My experience with The Northerner started at the beginning of the fall 2022 semester when I was enrolled in JOU 380 and 480, classes required for my major of journalism. The most notable moment for me was on April 25, 2023 when I received an email from Michele Day, my professor and advisor for The Northerner, with quite the exciting subject line: Congratulations on your Norty Award! I won my Norty for third-place alternative-format story for my photo essay on NKU’s 55th Founders’ Day. At the end of the meeting that afternoon, I was encouraged to join The Northerner and eagerly submitted my application to be on staff as soon as I got home.
When I started my position as assistant photo editor, I didn’t know what to expect, as one usually feels when starting a new job. Even though this was technically my fifth year as a student, this was the first real student organization I had joined. I was expecting to take photos here and there, but I never expected to feel as though I was part of a family. Here’s a look inside my top five moments working with The Northerner this semester:
Not only did this story hit close to home as a photography minor, it helped mold a tradition that lasted throughout the semester. Arts and Life Editor Killian Baarlaer and I were able to go into the construction site for this story. We were given hardhats to wear while we were in the area, and one woman we were on the tour with asked if we wanted our picture taken– we agreed. For the remainder of the semester, I took a behind-the-scenes photo with whoever was with me. They’re a little extra something to keep besides my regular work and are a collection of great memories.
Photo Editor Emory Davis and I attended the drag show held by LGBTQA+ Student Initiatives and it was so much fun. This was the most lively, positive and joyful event I attended this semester and I’m glad I did. One thing I’ve noticed this semester is my wish that NKU events had more student turnout, and there was no thought of that during this event due to the huge crowd that showed up. Not only did Chyna Versce, Quasi Powell and Aurora Starr put on incredible drag performances, the speakers present were very empowering. I remember one speaker saying, “If you don’t fit into one of society’s boxes, don’t force yourself.” This resonated with me and I think it was important for other students to hear.
- The Northerner hang outs!
Like most students, The Northerner staff has been insanely busy this semester. The only time most of us get to hang out in the same room is during our weekly meetings. One night, we all went to Mac’s Pizza Pub down the street. After intense concentration on multiple games of bingo and zero wins, we all headed back to the newsroom to work on the November print issue together. This was especially exciting for me because it was the first time my photo was on the front cover. Special thank you and shout out to our web editor Patrick for fixing some of the stories that weren’t showing up on my staff profile that evening.
Later in the semester, a bunch of us went to lunch on a Saturday afternoon at Smoke Justis in Covington. Hailey Roden and I joked that it was a big step up from the concession hotdogs we always ate together whenever we covered sports.
- Cincinnati Student Media Conference
On Sept. 30, a group of us headed over to Xavier University for the regional student media conference. Many different local student journalism groups participated, and we got to see what worked for their publication along with attending speaker talks. Xavier Newswire spoke near the end and advertised that they were holding a group hangout later in the evening, welcoming all to join. We went up to them after the conference ended, told them we were interested and they were very excited to hang out with new people. Emory, Killian, Mildred and I attended that night and we had an absolute blast.
I unexpectedly worked on many sports photos this semester. My favorite game was NKU at University of Cincinnati for men’s basketball. Not only was the atmosphere incredible and I got my best sports photos of the semester, a fellow staff member said something special that will stick with me for a very long time.
For this story, I worked alongside the hardworking Emmanuelle Hewson and Emory Davis. Since this was such a big game, staff members Emily Sisk, Mildren Nguyen and Killian Baarlaer attended in the crowd. After the game was over, Emmanuelle, Emory and I went back to the media room to wrap up and gather our things. I received a call from Emily, and the group wanted to meet up with us before leaving. I walked out of one of the tunnels leading out to the court, I looked up ahead and saw four happy, waving people in the stands. Still being on the call, I heard, “We just wanted to see you and say we’re proud of you.”
I’ve had incredible support from family, friends and especially my team this semester, and that’s what has mattered most the entire time. Surrounding myself with likeminded people who are happy to work with me and appreciate what I do has made a world of difference in my life.
My advice to current and future NKU students: become involved. I always knew I could be involved on campus, but I never realized the importance until I put myself out there, met some incredible people, gained experience and had a ton of fun. It truly makes a difference in your college experience and other aspects of your life. Don’t be afraid to mess up or learn new things. There is a group out there that will support you in full. Take it from someone that finally feels at home on campus and would do almost anything to stay.
To the entire Northerner staff: thank you for everything. You are all exceptionally talented journalists and people. I cannot wait to see and cheer you on for what each of you do in your future endeavors.