Being a member of the Northern Iowan has changed my life.
When I started my academic journey at the University of Northern Iowa, I wanted to be an artist. My first major was studio art – though I did not make it far enough to emphasize in any particular medium.
I liked a few of the art classes. I was entertained for a while, but felt like I was missing something. The only class I really loved was my Cornerstone class, with Sade Barfield. This is a first-year course that covers public speaking, writing and comprehension.
When my first semester ended, I switched my major to political communication – but quickly switched again to communication and media.
I had dabbled in journalism after my senior year of high school, where I worked as an intern for Anelia Dimitrova at the Waverly Newspapers in Waverly, Iowa. I had always loved writing, and figured I’d give reporting a try.
After listening to former Northern Iowan managing editor Sophie Hoffmeier present in one of my communication courses, I thought that the NI could be a good way to stay creative after leaving the art department. And, writers get paid for articles – that helped influence me.
I then added a digital journalism minor to my roster. All of the classes that came with it intrigued me, and I was early enough in my college career that I could still catch up and graduate within four years.
My very first article for the Northern Iowan was about being kind to student workers. I had noticed that students weren’t saying thank you to dining hall workers – and it genuinely upset me. Writing about it helped center my feelings, and it was so meaningful to see my writing printed in a physical paper.
After that article, I wrote a piece about Campbell Hall, which is in the works to be demolished. I ventured my way into the courtyard of the hall, and found a flourishing pumpkin plant. I found the pumpkins to be symbolic: an untouched area allowed for an unlikely plant to grow.
This was when I knew I loved journalism.
From then to now, I look for stories wherever I go. While a story may not come out of each adventure, I’m always thinking about how I could write about an experience.
The Northern Iowan has provided me with countless opportunities to not only improve my writing skills, but to interview really awesome people like Waterloo Mayor Quentin Hart.
This organization has also given me some of my closest friends. Former News Editor, Jo Brahms, graduated from UNI in May – but we have stayed close, sharing phone calls and photos with each other when we can. I had the chance to be her maid of honor in her wedding back in June, and it was a great joy of my life.
The current editorial team is full of people who make me laugh so hard I cry. As an executive editor, it is my responsibility to lead a team – but this group of people makes it easy. We all are entertained by one another, and work together to create a beautiful publication every week.
. I’m more patient and understanding, and I find the good where others may not. We live in a harsh atmosphere where groups of people are under attack – I will not be one to attack. I am here to listen to your stories and write about you with no judgements or poor intentions.
