By JONAS MILLER
Co-Executive Editor
At a time in society when more is expected from college graduates than ever before, my institution is failing to prepare me for the world that awaits.
As a student journalist, I recognize that in the real world of news and truth, there are a certain number of hoops that need to be jumped through in order to produce real journalistic art.
Knowing this, I also know when I am being asked to jump through more hoops than I am capable of handling. My legs are tired. I just want answers.
As a second-semester senior, I’ve written my fair share of stories—nearly 100—over the past four years. I don’t know the exact number, but my point is that I know the ins and outs of writing about this school.
I’ve covered sporting events, gallery openings, musical performances, even macaroni and cheese competitions. I know people in almost every department on campus, and more than one student in every academic year.
I’ve been an orientation leader, RA, and now I’m Co-Executive Editor of the paper—I’ve done everything I needed to do, professionally. So why do I hit barriers every time I try to do my job?
I’ve contacted multiple departments this year, only to hit the public relations firewall put up by the school to stop nosey kids like myself from spreading anything at all that could shine a remotely negative light on the school.
Last semester, I tried to find renovations records for the houses on campus, and after emailing two different departments I was greeted by a PR staff member saying that so-and-so had forwarded my questions to them.
This semester I tried to interview someone I have actually worked with before, and instead of being able to simply sit down and have a conversation about resident housing on campus, I was told that I may have to go through the public relations office.
What I’m trying to say is that it shouldn’t be this hard to get answers. I’m trying to prepare myself for the journalistic firestorm on the other side of graduation.
I suppose there is a bright side to all of this, though, because boy am I going to be happy when someone finally says, “Hi Jonas, got your message. I’d be more than happy to sit down and have a conversation, because I recognize you’re just trying to do your job.”
Sigh. Maybe someday.
