Looking back at the forefathers of journalism, there was a strong need for the dissemination of information, especially regarding the results and happenings of conflicts. Today, we find ourselves in a similar position, reporting on quarrels of morals, wars fueled by an unquenchable thirst for superiority, the innocence of children falling apart after each school shooting, and a plethora of injustices too many communities face.
As we in the campus newsroom reflect on our role in covering heavier topics, we are constantly checking one another for bias. In classrooms, in hushed whispers, the discussion of objectivity is one we often have because there will always be questions about the validity of what journalists write.
For myself, I simply bear witness in the same way as someone who attends a protest or event I’m covering. However, my intention in going is to do exactly that — to melt into the moment so that I experience everything the moment has to offer. So when you’re reading one of my articles, you experience it as if you were there.
Being present is difficult, which is partly why we are in the profession we are in. As a college student, it’s difficult to keep up with 111 things at a time, and our goal is to fill in the gaps as they become relevant.
However, there is a time and a place when you need to become more present in your own life: your first child, your best friend getting married, the institution you’re currently attending, potentially making a 180-degree turn in the coming years.
Journalists act as watchdogs in relation to positions of power, but this doesn’t mean we are advocates in these situations.
Your actions, your voice — you matter.
As a person who is constantly witnessing events as they occur, there is always a need for civic participation. Whether that is going to an open forum to ask a question a reporter doesn’t get to, or speaking out at a protest you don’t agree with, you have to be the one who determines change in your own life.
It could be as simple as opening and reading your email when you see a notification from the Office of the President. Being aware is pivotal to making everyday decisions.
I do not want you to mistake my encouragement to be present as an indication that we will stop producing the articles you read every Thursday. In fact, I’ve written numerous times that if you ever think something needs to be covered on campus, we at The Recorder are open and willing to tackle the stories you want to see get the attention they deserve. But from a place of relatedness, we need to be more involved in the things that truly matter.
Tell a loved one Happy Valentine’s Day, ask a question at the upcoming open forum on Feb. 17, and look up at the stars tonight.
Be present.
