Being an Indian-American woman in media isn’t something you see too often — especially in Newhouse — but studying in New York had always been a dream of mine. When I had the opportunity to leave Texas to study journalism and psychology, I didn’t hesitate.

I was looking for a space to grow, but I knew I’d have to prove myself. I’d have to fight to be heard. I’d have to demand respect.

That was, and is, terrifying and even sometimes discouraging.

Every now and then, I think about the hesitations and self-doubt that comes with entering a historically white institution. I think about the people of color who didn’t jump at the chance to work at The Daily Orange because they didn’t feel welcome or needed. I think about them because I understand.

Despite that I didn’t know what to expect, I took a chance.

I started as a contributing writer in News, then wrote about the implications of university politics and policies in the student life column, became assistant editorial editor and rose to editorial editor.

In the spring, I take on a new challenge: managing editor. And in this role, I want to push our staff to think and ask questions differently, invite in people who have been inadvertently ignored and do better to acknowledge all communities on campus. The D.O. shouldn’t simply be thoughtful responsible in its coverage; it should be reflective of the communities we’re made up of.

There remains a desperate need for diversity at The D.O. I know that when stories are pitched, headlines are written and illustrations are drawn, I can think of them from an unfamiliar point of view. One that challenges our staff to expand their sensibilities.

In doing so, I want to bolster the confidence of the next person to enter this house intimidated by what can seem like a close-circle environment. Because to people who don’t see themselves represented in the roles they aspire to hold, The D.O. can seem exactly like that.

It’s because I found mentorship and friendship within the walls of 744 Ostrom Ave. that I found my place at The D.O. Former managing editor Alexa Torrens (2017-18) helped me with my first read, former editor-in-chief Alexa Díaz (2017-18) inspired me as a woman of color in management and former editorial editor Kathryn Krawczyk (fall 2017) shaped me into the D.O. editor I am today.

I was able to experiment with digital projects and ended up starting a podcast called You Op to Know as editorial editor. I brought in columnists from different backgrounds and perspectives. And I’ve also seen my colleagues write incredibly diverse stories about representation and culture.

I see a powerhouse of talent and kindness. It’s the dedicated people who are responsible for that character. There’s so much room to grow at this newspaper, and that chance should be open to everyone.

We all acknowledge representation should be a priority, but to be comfortable with our limited efforts will only perpetuate the long-standing problem of diversity at The D.O. In recognizing our privilege, we find ourselves at an advantage. And with that, we have the responsibility to use our successes to actively engage with young marginalized journalists so, one day, they won’t question their place in our family.

I know what it’s like to feel out of place. My hope as ME is that I can do more than inspire. I can give others a chance. Perhaps a first-year walking in for their first read will see me in management and think to themselves that they can do this too.

Aishwarya Sukesh is The D.O.’s spring 2019 managing editor, where she was previously editorial editor. She can be reached at aksukesh@syr.edu and followed on Twitter @AishuSukesh.

Published on December 17, 2018 at 10:37 am