What was your major/ minor?
A: I was an English major with a minor in art history
Where did you live all four years?
A: I lived in Campion (fourth floor) freshman and sophomore year, and “on the beach” junior and senior year.
What were all of your roles on The Mirror?
A: I started out my freshman year as a features writer, mostly focusing on the arts. Whenever a musical or comedy act would come to Fairfield, I would review it. I also reviewed student performances, plays, etc. During sophomore and junior years I was still writing but also involved in production (I honestly don’t remember my title), where every Wednesday evening we would go to our printer in Milford and create the paper. I would literally use an X-ACTO knife to cut articles that had been printed out so they would literally fit on the pages. By senior year I was the Editor-in-Chief, where I was responsible for all content, production and advertising.
What was the most controversial story you published as Editor-in-Chief?
A: I can’t remember anything really controversial we wrote about during the year I was Editor-in-Chief, but I do know that I instituted semi-annual meetings with the president of the school that year, where I would go up to his offices in Bellarmine and spend an hour interviewing him. I felt it was really important for the student body to know what was going on in those halls. I also moved the op/ed pages to the middle spread of the paper, giving that content better visibility and as such, more importance. I remember thinking at the time that moving the op/ed pages to the middle really encouraged more dialogue. We had more letters to the editor that year than the years prior. My whole time as editor was really dedicated to making sure that The Mirror was really a reflection of the school and the student body, as opposed to a small group of students who created it. I really wanted everyone to be involved and have a voice.
What was your favorite/least favorite parts of being Editor-in-Chief?
A: Favorite: Camaraderie, great friends and relationships; great learning experience, feeling like I had the “inside scoop” on much of the goings on at the school, being located next to the student-run deli at Gonzaga so I could always run and get a “cheese cheapie” when working late. Least favorite: I really loved everything about it. I did lose a lot of sleep those years, but who needs to sleep when you’re in college?
How did your time at The Mirror prepare you for your future career?
Well, I am still working in journalism, so it prepared me quite a bit! But I also learned valuable
life skills including: how to run a successful meeting; public speaking skills; writing and editing skills (which are so important in every profession, not just “writing”); how to be a team player; the importance of and respect for deadlines; etc. etc.!
What is your favorite memory of Fairfield?
A: Oh gosh there are so many! Just thinking about it now giving me goosebumps! It has to be hanging out at the beach with friends. But a close second has to be Dr. Eliasoph’s art history classes. He taught me how to appreciate art, and it has stuck with me to this day!
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