Pictured above: Annalise Anderson (left) assumed the editor-in-chief role at ‘The Crow’s Nest’ this fall, following the leadership of Sophie Ojdanic, who graduated in spring 2021.
Courtesy of Sophie Ojdanic | The Crow’s Nest
By Annalise Anderson
Ah, yes. The holiday season is approaching, which means fresh-baked feasts, festive décor, pine-scented nostalgia and, of course, family gatherings riddled with prodding questions disguised as “words of wisdom” like, “You’re not going to be one of those journalists, are you?”
Well-meaning as they may be, family members, peers and even the small-talking grocery clerk have a vile, distorted taste in their mouths from “the media,” leaving me to wonder, ‘who hurt you?’
As I near the end of my journey as an undergraduate student at USF St. Petersburg, nothing has been more deeply rooted in my mind by passionate – and skeptical – professors than the indisputable fact that journalism is the only career protected by the U.S. Constitution.
Despite this, the world faces a misinformed crisis, and “freedom of the press” is nothing more than a cheap slogan.
While I agree the nobility of journalism has been undermined in recent years, it doesn’t threaten my belief that the workforce is desperate for a steady stream of fearless writers, reliable communicators and forward-thinking creatives.
Of course, like most things, integrating yourself into the journalism or communications field comes with a bit of practice and a hunger to learn. Thankfully, The Crow’s Nest (CN) is an ideal, low-risk environment to help budding journalists cultivate their ambitions and put newly learned skills to the test.
My time at The Crow’s Nest has been formative to say the least. While college courses can teach you the ABCs of interviewing, how to worship AP Style and what goes into a quippy story lead, they can’t teach you how to become an assiduous cynic who thrives on teamwork, brainstorming sessions and the thrill of hearing, “This is off the record.”
For many CN editors and contributing writers over the years, it’s also offered them their first “byline high,” if you will. The excitement of turning pages hot off the press and seeing your name in a story byline never gets old – never.
Sharing that joy with The Crow’s Nest’s editors and contributing writers is one of the most heartwarming, fulfilling experiences I’ve had in my early professional career.
Former Editor-in-Chief Sophie Ojdanic, who helmed The Crow’s Nest newsroom throughout USF’s COVID-19 shutdown last year, agreed it’s arguably one of the best parts of the job.
“The moment the team sees their first paper in print. I think there’s something special about having a hard copy of your work with your name on it,” Ojdanic said.
But the very best part? Knowing that your hours of interviewing, transcribing and reporting have a significant impact on the USF and local communities.
“Some stories you cover, even at the collegiate or academic level, are very intense,” Ojdanic said. “I think being able to speak to people affected by those stories and understand the impact of our work is the most rewarding part of being editor-in-chief or even just working at the paper. Hearing from the folks we spoke to that they appreciated the story, or they learned something new, just makes the whole thing worthwhile.”
Sadly, my time has come to fly The Nest.
Just as Ojdanic helped me assume the editor-in-chief role earlier this year, it’s my turn to encourage eager St. Petersburg students to take a chance on themselves, lean into their individuality and feed their innate curiosity by applying for a staff or leadership position at The Crow’s Nest for spring 2022.
Yes, it’s intimidating succumbing your work to editors and the public for the first time. But there’s truly no better opportunity to build your confidence as a communicator and to promise your worried relatives that you won’t become one of those journalists.
The Crow’s Nest is currently hiring an editor-in-chief, managing editor and staff reporter for the spring 2022 semester. The deadline to apply is Nov. 15, unless otherwise noted. Apply online at crowsneststpete.com/employment.
Well written Anna, very proud of you!