it’s, you know, there’s new people or there’s the same people, but every year it’s a little bit different, and I just love working with everyone.”
Aislynne Chappell – Assistant Editor
Aislynne Chappell has been in charge of producing Otter Chatter, our weekly newsletter, since August, and it certainly won’t be the same without her.
“It’s been great, everyone’s super open and it’s a great creative space to just share your ideas and also just like, you know what’s going on around campus,” said Chappell.
Being a psychology major with a double minor in business and statistics, she appreciates indulging in the creativity of student work and enjoys editing unique articles that have a touch of personal flair.
“Throwing in some personality and making it yours rather than just like clear cut, I think that’s super important – especially in academics,” said Chappell. “I feel like it can get super boring, so just finding ways to apply that creativity in everyday assignments and in life.”
A self-described “type A” kind of girl, Chappell knows exactly what she’s doing after graduating. Chappell plans to move to San Diego, work as a psychology research assistant and apply for a master’s in neuroscience.
“I think the Lutrinae prepared me for that in the sense of you need to slow down and reread [your work] a couple times and utilize those resources to really make sure that it’s where you want it to be because people are going to see it and your name is on it and you want that to represent who you are.”
Karzell McMillian – Contributing Writer
Having initially joined the Lutrinae two years ago to accompany his girlfriend and previous editor-in-chief Andrea Valadez, McMillian stayed for the community and collaboration.
“It was very welcoming, I know it’s a small kind of space, but I think that adds to the whole feel,” said McMillian. “You have all these people that are sitting around this table, despite the minimal space, everyone enjoys their time there and it gives that feel of a close, intimate team where everyone gets along.”
Graduating with a degree in business administration, he enjoys writing music reviews as a way to escape from his daily workload. McMillian also values the conversations and insight he’s received from Kellogg, describing him as a mentor.
He said, “I think people should contribute more. Even if you don’t get paid as a staff writer, I think you should contribute anyway because it’s just a great feeling to see your work published. It’s also a great way to destress and not focus on the various assignments we have to do every week.”
To our graduating staff, best wishes in your next endeavors. Every one of us at the Lutrinae is rooting for your success and is excited for you to carry the same positive energy you brought to us wherever you go next. You will always have a place in the newsroom.