It’s hard to believe that I’ve spent the past three years writing “Comic Relief,” a column dedicated to whatever comedy subject that had taken over my mind for the past week. It’s even more absurd to realize that I had a place to do it. 

“Comic Relief” has strangely become a constant in my life. Even during the weeks when it felt like just another deadline piled upon my actual work, the column was a chance to write about something I am passionate about. 

It started on my first day as Arts & Entertainment editor when I showed up at the office for training to ultimately discover there were no stories for the day. It was an undeniably tough start to my Daily Trojan editorial career, but thus began my journey into last-minute, quick writing and the multiple listicles under my writer tag. 

The column started, then, as a non-scheduled option, for whenever the pitch sheet was looking a little sparse. Each time I got to write a “Comic Relief” was exciting, though. The following semester, I committed to a bi-weekly installment. 

While reflecting, I was at first shocked that I had enough to write about for 40 columns. But, I then realized there is still a lot I could say. 

There are, of course, still major and disturbing happenings in the comedy world. For example, how Russell Brand maintained a career for so long despite his inappropriate behaviors allegedly being a known secret. 

Then, on happier notes, the 19th season of “Taskmaster” premieres next month. A “Broad City” resurgence is happening on social media. “Abbott Elementary” just wrapped up its fourth season. Life is good! 

The future is filled with a lot of uncertainty, but one thing I know is that comedy will always be there for me. I love comedy and all the funny people in my life. 

Comedy, for me, has always been more than punchlines and gags. It’s a way to view the world through someone else’s lens, a way to find common ground through laughter.

To be cliché, life does move pretty fast. I look back at my writing from the past years and see different versions of myself documented within my babblings on “Saturday Night Live” and “Sex and the City.” I can see myself during my best and worst moments; it’s like a little sliver of time captured in 750 words.

I’ve been able to write about Catherine Cohen and The Lonely Island. I wrote an ode to America Ferrera and a love letter to my favorite funny women. 

I’ve seen myself become a better writer, which is also thanks to the multiple editors I’ve been able to work with at the Daily Trojan. The great part about being old — meaning I’ve worked at DT for over seven semesters — is that I’ve been able to see a variety of editors take a look at my work. 

As I grew in my writing, I saw the editors grow in their positions. As a former editor, I spent hours trapped (said in a somewhat loving way) in the Wilson Student Union with them. Through newsroom changes and ridiculous budget cuts, the editors of DT still put their time and energy into making this paper. 

Through it all, the editors have made me a better writer and more thoughtful person. I love the Daily Trojan, always have and always will, even during the times I would have stomach pain from stress. 

I loved it despite the many times I had to stay up very late because my column was supposed to be in production the next day. I loved it even when I was stress-writing until 5 p.m., the start of daily production (sorry to the editors!). I loved it even during the time I slept through Sunday morning production (sorry again!) I still loved having this space even when it stressed me out in the moment. 

It’s a strange feeling to say goodbye to something that has been such a constant in my life. No matter what is next, I know that I’ll always carry what I learned at the Daily Trojan with me. It’s changed me as a person “for good,” as Glinda and Elphaba would say. 

If comedy has taught me anything, it’s that timing is everything. Good jokes land when they are meant to, as do people and opportunities. I will be eternally grateful for my opportunity at the Daily Trojan — and the people who came along with it. 

​​Kimberly Aguirre is a senior writing about comedy. Her column, “Comic Relief,” ran every other Monday.