I’m just beginning the second semester of my sophomore year at Point Park, and I’m the new Editor-in-Chief of The Globe.

I’ve been told I’m the youngest Editor-in-Chief this newspaper has ever had. My peers questioned my sanity. My professors wished me good luck. Many people have voiced that they think I’m too young for the position. I’ve been asked if I think I’ll be able to stand up to students who are much older than me, or talk to professors if there is an issue with students’ work getting published. I’ve even had a few critics doubt my abilities to run the newspaper because I’m a woman.

To that I say: Allow me to prove you wrong. I decided to pursue a career in journalism when I was in eighth grade. I’ve been writing journalistically since I was 13 years old. I had teachers jokingly threaten to come after me if I didn’t pursue a career in writing. Journalism is my passion, and I’m dedicated to every publication I’ve ever written for.

The Globe, by far, is the best newspaper I’ve ever worked for. The staff, although it changes every semester, almost always turns into somewhat of a family. We’re all supportive of not only one another, but also our contributors. The editors of The Globe are always willing to meet with writers to discuss any issues that may arise with a story, and are capable of providing constructive criticism and offering advice to help writers expand their skill set and become more comfortable submitting stories to be published.
Sure, there are times when the paper stresses me out and everything seems to be going wrong. There are times when I have to leave the newsroom for a few minutes to go outside – mostly because it is basically the temperature of a grossly hazy summer day year-round. Regardless, some of my fondest memories occurred in the newsroom that smells of old newspapers and often times, coffee and pizza – the room that feels like home at this point.

Under the leadership of Jon Andreassi last semester, I feel prepared to lead The Globe. I am dedicated to seeing that we produce a quality newspaper week after week this semester. I want to prove to everyone that, despite being a young female, I am capable of overcoming adversity and taking responsibility for any mistakes that may occur over the course of the semester.

While most students went home for a month-long winter break, ignoring all things school-related, I spent most of the break in Pittsburgh, frantically preparing the paper for this semester.

As you, the reader, probably noticed, The Globe is now printing on broadsheet, as opposed to the tabloid that it has been for the past three semesters. Although the change wasn’t absolutely necessary, and there are a number of critics who disagree with my decision to change the layout, I feel as though it actually offers many benefits.

After discussing the change with last semester’s staff, the general consensus was that broadsheet offers many more layout options. We have much more freedom with photos, as broadsheet gives our editors the chance to publish larger photos – both portrait and landscape. Broadsheet also gives our editors more options with the layout of stories.

Additionally, broadsheet means that The Globe now has four or more front-page stories, as opposed to the two front-page stories that the tabloid layout allowed. Now, four students can have their work published on the front page of a newspaper that circulates all over campus, along with several local businesses surrounding Point Park, which I believe will draw in more readers.

Of course, there is a bit of a personal element behind the change. All the newspapers I read are printed on broadsheet. The newspapers that inspired me to pursue a career in journalism are printed on broadsheet. To me, it represents a classic newspaper. I realize, that as an aspiring sports journalist, I most likely won’t have the opportunity to change the layout of a newspaper ever again. Considering the benefits the new layout offers to readers, writers and The Globe editors, I felt it beneficial to make the layout change.

I’m excited for this semester. The Globe is equipped with a fantastic editorial staff that truly cares about helping to produce a reputable newspaper. Surely there will be mishaps and moments when I’ll question what I got myself into when I decided to apply to run the newspaper, but I’m thankful for the experiences that The Globe has offered me thus far, and I can’t wait to see what the semester holds for all of us at The Globe. I implore you all to stick with us as we adapt to our new roles and get used to the new layout – and please provide us with your feedback.