Letter from the Editor: Thank You Belmont

2024-2025 Belmont Vision managing editor Braden Simmons

It’s time for me to move on and say goodbye to this university that has been such a dear part of my life for the last four years.

I remember walking into the large, glass office near the Johnson theaters seven semesters ago without a direction.

I knew I loved to write, but I didn’t know where to funnel that energy.

Argumentative essays in my political science classes were fun, especially for a nerd like me, but they could only go so far - I needed something more.

So I went to a Belmont Vision meeting in the spring of my freshman year and found that spark I needed.

This newsroom welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like I actually belonged on this campus.

I found my home.

As my friends know, I spent almost all of my free hours in the Vision’s office learning from the amazing students who led before me. 

Editors Sarah Maninger, AJ Wuest and Gracie Anderson taught me the basics of writing and how to have fun in reporting.

Other senior staff members, including Connor Daryani, Gus Sneh, Molly Seuss, Chandler Maynard and Isaac Wetzel, inspired me and showed me the importance of telling stories in a variety of ways.

I wouldn’t have been able to become the student journalist I am today without them.

Journalism wasn’t something I thought I would want to turn into a career until I realized I couldn’t live without it.

I loved being the observer.

Being at the media table and getting to watch a 21-point comeback win off a game-winning shot.

Being in the middle of student protests about a new campus policy. 

Being able to sit down and interview students like the charismatic emcee of Belmont’s showcase series.

Since taking on my first article about a Belmont volleyball player and her love of coffee shops to my last, I have kept the same goal in mind of writing the story well.

I wouldn’t trade these last four years and the 131 stories that I’ve told for anything. 

If I could, I’d do it all over again.

I’d do the long nights covering breaking news.

I’d do the days of back-to-back interviews.

I’d do the hours of editing all over again.

To my professors, Dorren Robinson and Erin Carson I want to thank you for pushing me to tell the stories that mattered and to tell them in innovative ways.

To my friends and coworkers, I want to thank you for being the greatest support system I could ever ask for.

To all of the sources I interviewed, I want to thank you for trusting me to tell your stories.

I don’t think there’s anything else at Belmont quite as special as the Belmont Vision. I’m dreading no longer having bylines under this publication, but I am optimistic about the future and know that the people who make up this publication next semester and beyond are going to keep shining a light and telling the stories that matter.

Because at its core that’s what the Vision is: a place where a handful of students with laptops, deadlines and a shared belief in the importance of student journalism can make a real impact.

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This article was written by Braden Simmons