The beginning of a new school year is a tragic time for a student journalist. Yes it is exciting because we gain a whole new audience. We have to publish interesting, witty and news-worthy stories to maintain this audience and that is a wonderful challenge. However, there is a huge downside…trying to contact the right sources, or any sources for that matter. Administrative heads, department chairs, housing officers, etc. are all preoccupied with school year preparations. You may get lucky and happen upon a spokesperson for a department, but contact is minimal, even at that.
I have been working on two stories for the past week, both of which have spun me around, flipped me upside down and I still can’t get through to the right contact person. On top of this chaos, classes have officially started so reporters and editors are pressed for time as well. Good thing I love what I do.