Invasion of Privacy: Comic Editor Madison Brunn
Photo courtesy of Comic Editor, Madison Brunn
During their time in The Lamron, Brunn has made countless students laugh with their comical drawings each week.
Madison Brunn is a senior Sociology major at Geneseo and has been the Comic Editor for The Lamron since the Fall of 2024. They are also the owner of a lovely cat named Hashbrown.
Brunn wanted a change of scenery from Buffalo, NY, when moving up to college; desiring something smaller than Buffalo, one of the most populated cities in New York. As Brunn toured the campus at Geneseo, they fell in love with the size and beauty that the campus held and found the distance between Geneseo and Buffalo to be perfect. Since Geneseo is known as one of the “Ivies of the SUNY system,” Brunn was more than honored to be considered a student here, and so began Brunn’s 4-year journey at Geneseo.
While attending Geneseo, Brunn encountered their fair share of challenges that made their academic journey difficult. Transitioning into college life and learning how to navigate this new space was an adjustment for Brunn, which made it difficult for them to assimilate into campus life. It took some time, but Brunn maneuvered into this new setting and their academics with the support of the friends they made along the way. “Having a support system was something that did, and still does, help me immensely. I love my friends!”
Like most college students, Brunn struggled to find their desired major and future profession. They initially came to Geneseo as a Psychology major, hoping to become a forensic psychologist. This inspiration came from watching many episodes of Criminal Minds (2005– ) during their childhood. Around sophomore year, Brunn realized that Psychology was not the fit for them, and this realization really came to a head when they were almost kicked out for academic probation.
With this sudden realization and push from the Geneseo administration, Brunn changed their major to Sociology and was inspired to pursue Childhood Education. “I now am unsure what exactly I want to do, but that’s okay! I’m passionate about sociology, and there are so many job opportunities out there for my degree.”
In their last few semesters, Brunn has been working at The Lamron as the Comic Editor, and they have revived the comic section in the newspaper! They enjoy working so closely with this tight group and having the creative outlet to produce some of the silliest little comics. Support and admiration from other section editors have inspired Brunn to keep going.
Brunn’s favorite moment throughout their college career was meeting the one and only Nia Jones (That’s me!)! Brunn expressed that since meeting Jones in the Spring of 2022, they have grown to love and appreciate their friendship; “Nia has been my strongest support since the Spring of 2022, and I have so much love for them. She has been there for me through everything, and living with her our sophomore year was one of the best decisions I have made in Geneseo.” Jones has been there for Brunn when times were tough, especially when Brunn was struggling with their mental health.
Another memory Brunn looks at fondly is their attendance at Pride Alliance’s annual Drag Ball, which is held every Spring: “Drag Ball gave me the opportunity to be around those with similar interests, morals, and values, and celebrate those values together.” Brunn finds so much joy and acceptance in this space where they feel like they can truly present themselves as they are without fear of being ridiculed. As a big fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race (2009– ), Brunn has been able to admire the art of drag in person rather than through an online outlet. Their first time at a drag show was at Drag Ball in Spring 2022, leaving the Drag Ball as an event that holds a soft spot in their heart.
To students who may feel stuck or dissatisfied with their journey, Brunn wants students to know that it’s okay to be unsure, and it’s okay to change your major. After all, this is your journey, and you should feel comfortable navigating it in any way that is beneficial for you. We are all young, and it is nearly impossible to pinpoint exactly what we want to do post-graduation when most of us have barely been alive for 21 years. “Minds change so often, and our brains aren’t even fully developed yet. Trust yourself, and trust your own judgment and instincts.”
Brunn goes on to say, “Communication with your professors is key to your success! I learned this far too late in my college career, and it led me to suffer the consequences. Build relationships with your professors, ask for help when you’re confused, or just chop it up with them! Professors love to talk and connect with their students. Don’t be afraid. They’re all people with separate lives, just like you and I!”