What does it mean to step into a role where your voice carries the weight of history? For Sydney Goitia-Doran, a sophomore journalism major at Howard University, it means seizing opportunity and leading with purpose. As the newly selected managing editor of The Hilltop, the nation’s oldest Black collegiate newspaper, Sydney is now at the helm of a publication with a legacy of amplifying Black voices and shaping the next generation of journalists.
Proving that luck happens when preparation meets opportunity, Sydney’s rise to managing editor resulted from dedication, tenacity, and a dash of serendipity. Just a year ago, she was a freshman applying to be a staff writer at the notoriously competitive publication, only to be turned away. Instead of stepping back, she leaned in — networking, refining her craft, and applying again the following year. Her persistence paid off, and she not only secured a role as a variety reporter but quickly distinguished herself as a hard worker with a passion for journalism. “I took a lot of initiative as a reporter,” Sydney explained. “I volunteered for extra opportunities like election day coverage and hosting workshops. If there was any chance for a story, I would grab it.”
The Hilltop‘s managing editor and editor-in-chief noted her initiative, and when the former was due to graduate, they tapped Sydney for the managing editor position. “I knew early on that The Hilltop was special to me. It offered the opportunity to push myself as a writer and advance my journalism career,” she recalled. “I also knew that I wanted to eventually have a leadership role in some capacity. But when they asked me if I was interested in managing editor, in my wildest dreams, I didn’t think that this opportunity would be mine so soon.”
A proud member of Rainier Scholars Cohort 15 and a student advisor for Cohort 21, Sydney credits the program with instilling in her the resilience and academic discipline necessary for college and teaching her how to maintain some semblance of work-life balance. “Rainier Scholars gave me the skills to thrive in an unstructured environment. It taught me time management, organization, communication, and how to see beyond immediate challenges.”
Sydney’s love of journalism was sparked early on. At University Prep in Seattle, she worked on the school newspaper, eventually serving as editor-in-chief, where she redesigned the paper’s layout and helped develop a press freedom policy. At The Hilltop, founded by literary icon Zora Neale Hurston, Sydney is growing her journalism and leadership talents in ways she never envisioned in an environment rooted in Black storytelling and advocacy. In just a few weeks as managing editor, she has overseen the publication of the weekly digital edition, navigated breaking news, and led a team of over 80 student journalists.
So far, one of her most memorable experiences was helping cover a string of armed robberies on campus. “It was unreal,” she said. “I had to contact local police, interview victims, write with sensitivity, and turn it around quickly.
While I was drafting the initial breaking story, two more incidents happened. I was learning, teaching, and experiencing it all at once. It was like building a plane as you fly it! But it’s also really fun, which I didn’t expect. I didn’t expect so much joy from doing this.”
An environmental studies minor, Sydney envisions a career in environmental and social justice journalism, focusing on the intersection of climate change and marginalized communities. Reflecting on her journey thus far, she’s thankful for the support of Rainier Scholars. “I think the organization’s mission and values are so noble and so necessary. I’m really grateful for what Rainier Scholars has done for me and the sense of community I found there.”