Do you feel bored? Are you looking for ways to get involved on campus?
I present to you, NeuPress, the student-run newspaper here at Neumann University.
NeuPress is one of many activities here at Neumann and I’m here to tell you, it’s the best one. It’s open to everyone, so how come there are days where there are only 3 people at our meetings?
You need to join, and this is why.
- You can express yourself
Everyone has thoughts and interests. However, you don’t always get the chance to truly let those thoughts and interests free. When you write, you can let everything flow out of your mind and lay it all out on a page.
“It is a place where you can express your opinion and thoughts on many topics that fit into our RISES values here on campus” says opinion editor, Emily Ammon.
With NeuPress, you aren’t just writing out your thoughts for no reason. People do actually read this. Your work can be published for everyone to see, which can open the door for further conversation about the topic.
“I have had a few articles that sparked a conversation with many faculty as well as my family. The biggest one was Is Dating Dead? and that was one of the most recent articles I wrote,” explained Ammon.
- Reporting makes for some fun experiences
When you write a story, you need to be educated on what you’re writing about. The people you talk to and the ability to describe the subject at hand is what makes the story.
You want to write about an event? Attend it. You want to describe a person? Have a good conversation with that person.
I can speak for myself personally. Reporting has given me the opportunity to talk to so many people and has helped enrich my knowledge of the university where I spend so many hours.
While at times it may seem stressful, reporting can take you to many different places.
When you finally feel you’ve collected all the pieces of the puzzle, it is quite a rewarding feeling.
“I think reporting is fun after the fact when I can tell someone about it, but in the moment, I do not enjoy it as much,” said lifestyle editor, Megan Foody. “You have to rework your story which produces a good end result, but it can be tedious.”
- It wins awards.
Winning is fun.
This past year, NeuPress beat out most of the country for seven awards from the College Media Association: First place for Best Investigative Story; Second place for Best Breaking News Story; and honorable mention for Best Investigative Sports Story; Best Coverage of Faith; Best Editorial; Best Profile; and Best Audio/Talk Entertainment Program.
That was on top of four national awards from the Catholic Media Association for in-depth profile feature; investigative series; sports journalism; and podcasting.
“Winning an award for a story is incredibly gratifying because it’s not only an impressive addition to my resume but also a distinction that sets me apart from my competition,” said editor in chief, Danica Pedone. “It’s something I can genuinely take pride in as I transition out of college, knowing that I applied what I learned in the classroom and in NeuPress effectively and was recognized for it.”
We all like to be winners. So, with that being said, why wouldn’t you want to write for NeuPress?
Faculty Advisor Janis Chakars, who is always trying to recruit new writers, often includes in his pitch the phrase, “Join the winning team.”
So please, do yourself a favor and do just that.
Join the winning team.
- It’s fun to look back on
I don’t know if I can speak for everyone else, but I love looking back at what I’ve written every here and there.
How has my writing style changed? Is it better? How have my thoughts changed over time? Was there a solution or reaction to what I wrote? How has this piece stood the test of time?
Among what I’ve written, one recent example comes to mind.
I wrote a preseason preview story about the Philadelphia 76ers this fall. Not many fans had high hopes for the rookie, Jared McCain. I took the unpopular road, and not only said he’d be good, but that he has star potential.
Fast forward just a few weeks later and Jared McCain is leading the rookie of the year race. Fans everywhere are now clamoring over him, stating that he’d be a star too.
It’s little things like that which are so cool about writing. Being able to document what you think and watching it age. Being able to say “I told you so” is one of the best feelings in the world.
When you can’t say “I told you so” …well… we’ll just laugh at that and keep moving along.
- It Can Help You Prepare for the future
Obviously, if you are looking to work in the field of media this looks great on your resume, as if that isn’t already kind of obvious.
Even if you aren’t looking to work in the field, getting involved in NeuPress can help prepare you for the “real world.”
Everyone involved has a common goal: to make this paper the best it can possibly be.
At NeuPress, you learn important skills like teamwork and how to work around deadlines.
Whether it be generating story ideas, identifying sources, editing and so much else, all of us here at NeuPress are always willing to help each other out.
When it’s getting closer to publication week, it can get hectic. As a writer, you have to hit your deadlines to successfully so the publication can come out every Monday morning.
News Editor Ryen Hawkey provides some reasons as to how NeuPress can help you, saying how it can make a great talking point in job interviews, can show off your communication skills, and can help shape your personal image.
“So basically…if you want to get hired, join NeuPress!” said Hawkey.
NeuPress sounds pretty cool, doesn’t it?
The staff is always looking for more writers and are open to what you have to offer.
You don’t have to write for every issue. You can write as you please.
It isn’t hard to get involved.
Just come to Bruder 107 on any Monday,12:40-1:40, or just shoot an email to learn more.
Danica Pedone, Editor-in-Chief: [email protected]
Ryen Hawkey, News Editor: [email protected]
Megan Foody, Lifestyle Editor: [email protected]
Cole Betham, Sports Editor: [email protected]
Dylan Stiteler, Associate Sports Editor: [email protected]
Emily Ammon, Opinion Editor: [email protected]
