At the start of this semester, there were a few positions that became available at the Etownian due to members completing their time here at Elizabethtown College. Third-year journalism and professional writing double major DaniRae Renno took up the mantle of being the Etownian’s managing editor, and is dedicated to continuing to work with her peers in her new position.
Renno originally wanted the Assistant Sports Editor position. She interviewed with the editors in the Blue Bean, where they discussed her experience and goals. The editors ultimately decided she wasn’t the best fit for this position, but they had something else in mind for her.
“While I didn’t get the role, the editors emailed me and said the Assistant News Editor position was open and they thought I would be better suited for that role. I applied, and since I had already interviewed, I was accepted!” Renno said.
After working as the Assistant News Editor, Renno found herself wanting to get more involved with the Etownian. After Chandler McGuire moved into her new role as the Editor-In-Chief, she encouraged Renno to interview for the Managing Editor position. She was so excited to start in her new role and continue working with her fellow Etownian employees.
“I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to work with. It’s been amazing to work with the editors from every section. The friendships I’ve been able to form this semester have been so fun and I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Renno said.
As the Managing Editor, Renno has quite a few responsibilities to take care of throughout the week. She starts her week by copy editing all of the articles from the different sections that come in on Sunday and Monday. Tuesdays, she helps lead the brainstorm meeting and takes notes during the meeting.
“It’s one of my favorite parts because we get to check in with the full staff and listen to the amazing ideas they come up with!” Renno said.
Then on Thursdays, she goes to the newsroom around 6:30 p.m. and is there until around 11 p.m. for Production Night. She and McGuire split up the sections, make slight alterations to the Indesign file the section editors have put together and correct any mistakes that they may have missed. This is an incredibly important task, as the Managing Editor and the Editor-In-Chief are some of the last eyes that see the newspaper layouts before they are sent off to be printed.
“InDesign is definitely a challenge, especially because we have different versions of Indesign on each section, so you have to use specific computers. I like challenges though, and we always solve them by midnight,” Renno said.
Renno’s favorite part of being the Managing Editor is getting to work with all of the other section’s editors and getting to copy edit all of the stories. “It’s so fun to see everyone’s different personalities and get closer with everyone over the semester, and it’s fun to read the stories ahead of time!” Renno said.
Renno has had a passion for journalism since her time in high school, and the Etownian has given her a place to hone her skills, develop new skills and learn from others in her field. She appreciates that the Etownian has exposed her to many different types of journalistic writing and is grateful for the collaborative environment that allows her to learn more with other students interested in journalism. She specifically gives thanks to McGuire for helping to push her out of her comfort zone.
“Working with Chandler has helped me in so many ways. We all have shortcomings, and Chandler helps me grow in areas I wouldn’t have otherwise. Working with her has been so beneficial to me as a journalist and a person,” Renno said.
Renno hopes to work in print journalism after graduation, specifically focusing on political journalism, and credits her time as the Assistant News Editor as one thing that she feels is preparing her for that.
