By Sophie Isbister, Life & Style Editor
This issue marks the last week that I’ll be writing as Life & Style editor for the Other Press. I’ve been in this position for two years, and before that I was a staff writer and contributor. In my time writing for the OP I’ve laughed, cried, and created more content than I would have thought possible. Writing for my college newspaper has been one of the defining experiences of my ‘20s, and I can’t recommend it enough. For my last Listed as Editor (but not last Listed ever), I’ll give you 10 reasons you should absolutely write for your college newspaper.
1. The newspaper is a great platform for your views and ideas.
2. Your work on the paper will be a good conversation starter with your instructors, and extra-curricular work shows initiative.
3. We have rad staff parties. Events have included karaoke, bowling, paddleboating, and fine dining!
4. You will get to go to meetings and feel important.
5. Learning to take feedback from your peers will make you a better writer; learning to give feedback in an editorial position will make you a better leader.
6. Writing is like a muscle; use it more and you’ll get better at it. By the time your midterm essays come around, your writing muscle will be totally primed from all the articles!
7. As a part of the Other Press collective, you’re also a part of the Canadian University Press (CUP), an organization of campus papers spanning across all of Canada. CUP puts on national and regional conferences, with workshops to make you a better writer, and relevant keynote speakers to inspire you.
8. You can start building a portfolio of published pieces: great for certain programs or job applications.
9. The thrill of seeing your name in print never, ever gets old.
10. And last but certainly not least, you will make lifelong friends at all the meetings, conferences, and deadlines—friends that will go from casual acquaintances to some of the most important people in your life.
