Graduating
editor advises an open mind, listening
Katie
Plourd
I stepped into both this university and onto this staff not knowing what to
expect, dreading change and fearing I would mess up. Through both experiences
I have drawn life lessons that will without a doubt stay with me forever.
I began as a writer at this paper and was offered the position of managing
editor this past semester. I was hesitant at first.
To be honest, as a writer I had experienced the frustrations of a student-run
newspaper. I accepted and put my heart and soul into it for the past five months,
often putting the paper before school, work and friends. I have witnessed the
positive aspects as well as the shortcomings of the profession I seek to embrace.
I have learned a plethora of lessons about humankind and how people perceive
the media and the world.
As a journalist, no matter what you ask or write and how you ask or write it,
you will be criticized or upset someone. I have learned to have thick skin
and a sense of integrity for how I approach a story. From the gripes and complaints
to the praises and compliments, I can see the level which students understand
how the media works and its influence on society.
The second to last publication of the newspaper enlightened me on the lack
of knowledge students have about the media.
The staff of the Daily Forty-Niner was reprimanded for printing a statement
made by an ASI senator during an AS Senate meeting.
The senator, as well as an ASI director, had requested for his remarks to not
be made known to the students. The request to withhold incredibly newsworthy
information, such as a student-elected representative’s derogatory, threatening
and hateful remarks to another representative, is ludicrous.
I was baffled as the senator insinuated that not only had we neglected to consider
his feelings, but that we were students and should think of students first.
Coming from a member of ASI, an organization supposed to serve students week
after week that regales in its own political agendas and stances on social
issues, I felt entirely disappointed in our student government.
It is the duty of the media to inform people of what their elected representatives
are doing and in this case, if we had abided by the senator’s request
and withheld the remark, I believe we would have done an immense disservice
to the student body.
From covering this campus, talking to students and attempting to serve a campus
community, I’ve learned that almost every problem our world faces today,
whether it is intolerance, inequality, government inadequacy, censorship or
an apathetic citizenry, can be seen through a microcosm of this very campus.
Yet at the same time the beauty, not often talked about, shines as well.
I’ve learned that going into a profession in journalism has drawbacks
(the pay sucks and people hate you), but despite these drawbacks I look forward
to this career knowing that someone who reads what I write may be a little
more informed on an issue, or look at something in a new way. Hopefully, these
plights of information will arouse change in the injustices and discrepancies
our world faces.
The most vital lesson I have learned is that despite my own beliefs, opinions
or views on reality the most important thing one can embrace is an open mind.
When others have a counterpoint, hear it. If they disagree with you, listen – you
may not always believe what others say, but by neglecting to open your own
mind to others, you are negating to address their existence.
Katie Plourd is a graduating senior journalism major and the managing editor
of the Daily Forty-Niner
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