The East Tennessean, by its nature as a news publication, tells stories, but it has also played an important part in my story over the past year. As the semester ends, so does my chapter as a general assignment reporter, and a new chapter lies ahead.
Raina Wiseman, who is passing her position as executive editor down to me, first hired me as a writer in August 2019. I had no idea at the time how much working for the East Tennessean would impact me as an aspiring journalist or how it would become a fundamental part of my story.
They say the best way to learn is by doing, and that is especially true for journalists. Working as a reporter has allowed me to practice writing on deadline, refine my knowledge of Associated Press style and sharpen my interviewing and communication skills. I have made mistakes and learned from them. I have grown and evolved as a writer with each article, from my first to my last. Most importantly, I have learned how to utilize my curiosity, dig deeper, seek the truth and report it.
Just as much as my reporting keeps others informed, it also keeps me informed. I do not think I realized how unaware I was about the vastness of occurrences at ETSU until I began reporting. I covered events this year I would not have otherwise known about or attended if not for the East Tennessean. I have met so many people and learned about various programs across campus. These experiences have humbled me, to say the least.
I think we are so consumed within our own personal bubbles that sometimes we do not see or acknowledge the world around us. I think that is why journalism is so valuable; it allows us to expand our knowledge of others and the surrounding world. Through the East Tennessean, our readers can learn and expand their knowledge about occurrences taking place on campus and in the ETSU community.
Writing for the East Tennessean has also reminded me why I wanted to major in journalism in the first place. I love writing. I love telling real stories about real events, real issues and real people. I want to impact people through sharing stories and informing them about things taking place in their community, and if I can do that in an honest and accurate way, I can help build trust in a profession where trust is sometimes in question.
The experience I have gained has taught me so much, not just about journalism, but about myself. This publication is an important part of my story as an aspiring journalist, and it is not over yet.
I applied for the executive editor position for the professional experience and to better myself, but I also want to help the East Tennessean grow as much as it has helped me grow.
As the executive editor, I want to enhance our coverage through multimedia platforms and increase our readership. I want to continue the amazing advancements Raina has implemented over the past two years. I want to continue building trust among our readers through fair, objective and accurate news coverage as the watchdog of ETSU. Most of all, I want to give young journalists the opportunity to learn, make mistakes and grow—the same opportunity Raina gave me.
As Raina begins her new chapter of post-grad school life, and I begin my role as executive editor, a new chapter will begin for the East Tennessean as well. A new semester will bring new information, new events and new stories.
Although I am hopeful to return to campus this fall and be able to print again, I think COVID-19 has taught us that nothing is certain, and things can change in an instant. That is OK. Every story has its twists and turns, but our theme will remain the same. I hope the East Tennessean can be a constant in the lives of the people of ETSU, continuing to report and keep people informed, no matter the circumstances.
As one chapter ends and another begins, I bid a farewell and offer a hello. Whatever this next chapter entails, I am excited to start the journey.
