All good things must come to an end! “The Outlook” has been a very influential part of my life since I transferred to Monmouth in Fall 2022. Originally, I had the intentions of joining Yearbook (back when the University still had a yearbook), but I decided I wanted to invest some of my time in “The Outlook” instead. Being involved on a college campus was something I always wanted. In my first two years of community college, I could not get involved due to COVID-19 still being very new and classes being mostly hybrid or fully online.
When I stepped foot on campus, and at the semester’s Involvement Fair, I went around to all clubs to find my new passions. I stumbled upon “The Outlook,” especially since I was completing a journalism minor, and wrote my name on the list, along with some sections I’d be interested in. I checked Lifestyles, Features, and Sports. I heard from each editor, but really only gravitated towards Features. To this day, I am still unsure why. It was something about Features that had a grip on me.
The first article I wrote was titled “The Transfer Student Experience” and this reflected on the Transfer Student orientation and what it may like being a newcomer to a school. Ever since then, I’ve stuck to Features and really enjoyed the topics that were suggested to me.
After I began writing even more, almost weekly, I knew I wanted to take my time at “The Outlook” to the next level. Since I knew the Features editor at the time, Shannon Smith ’23, was graduating, I wanted to start copy editing for her. I wanted to get a feel for what could be my future position.
As she began showed me the ropes with editing in APA and “The Outlook” standards, I began to get more comfortable editing other people’s work. After all, I am an English student and my minor is in journalism.
Once the Fall semester wrapped up, and a short break from writing, Smith approached me with an idea. This was to make me Assistant Features Editor for the Spring 2023 semester in order to prepare me for the editor position in the Fall. Ecstatic, waving my hands in the air, and pretending I got the promotion of a lifetime, I graciously said yes…as professional as possible.
I was eager to start in the Spring. I started coming into the newsroom weekly to get used to InDesign and Smith showing me what to do. Confused was an understatement because InDesign is no joke. Shoutout to all the graphic design students because that is probably light work for you!
Her leaving was the scariest part of the semester. I had no idea who I would ask questions to or get help from. I started to feel alone in my own section.
When the Fall 2023 semester started, I went into the newsroom with joy; however, I looked at my computer and had no idea where to begin. I tried inserting a text box and deleted the entire page; I selected an image, but I came up blurry, I had many, many issues. It took me almost three hours to lay Features for the first time.
Luckily, I had more times to practice and get everything right. That semester was rough for me and my section though. Some issues I would have to cover two stories a week, and no flexibility when it came to me writing for other sections.
Once I got my footing, and a consistent group of writers, I felt way more comfortable in my position that ever before. When this happened, I also had to think about who would take over Features in the future. Since I am not technically graduating until May, but must complete student teaching, I could not continue being editor. As sad as it is to say goodbye to Features and “The Outlook,” I knew exactly who I wanted to ask to be my Assistant editor this semester.
Ava McGinty, a sophomore communications student, shared the same passions as I did when I first joined “The Outlook” staff. I knew I had to ask her to be Features editor when I leave. I remember my heart racing when I sent her that text. I was not only scared of rejection, but I didn’t know what was going to happen if she did say no. Was Features going away? Who else could take over?
Fortunately, she said yes! I was thrilled and I knew Features would be in good hands. For this semester, her and I have been working together. I’ve been walking her through InDesign, giving her tips, and preparing her for success.
Each editor has their own station in the newsroom; usually filled with pictures and collages of things we like. At my station, I have a quote from Billy Joel’s song “Vienna” saying “Slow down, you’re doing fine.” This has been a theme for me during this semester as this is my last as a full time college student with five courses.
While this semester has flown by, it is important to slow down and realize that I am okay. I am doing all the right things. I am going into my dream career. I wouldn’t be where I’m at with journalism if it weren’t for “The Outlook,” our trip the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) conference in La Jolla, California to enhance our skills as editors, and the friends I have made along the way.
I am forever grateful for “The Outlook” for giving me an outlet to be creative and express my journalistic ideas. While I will miss it dearly, I hope one day I can teach my future students about journalism and share why college journalism is important for exemplifying their voices.
