When Taylor Memoli first stepped onto Monmouth University’s campus, she wasn’t sure where college would take her. “I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life,” she said. “I knew I loved to write and tell stories, but I never really knew where that would take me.” Now, three years later, that uncertainty has turned into direction. As she prepares to graduate, Memoli leaves Monmouth with a deep appreciation for journalism, a passion she credits entirely to her time at “The Outlook,” the university’s student-run newspaper.
“My experience with ‘The Outlook’ gave me a new love for journalism that I can’t wait to explore for the rest of my life,” she said. “It completely changed my college experience. It gave me a place where I felt like I belonged and a community I love spending time with and looking out for.”
Though journalism would become the heart of her time at Monmouth, it wasn’t what brought her there in the first place. “I was drawn to Monmouth because of the beach, as many of us were,” she said. But what made her stay wasn’t the ocean views, it was the people. “I truly met some of the greatest and most important people in my life.” The newsroom at “The Outlook” quickly became more than just a workspace. It became a home base. “My office at ‘The Outlook’ is my favorite place on campus,” she said. “I love being able to leave my door open when I’m working there and be able to talk to my team and anyone else who stops by. It’s a space where I feel comfortable and at home.”
Outside of “The Outlook,” Taylor says she wishes she had gotten more involved earlier on. “Join more clubs sooner,” she said. “It truly is the best way to meet people on campus and get involved with the community while gaining real-world experience.”
When asked what advice she would give to students who may feel unsure or out of place, she emphasized the importance of connection. “I truly believe you will be able to find your people,” she said. “By joining clubs and attending events on topics that interest you, you’ll be able to find like-minded people. Join the student newspaper if you need an idea!”
With graduation on the horizon, Memoli is focused on entering the field of journalism and hopes to break into the world of entertainment coverage. “After Monmouth, I plan to go straight into any type of journalism job, then hopefully into entertainment journalism and film reviewing and eventually, screenwriting,” she said. “Although I’m scared of the uncertainty surrounding graduation, I’m excited to give my future all I’ve got and see where I end up.”
Memoli’s story is one that many Monmouth students may recognize, coming in uncertain, finding a community, and leaving with more clarity and confidence than expected. What started as a curiosity became a calling and what felt unfamiliar slowly turned into home.
