Being a senior is a strange time. You are so close, yet you still have two full semesters before that diploma is in your hand. When you become a “senior,” it’s easy to believe that everything you have to give is already behind you—senioritis hits. But now, I know there was so much more to experience and learn. 

I joined The Northerner a year ago and spent only my senior year as part of the publication. It was the best decision I could’ve made—truly the icing on my college cake. I’ve added so much more to my resume and portfolio, grew more confident in my journalistic craft and most importantly, met so many new people that will be lifelong friends. 

Here are three things I learned, while working on stories, during my one year with The Northerner.

No. 1: Honoring National Novel Month: The literary legacy of Taylor Swift

Lesson learned: You actually can grow from trying things out of your comfort zone  

This feels almost like a confession, but I don’t consider myself a “Swiftie.” I know that many people are not going to be thrilled by that. But this story begins with News Editor, at the time, Shae Meade and Editor-in-Chief Emily Sisk wanting someone to cover the new Taylor Swift course on campus. As the Arts & Life Editor, I thought well…I guess this is happening. I was not thrilled at the idea of sitting in an hour-long lecture about Swift, but my mind was changed very quickly. 

I have never been in a course with so many students so deeply intrigued in a topic and a professor so passionate about what they were discussing. They broke down one of Swift’s songs, and all of the students were so willing to share their deep connections to each line in the song. After talking with a few students and the professor, I was taken aback. 

I never knew that journalism could make me so interested in something I never dabbled in before. I finally understood that sticking to only things you’re interested in wasn’t going to slide in this profession. 

No. 2: Grit, guitars and gospel: “Jesus Christ Superstar” rocks NKU’s stage for a second time

Lesson learned: NKU can truly be the coolest, if you let it. 

I grew up only 15 minutes away and lived with my parents all four years of college, which has been the best blessing, but wasn’t the most popular thing to people who moved out for college and went far away. They all thought I was playing it safe. 

To prove people wrong, I kinda dove into NKU head first when I arrived on campus in August 2021, because I wanted to make it feel like a true college experience. I joined a sorority and became super involved in it. It wasn’t until I joined The Northerner that I realized the rest there was more to offer on campus. 

I was privileged enough to cover theatre all year, and it was a dream come true. Everyone in the program made me feel so welcome and was always so willing to do an interview with me, even though I was a new journalist. 

I also was able to cover student life, homecoming and more. I learned how many people are truly dedicated to making this school a home and how many people take pride in being a Norse. 

There is so much energy on this campus and it is infectious if you let your Northern Kentucky guard down. 

No. 3: The Potted Palm: Where creativity and community grow 

Lessons learned: What you do means something, even if you don’t realize it.  

This story came out of nowhere for me. I found out about the Potted Palm and went to visit it for myself. I was shocked at how many people were benefiting from just one shop, with all of the vendors set up. After talking to the owner, I knew she was doing what she was doing for the community, not herself. I couldn’t help but share this story. 

Little did I know, my story was more important to the owner of the shop than I knew. She texted me later to let me know that it not only helped her shop gain traction, but she connected deeply over it with a family member who was a past journalist.

Since then, I have had friends go to the shop and the owner shares my story with all of them. My friends call me to tell me that they have never seen someone so grateful. 

Knowing the impact I made on her life drives me to continue to write. It feeds a thrill in me to preach the excitement happening in the community to everyone. It truly showed me the importance of journalism, beyond just a passion for writing.