Dear NVU-Lyndon Community,
September 9, 2018. Just a few weeks into the Fall 2018 semester—a few weeks into the start of my college journey—I wrote my first article for The Critic. In May 2019, it was announced that I would take over as editor-in-chief of the club. And now, in May 2023, it is with a heavy heart that I write one of my final articles as a student and pass the torch to a new editor.
My experience with The Critic has been everything; this club has been my pride and joy over the past five years. It was here that I advanced my journalistic writing skills, putting in many extra hours of practice outside of the classroom. It was here and through my work as a peer leader that I found a secret passion for teaching and event planning. My creativity and critical thinking skills were challenged with every technical difficulty and every breaking news story; how were we going to cover it, how was it going to be formatted online, and so many other burning questions that I had to find answers for within hours.
Looking back, I think my favorite experiences with The Critic were getting to know different members of our community more intimately. I was honored to tell people’s stories and pursue answers to their questions. I felt included and important.
I’ve reported on a range of stories throughout my career at NVU-Lyndon. I started as a sports reporter for The Critic, something I never thought I would take up, if I’m being honest. I then took over CAB meeting recaps, wrote numerous Student Government-inspired articles, and started looking at the “harder hitting” stories. Lyndon, Johnson, and Randolph campuses being closed? I wrote those articles. WWLR being sold? Wrote that, too. What about club disbandment, or SGA elections? Yeah, I’ve done those articles, as well.
I think my favorite story was when I sat down with fellow Class of 2023 soon-to-be graduate Matt Condon in the Hornet’s Nest to talk about his advocacy for PANDAS/PANS awareness. Condon contacted Vermont governor Phil Scott’s office to convince the State to recognize October 9, 2020 as PANDAS/PANS Awareness Day, and he shared with me very personal stories about his family. I remember tearing up as we talked, feeling so personally moved (which, yes, I know we as journalists are supposed to remain neutral). I can say with confidence that it was this interaction that really pushed me to the “evergreen beat” in my News7 practicums.
It’s funny; I remember when I first took on the role as editor-in-chief, I thought I would just oversee our articles and social media accounts. Little did I know that this role would lead to four years of creativity, trying to host events and activities throughout the semester that were relevant to our club but also enjoyable for a wider audience. My peers and I put together numerous photoshoots, movie nights, mad libs games, professional workshops, community collaborative articles, and so much more. We wanted to prove that The Critic is more than a newspaper. We strived to support other clubs in their endeavors while expanding our outreach and offering. If you would have told me that I would be competing in a dance competition as part of a newspaper club a few years ago, I would have laughed. Yet The Critic has taken home numerous awards, even winning Dancing With The Presidents last spring!
The Critic isn’t just a club, it’s a family; a family that’s part of an even bigger family that is the Lyndon campus.
I have been told in numerous job interviews that I have had in recent months (the joys of graduating) that my experience with the newspaper has really added to my portfolio. I have networked with other professionals in the business through The Critic alumni and conferences that The Critic has sponsored me to attend. Just last weekend, some of my articles received honors from the New England Newspaper & Press Association!
I have always told my students—as a peer leader and as editor-in-chief—to get involved, and I think the aforementioned achievements, connections, and experiences only prove my point.
To the Lyndon community—I know this year has been a doozy and you’re tired and fed up. But keep your heads held high. Our students, faculty, staff, and overall community achieve great things. Don’t let others’ perception of our campus change your passion and your pride for all of your hard work.
Thank you, readers, for following my work and supporting me and this club over the last five years. Thank you, The Critic contributors, for all your hard work and dedication to the club, and I look forward to what this new team will bring forth.
But don’t worry—I still have my email subscription. I’ll be reading every article that comes out after I’m graduated.
Sincerely,
Alexandra Huff
Feature Photo: “Posing with a The Critic jacket that we purchased for our staff members!”