After a year of working for the Daily Lobo, culture reporter Elijah Ritch is graduating from the University of New Mexico with a bachelor's degree in film studies and a concentration in film criticism and history.
“I came on at the beginning of my senior year, and because I had never thought (the Lobo) would be something for me, or something that I would be into or would enjoy, or something that would benefit me career-wise. I always thought that I wanted to go into other things,” Ritch said. “But an internship last summer made me realize that my calling in life is to be a writer in some form or fashion.”
Ritch said even before they were a culture reporter, they thought about pop culture and the arts in their free time, letting it color their perception of the world.
“Most people don't understand the importance of pop culture, why we have it, what it tells us about ourselves, what it says about our society, the things we do right and the things we do wrong,” Ritch said.
They said it’s more special that not everyone understands how deep and high-brow the “lowest forms of pop culture are.” Part of the appeal of writing for the Lobo was that it allowed Ritch to expound their thoughts.
“That's the best kind of job — one that can provide something for you other than money,” Ritch said.
In addition to sharing their passions, Ritch said working with the Lobo allowed them to expand their horizons. The job, they said, forced them to interact with new people in unexpected ways. As they broadened their horizons, their perspective changed on what defines an evening well spent and who was worth talking to, they said.
“This was a wonderful experience, because it made me go out of my way to do things I never would have done otherwise,” Ritch said. “And those are going to be memories I cherish for a long time.”
Following their graduation, Ritch intends to continue with their writing career, continuing with their art criticism and event reporting as well as expanding their passion for creative nonfiction. This summer, they will work for Albuquerque Public Schools as a literary instructor.
Addison Fulton is the culture editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
