Editorial by Lauren Horsch, editor-in-chief
Horsch is a junior news/Internet and rhetoric double major and can be reached at tdeditorinchief@gmail.com
A lot has happened since I set foot in the doors of The Times-Delphic’s newsroom. It was three years ago. I was just a copy editor. Little did I know that in just a few semesters I’d take over the helm and become editor-in-chief. That was a year and a half ago. A lot changes in that time. People change. The university changes, and the news keeps going.
That is what kept me in the position as editor, the news (that and the readers). It always amazes me when someone comes up and says, “good job” or “I really liked that article in the TD today.” That is what makes this job worth it.
I had the opportunity to attend a conference at The New York Times early in April. There I met a lot of other student newspapers that were having the same problems we were. The problems ranged from issues with covering hot topics on campus, to deciding when it’s appropriate to go to a online-only version of the publication. In the end, it’s all about what is right for the audience and learning what works best for your campus.
There is a lot to be said about the tenacity of college journalists. We’re hungry for stories. We’re constantly looking for what’s next on the horizon. We’re curious. I think that is what kept me coming back for so long.
I’ve experienced a lot during my time on staff. I’ve been able to cover the triumphs of students succeeding on campus; the sad moments revolving around loss and death. The moments of comfort after students rally together to fight injustice. I’ve been on the frontlines talking to students and staff. Hearing their stories and being able to relay them to the student body has been an honor.
Over the past three years I’ve heard the same complaints over and over about the student body — We’re too apathetic. We’re only down for something if it involves free food, T-shirts or prizes. While that’s pretty much true, I still believe that we’re stronger and more driven than that. We can truly make changes happen when we need them. This is why I’ve kept covering the news.
So, to the students, staff and faculty here at Drake who have helped shape my time on the TD, thank you. Every issue, every story, every ink-stained hand has been for you.
