It all Started When I saw Jupiter

• By: Vereena Bishoy – Editor in Chief

I felt so small on such a huge campus, but the truth was, I was small—I was eight. I was also very hungry, so my parents’ friends, who were babysitting me, took me to the food court right after we saw Jupiter. They were part of an astronomy club. That’s when I saw it: a Caravan print issue lying on one of the tables. It was the highlight of my day, and considering I saw Jupiter that day, that says a lot.

Fast forward 10 years, I attended my first pitching meeting in the newsroom— unofficially. I was just taking my English proficiency exam, trying to declare into the major, and it happened to take place in the newsroom. I remember sitting there, unable to focus on the questions in front of me. I was too busy eavesdropping on the discussion going on between the reporters. My heart was skipping beats just being in the newsroom.

A year later, I joined The Caravan, but that was during COVID—so alas, no newsroom, no friends, no heated pitch meetings, no print issues. It was nothing like I thought it would be.

Now, four years later, I can say I’ve memorized that newsroom like the back of my hand, if not more, to be honest. I’ve grown accustomed to phrases like, “Get out of the newsroom, V,” and “Oh, I thought I would find you here”. Could you blame me? I was living the dream.

I had the privilege to call a place that vetted legends —and not just in journalism—my home.

The legacy of The Caravan is not to be taken lightly. I am reminded of that every time I sit in the archive room, tracing with my fingers (as the old ink stains them) the names of reporters who wrote pieces that date back 100 years. Being part of that legacy carries a tremendous responsibility, and it makes me wonder about the age-old question: what mark will I leave behind?

After a lot of thinking, I realized something. It is not what I need to leave behind but rather what I will try to give back.
I want to plant the seeds of enthusiasm, commitment, and passion for journalism in those who forgot, are burnt out, were forced into the major, or are lost. I want to remind them of the impact of storytelling and empower them through it. I want them to feel the rush of getting that interview, that quote, or the hysterics of late nights in the newsroom trying to be patient with layout. The gratification you get after trying and trying and trying and then finally getting it. The warm and reassuring feeling of knowing you are part of something big.

But I can never do it alone, I need my dedicated team to carry the legacy, guidance from my mentors and professors, inspiration from my idols, and wisdom from past Caravaners who I am lucky enough to call my friends – my people.

So, if you happen to come across The Caravan and don’t feel like you’ve just witnessed something that makes your heart skip a beat—something bigger than Jupiter—let’s talk. You know where to find me.