Why I Write for The Courier
When I was a freshman, I walked past the Publications room in Stockdale every day on my way back to Fulton Hall. It was a constant reminder of the Courier, but I was too nervous to actually go to a meeting. Eventually, I posted about it and asked my friends if I should show up the following week and try to write for the paper. I’m glad I did, because it’s a big part of my campus life now. However, a lot of people don’t know why writing for the Courier is fulfilling. I’m here to fill you in on the benefits. First, you get to practice your writing outside of the normal academic setting. At the Courier, you can submit articles and become familiar with the style of writing that newspapers typically use. In addition, you can get feedback on what can improve your articles further. Second, you work can be published. Your articles are printed out each week and delivered around campus. Your name is also at the top of that article. It means that you now have a recognizable writing style and presence in the Courier that you can’t get anywhere else. Third, you have the capacity to write about subjects that matter to you – whether that’s campus life, TV shows, music, makeup, or sports, you can write all you want about the topics that you like. If it strikes your fancy, you could even write about the pizza places here (because that’s always been a debate on campus!) and give your verdict on the better pizza place. For the record, my vote is for Alfano’s.
For first-year students, it gives you a connection to more students on campus and a routine to follow. Each week, you write an article, and then come to the meeting and discuss the next week. You get to meet new people on campus for potential interviews and bring attention to conflicts. Even if you’re not interested in journalism, writing for the Courier is useful because it gives you experience working with others and creating something meaningful.
If you’re interested in joining us, please drop by for our meetings on Wednesdays. We meet at 7PM in the Publications Room, located in the lower level of Stockdale. Or you can email our Editor in Cheif, Shyanne Sheehan (ssheehan@monmouthcollege.edu) for more information.
Carrie King - Features Editor