By Braulio Tellez

Growing up, I was told an education is the most important thing a person can have in life. In the three years I have spent at Eastfield, I can attest to the truths in that philosophy.
When I began attending college, I didn’t know what I wanted to do in life. Then I joined the newspaper.
As I knocked out credit hours, I also honed my writing skills, discovered new things and visited places I never thought I would.
I was editor-in-chief in 2010 and led our paper to its first Pacemaker award, one of the most prestigious honors a
college publication can receive.
I covered elections, met brilliant musicians, wrote about amazing artists and heard captivating stories about people who defied adversity.
The experiences I have had with The Et Cetera molded me into a smarter, more open-minded person and have helped me choose the path I will take in life.
I was tasked with guiding a handful of writers, designers, photographers and editors and producing a quality newspaper every other week.
Managing a staff of reporters and editors was unfamiliar to me and something I had never even considered doing. But my passion for writing, along with my amazing adviser, helped me take the job and run with it.
I attended state and national journalist conventions, which took me to states I never thought I would visit. The Et Cetera opened new doors for me, led me to experience new cultures and expanded my view on the world.
Before my student media experience, I had never left the borders of Texas or even flown on a plane.
Today, I am forever grateful for the things I have learned since the first day I stepped into the newsroom.
Becoming involved in extra-curricular activities such as theater or student government is important when attending college.
These groups give students the opportunity to become leaders, innovators and great problem solvers, all of which are keys to becoming a successful person.
I encourage every student to find a club or organization on campus you like and join it. Make the most of your college experience and pursue things you are passionate about.
You never know, you may just find something you decide to do for the rest of your life.