Nearly four years ago, I stepped onto the Kennesaw State University campus with very little ambition or direction. I knew I wanted to study journalism so that I could go on to report on entertainment news, but I also knew that there was a long road ahead of me after college in order to get there. Finding The Sentinel and embracing student media as my true college experience brought me so much closer to my dreams than I ever expected.
Because I have been on The Sentinel’s staff basically since I started college, I have a different perspective than most on what the college learning experience should be. And I realize that I am afraid that everyone else is missing out. I have spent plenty of time in classes holding my eyes open through lectures and studying for exams, but as I look back at my four years here at KSU, I realize how inconsequential that is compared to what I got out of being a part of student media. Based on the classes I took, I don’t know how anyone would feel comfortable going out into the working world with nothing more than lectures to guide them.
During my time at The Sentinel, I have had many exciting opportunities unique to working in student media. I was lucky enough to be brought on as the Arts & Living section editor when I started my sophomore year, which ended up being my favorite job I have had so far. Throughout the two years I spent as the Arts & Living editor, I got to attend many advance screenings of films, I got star struck while interviewing famous actors and I was sent free copies of video games for review. Seeing as all of these things are essentially what I want to do for my career, this was perfect for me. These are the types of things that students rarely get to do if they only take classes during their time in college
.
I understand how time-consuming and stressful classes can be, which certainly can make extracurricular groups difficult to join. Nothing made this more clear to me than my time serving as Editor-in-Chief during my final year at KSU. Balancing this position with my last upper-division courses was incredibly challenging. But finding that balance has helped prepare me for the time-management required at a full-time job in journalism in a way that classes could not have.
The Sentinel is an ever-evolving family that nurtures and develops everyone that joins in special ways. The Sentinel has treated me to some of the most valuable lessons that I will ever have. It is going to be painful for me to leave it behind. I don’t think enough people can say that about something they were a part of in college.
Working at the newspaper has led me to believe that simply going through the motions of college is not enough. And I encourage everyone at KSU to find their “newspaper.” Everyone needs this type of valuable experience while in college. Find an organization that can build you up and give you a family to grow with. Don’t miss out.
