A Story of Growth

When I arrived at St. Norbert College, one of the first things I asked people on campus was, "How can I start writing for the newspaper?" But I soon was disappointed to find out that, at this time, the paper hardly even existed. The 2006/07 editor published a few pages here and there but failed to respond to any of my emails inquiring about how I could get involved. Because I knew one of the people on the team, I managed to sneak in a few articles throughout the year, and some of them even ended up on the front page-not for their great quality, but simply because there was nothing else to publish.Little did I know at the time that only a few months later I would be part of the most successful rebirth the St. Norbert Times has ever seen. With only a handful of people we grew the paper back into what it is supposed to be-in Fr. Roland De Peaux's words, "a vehicle for honesty, truthful and courageous information, [.] a beacon for the enlightened progress of St. Norbert College, protecting it from half-truths and misinformation."

I have wanted to be a writer and a journalist since eighth grade, but it was only during the past two years that I began getting a glimpse of truly understanding why. As a journalist, I want to seek the truth. I want to seek the truth free from bias, limiting social ideologies and for the pure pleasure of watching meaning grow on a page. I write to please my deepest longing-to make sense of the world; not to please others, not to win awards, not to build my résumé. The experience of writing for a student newspaper like the Times is invaluable; it enabled me to experiment, test my limits and challenge the system in a safe environment. It even allowed me to lead an area of the newspaper. During my first year, I led the Opinion section and then switched to Features in my second year. Together with my staff writers, I explored countless topics that affect SNC on a daily basis-first in editorial pieces, later through the objective lens of a Features writer.

Working on a newspaper always has to be connected with teamwork. There are disagreements, setbacks and criticisms. And then there are moments of shared success, pride and the feeling of accomplishment. A St. Norbert College without the St. Norbert Times is hard for me to imagine now. As soon as the paper comes out, I see people all over campus reading it-may it be at Phil's, while waiting in the Health Center, in the library or even in the bathroom. The newspaper is one of the college's voices. It tells the community how students perceive their experiences here. We have involved faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, Norbertines and everyone who had an interest in contributing to our mission: to seek the truth and to inform.

With my graduation right around the corner, I look back at my Times experience with the absolute certainty that no class in my media studies minor could have ever given me the same amount of professional insight. But more importantly, the Times gave me confidence. I know now not only that I can put words and sentences together, but also that I have the ability to connect ideas, ask the right questions, challenge the status quo and bring a community closer to the truth through my writing. I have learned that I can work under deadlines and make it through sleepless nights for the benefit of an article I feel passionately about. I have enjoyed the experience of working with a team of 50 people towards something larger than us, and learned that I can do all these things even on top of a full-time credit load and numerous other involvements. Without the Times, I would be leaving St. Norbert with less confidence and more worries concerning my own capabilities.