By Andy Matarrese
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I'm writing this week to implore you to apply for a position on the Beacon staff for next year.
Yes, we've already printed many ads, posted fliers around campus, put up notices on Facebook (become a fan if you haven't already!), ran a whole special section for Student Media jobs and had some delightful and insightful commentary from communication studies professor Mick Mulcrone and Portland Magazine editor Brian Doyle.
That said, I still think the value of working at The Beacon deserves another turn.
This will be my third year working for the student newspaper. I've reported, designed, edited and even taken the occasional photograph.
In my work I've come across Olympic-caliber athletes, mad scientist coaches, Public Safety officers, expert faculty, cops, sneaky lawyers, grieving family members, Army and Air Force cadre members, student leaders, and everyday community members of every stripe.
I can say, without reservation or regret, that The Beacon is the premier place for the creative and clever student at the University of Portland.
Nowhere else will you be able to do so many different things so often.
There is never a dull week, there is never a routine.
(I hope my esteemed colleagues in other branches of Student Media will excuse my favoritism, but I can't really speak with any kind of experience on their behalf.)
For the student who wishes to hone their skills as a writer, The Beacon is the place for you. In the crucible of many an edit and critique session, you will learn how to tell a story with the written word as your tool.
For the budding photographer, The Beacon is the place for you. Every week, there is news happening all over campus, and the thousand words you can provide with your lens can tell an infinitely better story than even the most skilled writer's thousands words of text.
For students who want to get a campus job where they'll have to pause in amazement that they are actually getting paid to do what they do, The Beacon is the pace for you.
The Beacon offers the ultimate backstage pass, an opportunity to work with other creative and passionate students.
It's one of the few jobs on campus where you get to see the fruits of your labors come to life in a tangible way. It's a chance to make a real difference on campus.
So march yourself over to the Student Activities office in St. Mary's and pick up an application today. They're due Feb. 11.
Andy Matarrese is the editor-in-chief of The Beacon
