A scorching July in 2022 led me to Gainesville and, to an overdue epiphany, The Alligator.
Eager to learn Gainesville’s pacing, my family and I spent a summer weekend in the Comfort Inn across the street from The Alligator’s office. Before wandering into the hotel, I aimlessly gazed at the bulky trees covering the paper’s office. The trees, flaunting shades of green, didn't impress me. Blunt disappointment struck when I didn't spot the orange and blue I was promised in Gainesville.
A Sunday in January 2023 was when my dear friend Sophia Bailly sent me the address to The Alligator’s office. I nervously drove down 13th Street, recognizing my summer hotel and the summer trees, which then waved with winter leaves. Beyond the verdant life was an aged building, enigmatic by nature. It sat alone, rarely capturing sound beyond the greenery hugging it.
Six semesters later, I’m still trying to encapsulate the life circling behind those trees and within that building.
The power to discuss, to learn, to observe, to cry, to laugh, to cheer, to suffer, to win, to lose and to capture those emotions forever — it’s the meaning journalism adds to the world; it’s observing tragedy and triumph; it’s finding invisible strings in history; it’s mourning and loving a damaged world with optimism for a kinder tomorrow. It’s making sense of life’s complexity, through words, pictures and artifacts. Journalism is finding feeling in every memory.
It’s that realization The Alligator embroidered in my heart. I watched Gainesville communities tussle with language accessibility, food insecurity and housing discrepancies; I befriended sources with vibrant backgrounds; and while navigating that colorful forest, I branched out of my cozy bubble, and I challenged myself. The Alligator molded me into a storyteller but far beyond, it’s molded me into a more curious and empathetic listener.
But I could never cross such a thick forest alone. My friends, who’ve shown me discipline and courage, but in the midst of it all, compassion, kindness and good humor, are The Alligator’s motor.
To my Spring 2025 editing staff, you deserve a million rose bouquets and ovations.
Sophia Bailly, our enterprise editor, but most importantly, one of my first college friends and a big piece in my journalism puzzle. She encouraged me to join The Alligator as a reporter and, five semesters later, as the engagement managing editor. Thank you for believing in me. You helped me conquer a fear I’m unsure I would’ve conquered otherwise. I leave a legacy behind because you opened a door for me.
Bailey Diem, our metro editor, who brings us calmness but sprinkles in sly remarks and jokes for good measure. Thank you for keeping me balanced. Megan Howard, our senior news director and Caiman editor, but my personal comedian. I admire your wit and charm. Thank you for giving your two cents that I will forever quote. Garrett Shanley, our university editor, who softens any journalistic panic with a quick, well-crafted joke. Thank you for always matching the energy.
To Kairi Lowery, our opinions editor but the paper’s powerhouse. Whether you're driving, walking or running to a story, thank you for always going the extra mile, literally. I admire your talent and determination. To Tanya Fedak, our avenue editor, but the office’s triple threat. Whether it's editing, reporting or acting, thank you for being our theater star. To Zoey Thomas, our data editor and office baker. Thank you for your sweet manner and treats.
To Madilyn Gemme, our multimedia editor, who always swoops in with a pop culture reference and a TikTok trend to recreate. Thank you for radiating sunshine even on the gloomier days. To Sydney Johnson, our assistant multimedia editor but my alligator buddy. Thank you for keeping me company on my last adventure with The Alligator.
To Jack Meyer and Noah White, our sports editor and assistant sports editor, it was a pleasure learning the ropes of college basketball. Thank you for guiding us through a sporty semester, topped off with a championship. To Hailey Hurst, our other assistant sports editor but my sports princess. It’s bittersweet closing out this chapter with you. If The Alligator was a sport, you're my winner. I smile so wide seeing how far you've come.
To the friends who first noticed me at The Alligator, took me under their wing and helped me soar. I’d like to thank Aurora Martinez, Kristine Villarroel, Jiselle Lee and Claire Grunewald, who taught me the fundamentals of journalism. It warms my heart watching all of you soar, too.
To more friends I made along the way, Alissa Gary, Siena Duncan, Aidan Bush and Diego Perdomo. Thank you for showing me friendship. Thank you for good humor. I can't stress the happiness I feel seeing all of you achieve your aspirations.
And for the 100th time, I thank The Alligator for giving me a best friend, Valentina Sandoval. You're my big sister, and you've helped me find a space in this career. I love you, and I will painfully miss you.
And I wouldn't be sane if it weren't for Ella Thompson and Kylie Williams, who’ve become sources of inspiration and my Alligator sisters. I am the luckiest duck in the pond working beside both of you. Kylie, from our enterprise beginnings to now leading a staff. Amid all the chaos, thank you for always matching my obnoxious laughs. Ella, for two years, we watched each other grow from afar, but our paths were meant to cross. Thank you for your sensible attitude that keeps me afloat and for laughing at all my jokes. Both of you are so talented with remarkable accomplishments ahead. What better than a blossoming friendship between three girls in the midst of journalistic disorder. All-Female Big Three!
I also want to thank my mom, Ingrid; my dad, Juan Fernando and my brother, Juan Felipe, for supporting my dreams of becoming a journalist. Even three hours away, I feel your presence in all my Gainesville adventures.
As I transition into life’s next lesson, a lump taunts my throat knowing I’ll never be 19 again discovering journalism for the first time alongside wonderful people. But I smile knowing there are generations of journalists to come, who will laugh, cry, smile and love just as hard in this office.
And sometimes, the grass, or situationally the trees on 13th Street, are greener on the other side.
Nicole Beltran was the Spring 2025 Engagement Managing Editor.
Nicole Beltran is the Spring 2025 Engagement Managing Editor and a third-year journalism and economics major. She’s worked as the Fall 2025 Senior News Director and caimán editor. In her spare time, Nicole enjoys journaling, sculpting and going for walks.
