Centric is UCF’s very own student run publication; a magazine published each semester, featuring people doing amazing things in the UCF community. The staff is made up of 20 insanely talented journalism students, a production assistant with an awesome British accent, and the coolest journalism professor there ever was, Professor Brunson. This semester, the staff has created yet another outstanding edition of the magazine, and they want to share it with you! We spoke to the ones in charge, the student leaders of Centric: Rachel Stuart, Paige Wilson, and Matt Fultz. And of course a few wise words from Professor Brunson.
HCUCF: Describe the staff of Centric in 3 words.
Professor Brunson: Driven, creative, and proud. Everybody seemed to have ownership in making it the best magazine they possibly could.
HCUCF: What was the biggest struggle the team had to overcome this semester?
Rachel: Standing at the front of the class in the beginning of the semester was quite intimidating at first — all eyes on me, waiting for instruction to produce this magazine. I personally think the biggest struggle the Centric team had to overcome this semester was accepting various ideas for the magazine as a whole. There were times when people would try to express their thoughts, but were shut down because others were unwilling to hear them out. However, I think our team overcame this struggle immediately as we all realized the importance of listening to one another. This is our magazine, and all of our thoughts and unique ideas helped make its outcome possible. I am so thankful for everyone’s comments, concerns and ideas that was shared with the team to help make Centric the best it could be this semester. I think jumping these hurdles throughout the semester made seeing the final product that much more special.
HCUCF: How is this semester’s Centric staff different from past semesters?
Brunson: On day one, it was obvious that this was one of the most experienced staff to ever walk to the board, in terms of everyone bringing previous production experience to the table. Everybody had something to bring, and that was just immediately clear, and made the staff really strong.
HCUCF: What’s your favorite story in the magazine?
Rachel: While Centric consists of personal stories that express unique aspects of the UCF community, I would say my favorite story is “Two Homes, One Heart,” the story of a UCF alumnus who serves as an Israeli soldier. In my opinion, not only was this the most well-written story, it also kept my interest till the very end and left me thinking about it as I continued to read the other stories in the magazine. The quotes that were used were thoughtfully chosen and placed within the story, making it that much more impactful and inspiring.
HCUCF: What are you looking forward to about releasing the magazine?
Brunson: I want as many people to see this thing as possible. Just getting it out in front of as many eyes so people can see it and delve into these stories. Hopefully they find them interesting and compelling, and time well spent. The stories should grip you or touch you in some way and make you feel that the time spent reading was time well spent.
HCUCF: Advice for future Centric staff?
Matt: For future Centric staff, I would suggest starting right away and NEVER thinking you’re ahead. We wouldn’t have been able to produce a magazine to this caliber without a constant momentum.
On December 1, the Centric staff is hosting the official launch party of the Fall 2016 issue of the magazine. If you like free food (who doesn’t like free food?) and free magazines, stop by the Reflecting Pond and say hey! Follow the staff on social media, and you may or may not be entered to win a tickets to Seaworld (YAY SHAMU).
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