My interview with SMU’s editor in chief of The Daily Campus, Katy Roden.
How did you first get started in Journalism?
Since I was able to write, I always enjoyed it and was encouraged to continue working on it. I remember writing stories about my friends, family and dog and my teachers always loved them — I quickly learned that writing was something that came easily to me. It was fun and allowed me to tell stories on paper, since I was so shy as a little girl and didn’t like talking very much. In high school I joined the newspaper staff and starting developing journalism skills, and I’ve been working for newspapers ever since.
How time consuming is your job? How do you balance the paper, school work, and a social life?
Being Editor-in-Chief is very time consuming, but it’s all worth it. On production days (three times per week) I’m in the office for about five hours. Even on “off days” I’m always in the office planning, sending emails and meeting with staff. It’s a 24-hour job but that’s the only way to do it and it wouldn’t be nearly as rewarding if I didn’t put the time in.
It’s difficult to balance The Daily Campus, school work and a social life but I’ve found the answer is prioritizing. Every day I list my priorities from most important to least important — sometimes newspaper takes over the whole day, other days I need to stay up late studying and some days I just need to go to happy hour with friends.
What has been the most challenging aspect about being editor in chief of a major college publication?
I’ve found the biggest challenge is being a leader among my peers. It’s important to me to be a leader of the staff, but at the same time I work really hard to build and maintain friendships with staffers. It makes the newsroom environment and chemistry so much better and cooperative. But finding that balance is difficult — sometimes you have to lay down the law, even if that means being stern with someone your own age.
What is the most rewarding things about being editor in chief of The Daily Campus
The most rewarding thing is having real life experience in all different aspects. I’ve hired and managed a staff. I meet and work with our professional advisors. I’ve worked on tight deadlines when getting the paper to the printer seemed like it would take a miracle. I’ve been a part of reporting teams covering huge, national events such as the Bush Library opening and JFK Anniversary this week. I’ve been a spokesperson for The Daily Campus, answering questions from national media outlets. I answer some of the strangest emails and phone calls you’ll ever hear. The Daily Campus has provided me with so many different experiences and learning opportunities, it’s been invaluable.
So whats next? What do you want to do after you graduate?
I’m done with classes in December, I can’t believe it! I plan on staying in Dallas and getting an internship with a print/online publication here in town. I want to try a variety of publications until I figure out what type of company I would really enjoy working for. I’m still not exactly sure what I want to do, but I’m excited to get out there and find out.
What is one interesting fact readers of The Daily Campus would not know about you?
I’m a quarter Japanese! My mom is from Okinawa, where her American military father married a Japanese woman. So I guess with a name like “Katy” people may not know that I’ve got a little bit of Asian blood in me.
Click here to learn more about The Daily Campus: http://www.smudailycampus.com