Words of advice from a longtime newsman

Derek Lazzaro
Published: Monday, June 13, 2005

I’ve written over 200 articles and editorials for the Daily Bruin, but when I sat down to write this column, I was stumped. How could I possibly sum up four years of working for The Bruin in less than 800 words?

Working for the Daily Bruin has defined my time here at UCLA more than any other experience. Because of The Bruin, I’ve met some of my best friends, re-evaluated my values, learned to speak my mind – and I’ve bombed at least a few tests.

Because of The Bruin, I know UCLA inside and out – including some of its darkest secrets and its most subtle successes. During the course of my work, I’ve met and interviewed everyone from members of the Undergraduate Students Association Council to foreign ministers and world-renowned authors.

But as I began to write this farewell column, I questioned myself: What is the real value of all of these experiences? How will they help me as I prepare to graduate and leave the so-called bubble that is UCLA?

The truth is, I’m not exactly sure. More than anything, The Bruin taught me to be critical of the world around me. Never simply accept a person’s statement as fact. I’ve learned one of the cardinal rules of journalism: “Trust but verify.” I think this rule is applicable to many situations and jobs outside the world of journalism.

But I haven’t left this bubble yet, so I can’t honestly say if my time at The Bruin has been worth it – or if I will someday regret spending so much of my time locked in the depths of 118 Kerckhoff.

Still, there are a few ideas and thoughts I’ve collected during my journey as a Bruin editor, and I want to use the rest of my space to share them with you.

You might feel these following paragraphs sound a little presumptuous, but please understand where I am coming from. For four years I have tried to be a neutral observer of the campus – a fair and balanced reporter – and I don’t mean “fair and balanced” the way Fox News means it.

So now I will present you with the self-indulgent ramblings of a jaded Daily Bruin editor:

• Anyone who wants to be an effective manager should understand the difference between visions, goals and plans. By my definition, a vision is an idealized model of how something should be. For example, editors at The Bruin might have a vision of The Bruin as the best daily college paper in the nation. A goal is a more specific objective: The Bruin will have at least three investigative stories per week. Finally, a plan is a clearly defined way of achieving a goal: Three writers will each be assigned investigative stories and must have rough drafts by Tuesday. I think it takes all three – visions, goals and plans – to really be a good leader.

• Student leaders, and members of USAC in particular, should learn how to deal with the press effectively. Students who put themselves on the public stage shouldn’t assume the Daily Bruin is out to get them. Most of the time, Bruin reporters have no ulterior motive when they ask simple questions – and an honest answer is the best way to go. In the rare instance of what some might call a “hostile” investigation, I think it is still a good idea to be cooperative. The press is very good at finding the information it wants to find, and it can be merciful to those who admit their mistakes. And for those USAC officials who get offended when The Bruin questions them, my advice is to develop a thicker skin if you want to stick with politics.

• Students must hold UCLA’s administrators and faculty accountable for their actions. When major projects like the Westwood Replacement Hospital are a year behind schedule and millions of dollars over budget, students should be concerned, and they shouldn’t ignore the problem just because it’s complicated. When only a couple hundred professors vote on the diversity requirement, and reject it, students should educate themselves and confront the professors, demanding these educators explain their actions.

Well, enough of that. Whatever you do – and however you do it – find something you like, and devote yourself to it. Through all the ups and all the downs, I loved working at The Bruin. The camaraderie, the passion, the adventures – for that, I will always be grateful.

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Derek Lazzaro was the 2002-2003 online director, the 2003-2004 Viewpoint editor, and the 2004-2005 Editorial Development director. He has served on the Editorial Board since 2002.