Dear readers,

This summer has gone by all too quickly but I am glad to get back to school. The 2015-2016 academic year will be my second year as an editor for The Slate and my first as managing editor.

Mary Grace Keller, formerly The Slate’s news editor, is now the editor-in-chief. What I think is one of the most interesting facts about the two of us is that we are juniors. This is not common; usually The Slate has seniors in these positions.

Being a junior though, I feel qualified to give some advice on a few things. One of the most important things I can say, no matter how many times you have heard it in new student orientation and any time you visited campus, getting involved early is important.

Getting involved with organizations you are passionate about, especially organizations that have to do with your major are important because of the skills you can gain. These organizations have the potential to give you skills in leadership, teach time management, give you opportunities to network with your peers, give you experience in your major, among other things.

I started at The Slate my freshman year as a staff writer. I went to events, wrote and handed in my articles. By the end of that same year, I became the Arts and Entertainment Editor. I spent all of last year learning how to use InDesign, Photoshop, how to take better pictures for articles and write more than I had the previous year.

Another piece of advice I feel I need to add is that you need to put time and effort into these organizations to get those types of skills out of it. It is not easy to get to a leadership position without hard work and time. There is also a fair chance there will be lots of frustration when trying to get to those points.

I also know that if you are willing to ask for help and take into consideration what others have to say, you can take some of the frustration away. I do not know how many times I had to ask for help on the paper or how many times staff members went out of their way to help me. Without all of their help, there is no way I would be in the position I am today.

I know I still have a lot to learn in my next few years. I am excited to see what this new role will bring and I am even more excited to see how far the staff can take The Slate this year. I cannot wait to see how much the paper and website, theslateonline.com, grow within the next year and I have no doubt the staff will make it the best paper possible. 

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