If you had told 18-year-old me that she would be sitting down writing her last piece for the student newspaper, let alone editing for said paper, she would have said you were crazy. Cheesy but true. She also probably would have said, “We have a student newspaper?”
I entered UNH in 2020 as a psychology major with absolutely no clue as to what I wanted to do with that degree. It’s really by mistake that I even chose this career path at all. A happy mistake though, let’s be clear.
During the fall of my sophomore year, I happened to take 21st Century Journalism with Lisa Miller to fulfill a discovery requirement. I think it goes without saying that I loved it. And having always loved English classes and writing in school, I thought, “hey, I think I could do this!”
Over that winter break, I changed my major to English/Journalism and, looking back, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I have to thank Tom Haines and his Newswriting class for teaching me how to literally write a news story, what a nut graf is, the importance of a lede, etc. and for encouraging me to submit some of my first stories to The New Hampshire (TNH).
I published two stories as a contributing writer (I should have joined staff that semester) before studying abroad and taking a brief hiatus from TNH. With that said, I also have to thank Melanie Matts for walking me through the contributing process and badgering me to join staff, even though I finally made the move after she had graduated.
I finally applied to be a staff writer before my senior year and was thrilled to start in the fall as TNH’s Student Life and Culture Reporter. Thank you to Max for inviting me to join staff and welcoming me into that position. Working as a reporter allowed me to connect more deeply with my peers and the Durham community as well as uncover what stories I am passionate about telling.
Now as a news editor, I have the privilege of working with my own reporter to come up with story ideas and bring them to fruition. Having both experiences has been so impactful on my journey to becoming a professional journalist.
To Kaylin – I know you will continue to do an incredible job leading the team next year. I’ll miss our writer-editor duo, calling you with last-minute questions about a story, our hangouts in the newsroom and chatting before your dreaded afternoon class. It’s been so inspiring seeing you lead our staff with such confidence and certainty.
To the rest of the staff – it’s been an absolute pleasure working and learning alongside you all. I know all of us seniors will continue to do great things post-grad. And to those of you who will return to TNH next year, I am so excited to see what you accomplish. Good luck!
Joining TNH has provided me with experiences no class or internship could and I am forever grateful for my time as both a writer and editor. My only regret is that I didn’t join sooner.
Over and out,
Kylie
