Being in the know is a natural characteristic of curiosity that all people have. We seek information to be informed about what is going on around us. A great source to get this type of information on campus is through the Crow’s Nest, the University of South Florida St. Petersburg’s student run newspaper.
Whether it is addressing serious safety issues on campus, or sharing an opinion piece, bringing the student body knowledge is what the Crows Nest is all about. Through the categories of News, Arts & Life, Sports, Music & Entertainment, Opinion, and Things to Do, there is always some new update. Editor-in-Chief, Jennifer Nesslar shares the organization’s mission statement, “to keep the students informed about what they need to know. We provide a checking point for university administration.” Constructed of a cohesive staff, and having the support of the Journalism department professors, the paper’s job is a bit easier.
Sharing that school news isn’t all they cover Nesslar says, “a lot of times we cover St. Pete stuff just to keep students informed because it is nearby. They want to know what is going on in the general area, or fun things to do around here.” Already having a successful semester with a great variety of stories, Nesslar hopes the paper moves forward with journalistic integrity, unafraid to write the tough stories, while still being respectful of its subjects.
First published in 1969, the paper became weekly distributed in 2005. The Crow’s Nest relies greatly on students who are interested in going out and gathering news stories for themselves. Nesslar says, “contributors are definitely how our newspaper thrives. That’s another thing that we are, we provide a place for students to come and get experience writing for a news paper. “ Nesslar strives to give to give encouragement and guidance to anyone who writes for the paper. A developmental perk she received when she began writing for the paper several semesters past.
Not just a platform for journalism students to gain experience Nesslar says, “anyone is welcome to write. I kind of joke and say anyone can write whether you are on the status of, I’ve written a story for The New York Times, or I don’t even know how to use Microsoft Word, we help all that range.” Believing that everyone has the potential to write with the right chance Nesslar says,“they just have to contact me and I will give them that opportunity.” Jennifer Nesslar- jnesslar@mail.usf.edu,@jnesslar