As journalists, we serve to inform the public, and once the public is informed, they are left to form opinions. From pop culture to recent events on CCSU’s campus, the opinion column is open for students to voice what matters to them.

The beauty of the written word is that it is open to interpretation by the reader, and the opinion column is a place for news to be enriched with voices of different perspectives. You do not have to be a journalist to write an opinion piece because the editors welcome anyone to guest-write in the column. This semester, we want to hear more student voices. Your contributions are crucial in shaping an engaging news outlet. Our Instagram, @centralrecorder, is available for anyone to message their thoughts regarding current events at Central, or in New Britain as a whole.

I enjoy reading opinion pieces as a refreshing change of pace from news stories. While objective news stories are essential, it’s also valuable for us to open each other’s minds to different ideas and points of view. A strong opinion piece leaves the reader inspired to keep exploring new viewpoints or advocate for the subject at hand. Opinions question authority and promote the exchange of ideas. For instance, The New York Times opinion column features headlines such as “Can TikTok Be Reformed? This Billionaire Wants to Try,” or “What We Can Learn From an Orphan in Sudan.” The fascinating subjects are endless.

I encourage readers to be curious about the communities around them and to form new conversations that spark curiosity. This is the goal this semester as I take on the role of opinion editor. I look forward to seeing what our writers create and hearing what readers walk away with after picking up The Recorder. Let’s inspire each other and keep the conversations going.