In a matter of weeks, The Rotunda will open its door to applications for positions that range from writing to design to photography and to business.
A common misconception when it comes to The Rotunda is that you have to be a Communication Studies major to write for us or work for us in any way.
As an English major with coworkers with Art and other majors, I can tell you this is not true.
Additionally,another misconception is that you have to be a board member of The Rotunda to write for us. That is not true at all! Anyone can submit their stories, whether News or Opinion or whatever. Attending our weekly general meetings is not a requirement either.
If you would like to work for us but would rather not have a position on the board – but would still like a position to put on your resume – you can apply to be a staff reporter or a staff photographer. As staff reporters and staff photographers, you are the first persons on call whenever an editor needs a reliable hand.
The Rotunda is hard work, but it’s a labor of love. If you want something on your resume that will show you are good at managing people, keeping deadlines as well as balance and time management, a position either on staff or on the board will prove these skills to every employer.
If you begin your journey with The Rotunda only for a resume stuffer, I can tell you that soon enough you will understand that it is so much more than that. The Rotunda is for people who want to challenge themselves and give back, not only to themselves, but to an organization dedicated to the university and its history.
If you think simply showing up and getting a position is enough, good luck. This is the kind of organization where you really are needed. You are valued, especially when you value your work. More so, by working with The Rotunda, you are able to see week after week the fruit of your hard labor and what it really amounts to.
When I began at The Rotunda, I tended to stay in the back of the meetings, watching, but not really participating. I began my time writing movie reviews because I was too scared to interview people. Now that I’m not afraid to go up to someone to ask for their thoughts and opinions, I’m able to learn more, and I’m able to meet more people.
If it wasn’t for The Rotunda, I wouldn’t know half as much as I do about this campus or the people inside it.
The Rotunda helped me learn to love this campus.
One of the opportunities for editors on The Rotunda includes being eligible to attend the National Association for Collegiate Press Convention. This year, the convention was hosted in San Francisco. Rather than spend my time being a couch potato in my dorm room, I was able to spend a few days of my spring break learning more about what I love best (journalism!), while able to enjoy the sun, the sand and the city.
An opportunity as an editor that I greatly cherish is learning to stay aware. Too many students say things like, “There’s nothing to do in Farmville/ Longwood University!” As an editor, all I can think is that there is so much that there is no way to do everything! I am more likely to see the school spirit that is prevalent at this school when I am able to understand exactly what is offered. Additionally, by attending interesting and unique events or by speaking to people who have a big impact at this school, I am reminded of what makes being a Lancer so special.
Longwood University is the kind of school where the more you give to it, the more it gives back to you. And by being able to contribute to this school’s history in its student-run newspaper, you are giving back in one of the biggest ways possible.
Tonight, Wednesday, April 3, we will hold an Open House with activities and snacks. Feel free to meet the staff of The Rotunda and inquire about any positions you may have an eye on for next year. Why not challenge yourself? Why not try something new?
The Rotunda holds weekly general meetings every Thursday at 7 p.m. in Hiner 109.
The deadline for applying to The Rotunda is coming up, and to get one, simply email Editor-in- Chief Gabrielle Pedro at rotundaeditor@gmail.com
If you have any questions or suggestions for The Rotunda, feel free to email either rotundaeditor@ gmail.com or you can email me at amanda. goldchain@live.longwood.edu.
*** This editorial is an opinion stated by the writer and does not represent the views of The Rotunda or Longwood University.
