SS a ee

OE i at tr om

LETTITOR

the Douglas College newspaper since 1976

yrs PRESS

UTC issue12 volume37 - november23 / 2010

Three years, and I’m still learning here

Garth McLennan Editor in Chief

ver since graduating from Hi school three years ago,

I’ve been involved in student journalism. In fact, it’s really quite hard now to even mention my post- secondary career without bringing up my tenure with The Other Press. They basically go hand in hand with each other.

I just recently passed the three year mark here at your resident student newspaper, and the moment served as an appropriate time to look back and reflect on not just my time with the paper, but also the evolving role of student journalism in the first place. Recently, I had a nice talk with the previous editor-in-chief here at the OP, Liam Britton, and he was of the belief that the primary role of the student newspaper is, much like a college/university course or class, quite simply, to be used as a teaching tool; a place where inexperienced yet aspiring young journalists can learn and grow together.

With that in mind, it truly is amazing just how much I have learned and grown in these three years. During my time here, whether on a full-time or interim basis, I’ve served, at one point or another, as The Other Press’ editor-in-chief, sports editor, distribution manager and news editor, while at the same time contributing articles regularly to the arts and opinions sections of the paper.

I’ve learned the ins and outs of the newspaper business, how to meet deadlines, what to look for when editing other people’s work, not just

how to write but how an 5

incredible people and forged some really special friendships with people I never would have even met without this paper. Basically, this newspaper has been, for me, exactly what Liam said is should be: A wonderful place to really learn and grow. Speaking honestly, it blows my mind to even think of where I would be had I never spotted that ad saying that The Other Press was searching for a new sports editor.

In an increasingly digital and internet based world, I understand that the role of not just student newspapers but the entire print

business as a whole is diminishing and is on a slow but steady decline. However, there are still plenty of really good years left in the tank, and The Other Press is still, as it always has been, a fantastic place to learn skills you’ll keep for life, meet some great people and just have a lot of fun.

That’s why I’m strongly encouraging you to stop by and check us out. We are, after all, you’re newspaper. Pick up a paper; stop by a meeting (we meet every Monday at six). I promise you won’t regret it.

to write in a fun and Anyone can get published Sibson lb eo city "NEWS SUBMISSIONS entertaining fashion (I CA “inthe Other Press! Justemail _ andstyle, _ ‘Rews' Ipress.ca hope), how to delegate, —_ your storyto the appropriate section "The Other Press wil pay $50%0 / SPORTS SUBMISSIONS how to manage a editorfrom the liston theright, fonoyibaienbasbonts __ Sports@theotherpress.ca budget, just how : "Pha seri yn le sa NS Wea at features . ‘A&E SUBMISS

essential the synonym ile docfile andindude yourfullname, __ section. Submit story ideas tothe eee. button on Microsoft ee SR EE proche iris os FEATURE ARTICLES Word really is (believe Malia _ Tenestvedinefer aie The Other Presshoksweeky sta etltor@theotherpress.ca me, it’s huge), how a _publctionthefolloning Monday. _-meetingsat6PMonMondaysin OPINION SUBMISSIONS printing press works Letters totheEHtorand*tme= room 1020oftheNewWestminster Pinions @theotherpress.ca

and perhaps most of all, to recognize how important it is when people depend on you. I’ve met a lot of