It’s only been a few months since my last introduction piece, but I’m back again–and it probably won’t be the last time. This time, though, I have the honor of writing as the arts and culture editor.
This February commemorates my one-year anniversary of joining the team, and while it seems like such a short amount of time, so much has changed for me.
I’ve made some great friends; I’ve worked with video and audio stories for the first time, and I’ve come to understand that I was meant to walk this path.
I’ll admit, I used to be someone eager to leave El Paso as quickly as possible. I thought there weren’t any opportunities for me here, so I decided to go 1,000 miles away to Western Kentucky for my first year of college.
Kentucky proved to be an amazing experience, but it ultimately became a reason for me to come home. People seem to talk about how small and boring El Paso is, but they don’t realize the possibilities that it offers. I learned many things during my time in Kentucky, but one of the most important lessons was that El Paso is more than just a desert with no promise.
I thought I needed to move to a bigger city to succeed as a journalist, but the truth is, this is the best place for me to grow as a beginner journalist. Despite living here my entire life, I have learned more about this city and its community in one year than I had in the previous 19 years.
I’ve grown as a photographer, writer and most importantly, a communicator. Through The Prospector and my classes at UTEP, I have had the privilege of telling the stories of many amazing, talented and kind individuals. I have written about the mothers of El Paso, the nonprofits that care for the community, the politics that affect our people and so much more.
It’s these people and topics that have taught me what it truly means to be a journalist. They are the reason why I want to continue down this road for the rest of my life.
As the arts and culture editor, I want to commit myself to finding those stories that show how beautiful and one-of-a-kind El Paso is.
If you’re someone who’s anxious to leave this city, I hope that my work– and the work of my colleagues– at the very least encourages you to take a second look at our city.
Arts and culture have a way of uncovering hidden gems and I hope to continue sharing them with you.
Alyda Muela is the arts & culture editor and may be reached at [email protected], on Instagram @alyrose.photos.
