This year, I became the editor of the award-winning student newspaper at Francis Marion University, The Patriot. I also entered my senior year in college. While most other years I’ve been almost absent from extra-curricular activities, this year, I am have more non-college related work than I’ve had in my four previous years at FMU.
The Patriot has been referred to by previous editors as a child and something that needs constant attention. As the assistant editor last year, I wasn’t shouldering too much of the burden of copy editing (we had a copy editor), layout (we had a layout editor), or even the most of the jobs that come with being the assistant editor as we had a very capable editor and assistant editor.
Even though there is a lot of work involved in the production of a newspaper – much more than I had ever envisioned before I took the position – I am very glad that I have been given the opportunity to represent the students of Francis Marion.
With graduation though, came a huge staff rollover and we were left with a small staff, even for Francis Marion standards. The Patriot was quite lucky though as all those that remained on the staff were those who really wanted to contribute to the overall production of the newspaper. Every single individual on the staff this year has tried to provide something original and innovative to the paper.
The staff of The Patriot has the right idea when it comes to extra-curricular activities when you’re in college. Even though many of the people on the staff participate in other organizations or clubs, they make time for one more thing. This is not to say that overloading your schedule in college is a good idea but participating in as many things as you can is a good idea.
There are an abundance of activities, groups and organizations that are open to almost every student. With the Baptist College Ministry, intramural sports, politically active groups (College Democrats and College Republicans), the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Straight Alliance and a plethora of sororities and fraternities are all open to students. No matter the specific interest of the student, there is sure to be an organization, no matter the campus and college.
Even the simplest things such as an on campus job can provide an experience that can give students the feeling of accomplishment and lifelong friends can be made. What I’m trying to say is that even though there is the temptation to sit on the couch and do nothing but party for four years, there are other things to do during your time in college.
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