I never planned to become the Photo Editor of The Prospector, but a passion that sparked in high school unexpectedly guided me here. It all started when I first discovered my love for photography and journalism. I remember the nervous excitement of picking up a camera and capturing moments that spoke volumes without words. Before long, I was not only behind the lens but also leading the charge as editor-in-chief of my high school yearbook during my senior year.

I realized something important in that role: I loved helping others shine. Guiding my peers, encouraging their creativity, and working together to publish the yearbook brought me immense joy. Seeing their talents come to life in print was rewarding, and it planted a seed in me—a desire to continue down this path.

After high school, I headed to the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), where I enrolled as a Civil Engineering and Computer Science student. Honestly, I never imagined that my love for photography would follow me to college, but life has a funny way of surprising us. I started as a work-study student in the Student Media and Publications office, which gave me a front-row seat to the inner workings of The Prospector, UTEP’s student newspaper. I watched and learned, soaking in the atmosphere and gaining a deep appreciation for the team’s dedication. 

Soon enough, I began contributing as a photo contributor. I was eager to improve my photography, but the transition wasn’t as smooth as expected. Being in a new environment brought its share of challenges—there were a lot of trials and errors, and I often questioned whether I was cut out for it. But I pushed through, motivated by a deep desire to grow and make a difference. 

After contributing for three semesters, I was hired as a staff photographer last spring. This was a turning point for me, boosting my skills not only as a photographer but also as a reporter. The role allowed me to explore different aspects of journalism, and I began to see how my work could impact the stories we told. I gained more experience with each assignment and found my voice behind the camera. 

Over time, something unexpected happened. As my skills improved, so did my confidence. I started shy, hardly speaking up, but as I grew more comfortable, my voice became louder, and I began to enjoy connecting with others. My colleagues at The Prospector love to joke about how quiet I was when I started and how much I’ve changed. But I know they say it with pride—they’ve watched me grow, and I’m grateful for their support. 

Now, here I am, photo editor of The Prospector for Fall 2024, following in the footsteps of my great uncle, Joel Salcido, the photo editor of The Prospector in the 1970s and also former El Paso Times photo editor and now running his photography firm. It’s surreal to think I’m walking a path he once walked, and I know he’s proud of my progress. For me, being photo editor isn’t just about taking pictures but about continuing a legacy, nurturing talent, and helping others tell their stories.

As I look back on how I got here, I realize that life has a way of leading us to unexpected places. And sometimes, those places turn out exactly where we were meant to be.

SalmaPaola Baca is the photo editor and may be reached at [email protected]; @photographybysalmapaola on Instagram.