Back a few semesters ago….did that even make sense? Last spring when I was asked to become campus correspondent while our founder and current correspondent was taking a semester to study abroad, I wasn’t sure if saying yes was the right decision. I had never been involved on campus or in school before. You most likely won’t find me at a club meeting or joining Greek Life. Nothing against those things. It just isn’t me. I am more of a lone wolf. I go to class, do my assignments, and go home. There wasn’t anything I wanted to dedicate my time to outside of my students. I don’t know why I felt that way, but I did. I was happy though. I liked getting all A’s and being at the top of my class.
But, I needed something to be involved in and what better way than to be a leader.
Without even thinking I said yes. I said yes becuase these girls were my friends and they obviously thought I had it in me to do something great with our chapter. My time as campus correspondent has been filled with lessons and “ah ha!” moments.
Less is More!
We were and still are a small chapter. I’m totally okay with that! It gives us charm! (But, we are always looking to grow!) When I started I think we only had about 4 writers or less on a weekly baisis. One of my missons was to get some new memembers. With the help of my two wonderful friends we took over social media and tried to reel in the incoming class. Fortunatly, it worked out and our chapter has around 25 members and half of them are writers. For now, being a small chapter has worked in our favor. Everybody has the freedom to voice opinions and be heard without overshadowing eachother. I know everyone by name and have formed lasting friendships with them. Not only is it easier to manage, but our page has a balance of content. Each writer has the opportunity to publish every week and we don’t have to worry about overly flooding the page.
Keep an Open Mind
Not everybody is going to agree with you. One of the most important things to me as a journaism student is to feel like my work is my work. I don’t really like rules and people telling me how to write or what to write. With that said, I knew it was something I had to apply to running our page. When it comes to giving out assignments, I had to learn to take into consideration what our writers style is. If there’s something I don’t necessarly agree with, it doesn’t mean it isn’t work. I have to keep an open mind and let my writers choose their topics from time to time! And…even let them change their topics.
Time Management
It may not look like it but it sometimes takes me 3 hours to sort out the content and scheduling for the coming week. That doesn’t include writing up my own piece and posting that which could take another hour. I was usually really good at time management to begin with but being CC has made me a time freak. I am all about being on schedule and having set times to do things. On this day I give assignments and on that day I do the sceduling.
Organization
I didn’t realize how much information I would have to keep as CC. From the handbook… to the promotional tools… to the passwords… to the list of ideas and content. I never used the bookmark tab or notes app in my laptop as much as I do now! My planner is also filled with multicolored pen scribbles. I have become the ultimate organizer.
What I Say Really Does Matter
Something I feared about taking on this role was that nobody would listen to me. We all have to listen to professos everyday so why would anyone pay attention to me? I was humbled to see that our members were excited to have me on board as CC and actually gave me the time of day! I know it sounds silly, but coming from a super shy person, it’s exciting when soemone shows interest in what you have to say.
Be More Creative!
Trying to think of completely new topics is difficult and copying someone elses idea is bound to happen. I was never much of a creative person and thinking of content was one of the most difficult things for me to do. Which is why I welcome our members to pick their own topics and voice opinions at every meeting. Since I have been throwing them pitches, I can’t help but try and relate everything I do to Her Campus. I always think “can we get an article out of that?” or “can that be a popular instagram pic?”
Teamwork
Running this chapter would be impossible without the dedication of our members. I have learned how to work with a team of people to achieve a common goal. It has made my public speaking, ability to compromise, and my overall communication skills stronger.
What’s gonna work! TEAMWORK!
No, this is NOT a goodbye! I still have one year left. There’s many more things I have gotten out of this experience that I will continue to share.
I cannot wait to see where our chapter will be by the time I graduate. I know I will be proud to hand it over to the next correspondents!
*grabs tissues*