By: Alexis Stallard, Editor-In-Chief
It’s a new school year: The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the campus cats are happy to see everyone back. However, a new year means new opportunities and I’m here to present you with an unbeatable one.
That opportunity is joining The Vantage. After losing a whole swath of seniors last year, most of them editors, we are ready to welcome new faces to the mix. I think that wonderful face could be yours.
We have a place for absolutely anyone. I know writing is not for everyone but we also need photographers and web experts. Even if you may question your writing skills, I can promise you that Denise Neil, our adjunct adviser, and a long-time reporter at the Wichita Eagle, can turn just about anyone into a proper journalist.
I had never even thought about journalism before my sophomore year of college and never once participated in yearbook or journalism during high school. I took the Intro to Journalism course to fill a degree requirement. Fast forward a year and I am now editor-in-chief of The Vantage. Time flies when you’re having fun. I guess!
Fun is definitely something we have here at The Vantage, too. Between the several parties throughout the year and our weekly meetings, there are too many good times to count. It is a great way to get involved and find a great group of friends.
Afraid your background doesn’t “fit” with being a journalist? No worries about that because we have a wide variety of people on our team. In addition to being the editor-in-chief, I moonlight as the baseball team manager and am an avid sports fan. Our sports editor, Matthew Revels is a member of SGA, is a Resident Housing Assistant, and plays on the baseball team. Joshua Robles, our Arts & Entertainment editor is also a member of SGA and is involved in several clubs like HALO.
Even if you don’t see yourself on a track that includes journalism, writing for your college paper can be an incredible resume booster. Being involved in something that requires you to strengthen your people skills through interviews, to hone your writing skills with weekly story assignments, and that pushes you outside of your comfort zone is something that every employer wants, no matter the field.
But, if you do see yourself choosing journalism or communication, you only have to look at our successful alumni to see the benefits of joining The Vantage. Last year’s editor-in-chief, Tejay Cleland, is already on TV as a sports broadcaster on KWCH, Wichita’s CBS affiliate.
If joining our team is something that may interest you, we encourage you to reach out. You can contact us via email at vantage.nu@gmail.com.
PHOTO: Courtesy photo, Unsplash
