Cianna Hope Reeves
Editor-in-Chief
“What’s it like writing for a college newspaper?” I thought to myself as I walked into an unacquainted course called Introduction to Newswriting my sophomore year.
My heart was thumping. I sat down gently on a cushioned chair, placed my bookbag under the desk, looked around and said excitedly, “This is it! This will be my foundation to potentially write for the paper!”
My vision of being a journalist was cut and clear but taking the step to commit gave me a little bit of anxiety. My only prior experience was being a member of a newly founded journalism club my junior year in high school.
I only wrote two articles, and looking back it was not even formatted correctly, however, the words were still powerful enough to realize that writing was not only a talent of mine but also a gift.
I knew writing for a college publication was serious business. I could tell by all of the esteemed medals and plaques lined across The Blue & White Flash office. Articles labeled with student-buzzing headlines and creative feature write-ups were all displayed on the wall. Each were written by members of the staff.
I remember fixing my eyes on every article that hung up and saying, “Wow, that can be me!”
This was my sophomore year—all in one semester to be exact!
Not wanting to overload myself, I took time to think about it. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to handle it because I never led a full staff of writers before. This was all new.
After dismissing the what if’s and realizing that this would only water my seeds of talent and get me closer to attaining my career goals, I happily accepted the position.
I was eager to learn, ready to grow and passionate about writing. I shoved fear out of my mind and I replaced it with even more ambition.
The remainder of sophomore year, I wrote articles of every genre, intrigued by everything newsworthy. One could say I started to have a nose for news.
Junior year arrived, and I knew more about my writing style. I developed a niche; I loved writing about politics, anything that needed answers and everything Afro-centric.
The fact that I was writing for the sixth largest HBCU in the country made my job even more exciting and worthy of fulfilling.
I continued to write and explore different writing techniques to create more intriguing pieces, and the more I covered various events, the more I saw the significance of highlighting black culture and leading conversations that would potentially go unheard elsewhere.
To be a part of something much bigger than myself was so rewarding.
Once I became Editor-in-Chief my senior year, it was only a testament of hard work, commitment, and faith. My entire journey has been a lesson of self-actualization and perseverance.
To this day, it amazes me how I went from “Wow, that can be me!” to “I’m doing it!”
Being able to serve in this magnitude of leadership has taught me more than I could put into my own words.
To say the least, it has allowed me to appreciate the power of my voice, to not be afraid to ask difficult questions, and to embrace different perspectives.
Ultimately, with each story I wrote, it was not about the perfect cover photo to match my headline; it was not about having the highest word count– it was about the quality of words and to produce a truthful and unbiased piece of work through artistry, originality, and skillfulness.
Being a journalist requires one to separate emotions, facts from opinions; It’s a career that requires a true understanding of ethics and involves having a heart for others.
As my time with The Blue & White Flash is now officially over, my only hope is that I have inspired those who look like me and those who look up to me to follow your dreams, stomp out fear, and let your light shine! Most importantly, be the best YOU can be.
To the staff, I am extremely proud of each of you. Your talent and growth were beautiful to witness overtime. Though I have inspired you all, know that you all have inspired me just the same. Continue to write, create, capture, speak and think.
To the editorial team, you all were my greatest supporters, my best of friends. The bond we have is immeasurable and one that I will always hold dear to my heart. Thank you for making work fun and unforgettable. You all are my family forever.
To Ms. Tatum, thank you for seeing my potential before I saw it in myself. Thank you for challenging me and thank you for being the example of a true woman in leadership. Your inspiration exudes beyond those four walls.
To everyone,
Always remember, pressure builds diamonds.
With love,
Cianna Hope Reeves xoxo
Be First to Comment