As this semester comes to an end, we wave goodbye to campus, and for some of us it’s for the last time. This spring we are bidding farewell to five members of our Lutrinae team, as they go off to graduation and whatever follows next for Layna Hughes, Sean Tubo, Daisy Sanchez, Elliot Rowe and Zoe Kapp. Before saying goodbye they took the time to answer a few questions and share their experiences at the Lutrinae.
Layna Hughes – Editor-In-Chief
Of the over 30 stories written during her time as a staff writer, and the hundreds of hours spent editing an entire volume of publication, the one thing Hughes holds closest to her heart is the newsroom space, and the team within.
“I am really going to miss being in this space, I’m gonna miss being in the newsroom because there really is nothing like it,” said Hughes. “When we’re working, but also when we’re not working. It gets noisy but that means everyone’s awake and everyone’s excited, so I live for when it gets noisy and when there is a clamor happening.”
For Hughes, the Lutrinae was more than just something to put on a job resume, it was a team of people who supported and loved each other, but it was also a boiling pot of ideas and passion.
“As a staff writer and as editor I knew I had big ideas, but I knew I needed other people’s ideas to support that. Everyone has a unique perspective and we got the most exciting results when everyone worked together,” said Hughes.
“The Lutrinae is not a monarchy.”
Hughes went from being a contributing writer, to staff writer and then in the course of a summer became editor-in-chief. When asked of her plans after graduation, rest was at the top of her list. “I am going to sleep. I am definitely going to enjoy my time away from the newsroom,” said Hughes. “I am going to miss it, I know, but just enjoying my time being a non-student and not editor-in-chief.”
For a final piece of parting wisdom, Hughes had this to say to any new members of the Lutrinae, putting their first foot in the door.
“Get ready to meet your best friends. Get ready to meet friends for life,” she said. “Come in as much as you can, it’s good for you. Especially when you’re a new student and having one of those days where you just want to shut yourself in your room and be anti-social.”
Hughes has had a journey here at the Lutrinae, from the stories written, words edited, and memories made. The one thing she will always remember is the space, the people and the joy of being in the newsroom.
“The third space is the Lutrinae.”
Daisy Sanchez – Staff Writer
For the Lutrinae Staff Writer Daisy Sanchez, journalism wasn’t always the plan, but it quickly became a passion during her final year at Cal State Monterey Bay. “I barely started at the Lutrinae this last August… beginning of my last year here at CSUMB,” Sanchez said. “I took a community journalism class, and I felt something I had never felt before, which was a passion for something.”
This passion came from her love of learning and sharing. “I love learning things and I immediately want to tell people about what I learned… this is kind of like a glorified way to info dump,” she said. “I found something that I want to do lifelong, which is journalism.”
In her time at the Lutrinae, Sanchez recalls finding both purpose and community. “I’m gonna miss seeing everyone on Monday, every Monday,” she said, referring to Lutrinae’s weekly meetings. “Yes we joke, but we also get such good work done that I’m so proud of.”
Some of her proudest moments came from the joy of sharing her work with her family. “I’m so proud every time I send my parents an article… my dad does the thumbs up emoji,” she said. “I love when my mom is like, ‘oh that was really good.’”
Through her reporting and writing, Sanchez discovered a side of campus life she hadn’t seen before. “It feels like this little world that I got to explore because of the Lutrinae … I’m just gonna miss this little world that we all built.”
After graduation she plans to keep writing. “I want to keep doing journalism … and wherever that takes me I’m just proud to say that I started here.”
For new writers, her advice is simple: “You’re gonna work very hard, but you’re also going to make experiences that you’re always going to remember,” she said. “Take a deep breath, write as much as you can, and enjoy being a writer at the Lutrinae.”
Sean Tubo – Senior Staff Writer
After two years with the Lutrinae, Sean Tubo has built his role around chasing deep stories and telling them with confidence, even if he jokes about how he got there.
“I write stories obviously. I pitch a couple… not showing up to office hours is probably my biggest role,” Tubo said. “I go out there on the street and on campus, find stories, write them up and then they’re released.”
For Tubo, the heart of the experience has been the people and opportunities that came with it. “I think it’s the opportunity to meet so many cool people and just do so many cool things,” he said. “From going to conferences, being in the newsroom and even the stories… it’s really a treasure as a writer.”
When it comes to what he’ll miss most, Tubo admits it’s both the identity and the connection that came with it. “Definitely the aura of telling people that I’m a campus journalist,” he said. “But seriously… I’m just going to miss being part of it, and being able to say ‘I’m with the Lutrinae’ and getting to talk to people because of that.”
Looking ahead at possibilities after graduation, Tubo hopes to continue in journalism, wherever that path leads. “I think I am going to be getting a job in Monterey…other than that just applications, internships, wherever really,” he said, “I do want to be a journalist.”
Though Tubo’s journey into the field started with a different mindset. Originally he remarks choosing the major on a whim, that quickly changed. “I went into college as a journalism major because I was lazy… but then I joined the Lutrinae and wrote my first story and it was like a light turned on,” Tubo said. “‘Oh I really do want to do this for the rest of my life.’”
For new writers his advice is simple and practical: start early. “You can never send an email too early, request an interview soon enough,” he said. “The longer you wait the harder it’s going to be to do everything.”
Zoe Kapp – Production Manager & Illustrator
For Zoe Kapp, joining the Lutrinae started as a simple opportunity that shifted into three years of creative growth, and tireless contribution.
“I remember (the editor) came to speak at one of my classes freshman year…I was like, ‘oh a design job on campus’” Kapp said. “I just applied, I didn’t think I would get it.”
What followed was a dedicated and consistent hands on experience that’s hard to come by as an undergraduate. “My favorite part of the job has probably been getting a lot of practice as a designer,” she said. “I feel like that’s pretty rare to say that I’ve been working professionally as a designer for three years.”
Her work didn’t just stay behind the scenes, it has often become a part of campus life. “I absolutely loved my Halloween cover for 2024,” Kapp said. She also helped shape the paper’s visual identity by pioneering the production of infographics. “They had a couple before I came, but I started consistently doing them my first year… and that’s carried on.” Building on this, Kapp’s role has led her to now designing the first digital magazine release of the Lutrinae.
Beyond her design work, Kapp values how the Lutrinae kept her connected to the world around her. “Working for a newspaper is really fun because I feel like it keeps me very informed and on top of things,” she said. “Access to news sources, and getting to contribute in sharing that information.”
For those stepping into a creative role, Kapp emphasizes growth over perfection. “Don’t beat yourself up too hard if you don’t like what you make,” she said. “What’s really nice about the Lutrinae is you make something new every single week… there’s always something new to prove to yourself you’re getting better.”
Elliot Rowe – Photographer
For Elliot Rowe, staff photographer at the Lutrinae, what began as a search for an on-campus job turned into a lasting sense of community and purpose.
“I was searching for on campus jobs… I wanted to find a community somewhere,” Rowe said. “I found the Lutrinae, and since I was already interested in photography as a hobby, I figured I’d give it a shot and apply.”
Over the past two years, Rowe became the go-to photographer for stories and events, capturing moments that helped bring the paper to life. “Honestly, my favorite part has been that community that I’ve found,” he said. “Working with all the staff… has been a blessing.”
Beyond the connections, it’s the work that stands out for Elliot. “The most rewarding thing for me has been the stories that I’ve helped produce,” Rowe said. Seeing his photos featured in the publication’s new digital magazine adds to that sense of accomplishment. “It’s really cool to sort of leave my mark… to have something that will outlive my time here.”
As he prepares to leave, it’s that dedication and shared passion he’ll miss most. “I’m definitely going to miss the consistency, as well as all of the hard working staff,” he said. “I just hope wherever I go… I’m able to find a community that’s as passionate about creating change.”
After graduation, Rowe plans to explore new opportunities while taking time to travel. “I’ve been applying to business analyst jobs… I’ll probably be moving back in with my parents for a little while,” he said. “I’m also looking to travel… hopefully a road trip to some national parks.”
For the next photographer stepping into his role at the Lutrinae, Rowe emphasizes connection and curiosity. “Be willing to communicate,” he said. “Allow yourself to be passionate… this position gives you the ability to see what’s happening on campus.”
His advice reflects what he found during his time at the Lutrinae. “People do come together, and a community is there… This job has helped me uncover that for myself.”