The first thing I did when I stepped on campus was changing my major from journalism to communication to avoid being a member of The Reflector.
I had no clue what I wanted to do when I was applying for college. My major depended on which colleges I applied to — it was split between journalism and computer science. Ultimately, I chose the University of Indianapolis, where I had decided to pursue journalism up until that point. I wanted to be an automotive journalist, but I thought broadcasting might be a better route for me, so I opted for that instead.
By the end of my freshman year, I had made a good effort to be a part of UINDY TV. I definitely had leadership potential there. I also decided to drop my business administration minor to pursue a public relations track on top of my media track.
During the first three weeks of summer after my freshman year, I took the spring term course “Hollywood Looks at Journalists.” I am deeply grateful for that course, as it introduced me to my journalism heroes like Edward Murrow and Peter Arnett. I still did not have a desire to take The Reflector after that class, as I thought it would be too difficult.
By the middle of my sophomore year, I became the news director for WICR 88.7 for a semester. After some challenges, I decided it was time for a change of pace, so I applied to be the online editor for The Reflector, a position that would be the perfect blend of my broadcast journalism and public relations experience. I had the interview two hours before I had to board a plane to Las Vegas for a conference, which would be my first flight ever. I got the news I had been hired right before I had to head to the airport. I feel honored to be the last remaining member of The Reflector to have been hired when Jeanne Criswell served as adviser.
I joined The Reflector at an interesting time, being between advisers. After I got the hang of how The Reflector worked, I did not think it was that bad. Before joining, I thought The Reflector was too much work for the result. It was relatively simple compared to my expectations, but I did not have to design pages either.
As online editor, one of my first acts was to modernize our social media graphics. I followed that by opening our LinkedIn and TikTok accounts, expanding The Reflector’s digital presence to more platforms. I also helped upload our first videos to YouTube. I tried staying behind the camera as much as possible, which is why it is very rare to see me on social media.
By the time interviews rolled around for this year, I decided to apply for editor-in-chief as a last-minute effort. I received the role despite graduating in the middle of the year. I am fortunate to have Logan McInnes taking over for me next semester.
It has been such an honor to serve as editor-in-chief of this publication. I am extremely grateful for the experiences I have had by being a member of The Reflector, and I want to thank Advisers Jeanne Criswell and Katie Greenan for making it possible. My greatest advice is to always keep opportunities open.
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- EDITED: Photo by Luke Cooper
