When Monet Troche first arrived at California State University, East Bay, she was unsure what career path she wanted to pursue. What she did know was that she enjoyed photography and wanted to explore her creative side.

Troche’s parents strongly encouraged her and her brother to attend college, even when she was unsure about her future direction. She graduated in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in multimedia journalism and later completed a paralegal certificate program. Troche described how her college experience helped shape both her professional goals and personal growth.

“In high school, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do,” Troche said. “I really liked photography and entered school for that, then switched it to business. I don’t remember who it was that informed me, but someone suggested communications, and I started looking into it. I thought journalism and media exposure sounded really interesting.”

After changing her major from business to communication studies, Troche became more involved on campus and found opportunities that would later define her college experience and future.

Originally, she planned to study abroad during spring 2020 after connecting with communication professor Dr. Katherine Bell, but the COVID-19 pandemic changed those plans. Instead of stepping away from campus involvement, Troche discovered another opportunity through The Pioneer, CSUEB’s student-run newspaper.

“I decided to join The Pioneer program in fall 2020,” Troche said. “I reached out about a photography position, applied for the role and got it.”

Her involvement quickly expanded beyond photography. Troche was promoted to managing editor, where she developed skills in writing, leadership and newsroom operations. As student organizations adapted to remote operations, Troche also helped grow the publication’s online and social media presence.

By May 2021, Troche became editor-in-chief, a position she held through May 2022. During this time she was also a host of the university’s news show “East Bay Live,” creating news reports, packages, and reels for the program.

“I really enjoyed being editor-in-chief,” Troche said. “I loved doing outreach, and we had about 12 to 14 people on staff. When I started, there was a smaller team, and it was cool to see everyone grow in person.”

Troche said her experience leading the newsroom strengthened her confidence and sharpened skills she continues to use in her career today.

“I think being at The Pioneer helped me understand leadership roles and learning that dynamic,” she said. “I didn’t have many leadership roles in high school, and it helped me navigate deadlines. It shaped me in both my professional and personal life.”

Some of Troche’s favorite college memories came through opportunities while at The Pioneer, including attending a journalism convention in New York in March 2022 alongside fellow staff members.

She added, “My favorite part of that experience was how I met other students also in the journalism world. It opened my eyes to different fields of journalism. For example, one of the other Pioneer staff that I went along with was able to see journalism through a fashion sense.” 

Beyond travel opportunities, Troche said working in student journalism gave her firsthand experience in storytelling and collaboration.

“It was interesting working at a newspaper,” she said. “It was a fun and cool opportunity to learn more about media and concepts about news. We were able to expand the newspaper through online and physical print issues. It was really interesting seeing a story come to life and then publish a story.”

Troche also credited The Pioneer with helping her develop professional communication skills. She added that the experience taught her how to work with a variety of people while improving the writing skills she now uses as a paralegal.

After graduating, Troche pursued internships and professional opportunities connected to journalism and media production, later securing a position at a firm in San Francisco through networking connections.

“I believe networking is so important,” Troche said. “Most of my jobs were through connections.”

She eventually decided to return to CSUEB to pursue a paralegal certificate. Today, she works as a paralegal for a family law firm and said she finds meaning in helping others through her work.

“I like the work, and I feel like I’m able to make a difference,” Troche said. “It’s meaningful, and I hope to continue doing it.”

Looking back on her time at East Bay, Troche said the university’s supportive environment and accessible resources helped her grow academically and personally.

“I really liked East Bay and how it was close to home,” she said. “I never really knew for sure what I wanted to do, but if I didn’t learn new things and take advantage of those resources and opportunities at school, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Now several years removed from her time leading the newsroom, Troche said she still keeps up with The Pioneer Online and loves seeing how the publication has evolved through its news coverage and media production. 

For current CSUEB students who may feel uncertain about their future, Troche encourages them to stay involved and remain open to new opportunities.

“Be active and take advantage of the opportunities the school offers,” she said. “Talk to your professors, talk to your peers and participate in campus events to see what’s out there. Be open-minded to a creative route.”