I didn’t start off my college career as a professional writing major, so I certainly didn’t expect myself to be interested in Elizabethtown College’s newspaper. My goal was to not join any clubs, sports, ensembles or extracurriculars so I could focus on my studies in Neuropsychology. Well, spoiler alert, I realized I hated it about five weeks in, and longed for the time to read novels and write essays. By the time the next semester rolled around, I started pursuing my Bachelor’s in English and was much happier. With less time stressing and studying, I found myself wanting to do more with my writing skills. 

During my second year, I took a journalism class that I really enjoyed! I loved being able to turn my assignments in for both class credit and to be published in the Etownian. These articles were my first experience with the Etownian, but the article that really got me interested was my first article for Campus Life, an April Fool’s article on their mascot, Rory the Frog. 

After talking with Editor-in-Chief Chandler McGuire about Rory’s likes, dislikes, history and dreams, I knew I had to know more about the Etownian. After my journalism class ended and my friendship with McGuire started to develop, I saw that the Etownian was hiring, and I started to consider throwing my hat in the ring. Once I told McGuire I was interested, she grabbed on and didn’t let go until I promised to go for an interview. 

I would have been happy with any position, but I was really hoping to become the Assistant Editor for Campus Life. After my interview, I was so happy that I got the position I wanted, and my passion for the section only strengthened over time. Campus Life may seem like it just has “fluff” articles, but we make people laugh, give them something to discuss, show them something new to check out and let people get to know their fellow students. These “fluff” pieces are really important in bringing the student body together, especially with Rory.  

I was so excited to continue developing Rory as I became the Editor for Campus Life, and I was so happy to convince my friend Natalie Meyer to join as the Assistant Editor. I’d like to think I did my best to make Rory’s outfits with free graphics on Canva, but Meyer’s photoshop skills are unmatched, and I don’t know what I or Rory would do without her. Rory now has his own comedy corner, and regales readers with his amusing jokes and charming outfits. 

Every week, Adobe InDesign finds a new way to challenge us when putting together the layout, but through tears (of frustration and laughter) we find a way to stitch these pieces into what readers know as Campus Life. I can only hope the next Assistant Editor of Campus Life will be as good of a partner to Natalie as she is for me. 

I’ve made it my mission to have a copy of every single issue of the Etownian that I’ve had a part in creating. I’m not sure I have each issue, but I have so many that they’re spilling out of my desk drawers, and I wouldn’t part with a single one. I love going through and reading the other sections’ articles, completing the word search (that I make most of the time), and seeing Rory in all his green glory in his comedy corner. 

No matter how frustrated InDesign made me, I’d say that some of my favorite memories from college took place in the newsroom, in front of our computer, with the upcoming issue pulled up on the screen. The Etownian will always have a special place in my heart, and I will continue to stay up to date with all of Rory’s outfits and jokes, the Horoscopes and the History Fact.