Why we joined The News-Letter and why you should, too!

Samhi

If you told freshman-year me that I would be the editor-in-chief of my college newspaper, I would've looked at you in disbelief and questioned if you were talking to the right person.

Coming to Hopkins from a high school without a school newspaper, student journalism was not even remotely on my radar. During my freshman year at Hopkins, I busied myself with the activities I thought a pre-med should do: biology research in a lab, clinical volunteering and tutoring. When I made my preliminary list of clubs I wanted to join after the Student Involvement Fair, The News-Letter wasn't on it. 

By the summer after my freshman year, I realized that some of the clubs I had joined were unfulfilling to me. When reflecting on what connected the activities that I had enjoyed in the past, I found writing to be the common thread. Whether I was writing essays for my sociology class, crafting arguments for a debate tournament or journaling for fun, writing has always been a passion of mine. 

The News-Letter allowed me to combine my love for writing with the connection that is often lost in the solitary act of writing. In reading articles and publishing op-eds, I've felt a deeper connection to campus and the students who make it up. I've had the opportunity to hear the different perspectives of students on campus and am constantly learning more about my fellow students, campus and the world. With new stories within the Hopkins community constantly arising, each week is always different and adds excitement to the monotony of college life.

Through The News-Letter, I've also found a community of amazing people who make being involved with the paper so enjoyable. I know that when I look back on my time at Hopkins, I will reminisce on the conversations that I shared with my fellow editors as we stayed up until 3 a.m. laying out pages and our laughter during Monday meetings. 

The News-Letter is amongst the oldest student newspapers in the county; from the protests against the Vietnam War to the University making medical school tuition-free, the history of Hopkins is contained and preserved within the pages of The News-Letter. I won't be alive 100 years from now, but it fills me with pride knowing that I contributed to coverage and reporting that will be a lasting part of Hopkins history. 

Samhi Boppana is a senior from Columbus, Ohio majoring in Political Science and Natural Sciences. She is a co-Editor-in-Chief for The News-Letter.

Shirlene

When I started freshman year, I could hardly believe that I was at the Johns Hopkins University, and I spent half of the summer after high school expecting someone to tell me my acceptance was a mistake. And even after I arrived, the whole experience of university felt so surreal. I felt lost in the endless introductions, the increasingly challenging coursework and the feeling that everyone else but me had everything put together. 

Truthfully, The News-Letter wasn't even on my radar at the beginning of the year; I had missed out on the virtual Student Involvement Fair and felt another step behind in the race to be involved on campus. I was looking for any way to feel more connected to Hopkins, and one of my now-closest friends (and former editor-in-chief!) forwarded my roommate and me a link to a general interest meeting for The News-Letter. At this meeting, I finally felt like I belonged at Hopkins. 

My first article was a recipe on how to make penne alla vodka (minus the vodka). My second article was a feature on community advocacy in Baltimore to build the Red Line. My third article was an in-depth examination of austerity measures the University implemented during COVID-19. As part of the News and Features section, my confidence grew as I was able to interview professors, community activists and other students, as they placed their trust in me to accurately share their experiences. It was amazing to see my ideas and pitches come to life and find their place in print.

At The News-Letter, I've deepened my understanding of what it means to be part of the Baltimore community. I've loved talking to so many different people, gaining new perspectives and bringing hidden stories to light. And as a student journalist, I am proud to be part of an organization that has a legacy of holding a powerful institution like Hopkins accountable and that will continue to do so. 

It's easy to feel lost and overwhelmed at Hopkins, especially as a new freshman. But, The News-Letter has helped me explore many of the hidden pieces of our wonderful community with a group of people who are passionate about journalism and writing. We've laughed hysterically as we've stayed up late in the Gatehouse laying out print pages, consumed way too much pizza and found way too much joy in creating puns for our Editorial headlines. 

From writing about sports to covering the latest scientific developments, or from critiquing the newest album released to sharing your opinions with the broader Hopkins community, there is a place for everyone at The News-Letter. I'm so excited about all the work that we will get to publish this year, and I can't wait to see how The News-Letter can play a part in your story at Hopkins.

Shirlene John is a senior from San Jose, Calif. majoring in Neuroscience and Anthropology. She is a co-Editor-in-Chief for The News-Letter.