For those of you who have never been a part of The Stute’s production, you may not know how much goes into each issue we release. From brainstorming ideas to writing, copy editing, designing layouts, and finally publishing, we experience a weekly cycle of effort, late nights, and countless revisions. But when the paper is printed, then distributed, and the stories gradually fade into digital archives on our website, one might wonder: What are we doing this for? Would anyone even notice if the racks were empty for a week? Some might. I certainly would, and so would every staff member who devoted their time to this newspaper. To a small group of students, The Stute means the world. While we aim to preserve Stevens’ history and amplify students’ voices; the truth is, this paper is for us.
Throughout my time at The Stute, I’ve seen multiple generations come and go. We’ve had new and experienced writers from nearly every background, year, and major writing articles. We’ve had ambitious photographers submitting their pictures to be printed. And we’ve had dozens of dedicated individuals help push us towards success. In the process, we’re gaining skills while also forming our identities. By pushing ourselves to engage with different areas of campus life, our writers are discovering the issues they care about, columnists get to delve deep into topics they’re passionate about, and we all work hard to invest our time to make The Stute the best it can be. We challenge one another and ourselves to become better writers, editors, and leaders.
One of the most rewarding aspects of The Stute is seeing the physical manifestation of your work on the racks around campus. Not everyone gets the chance to have their writing published. I recognize that our student-run school newspaper may not change the world, or let alone Stevens. Yet, we are evolving and improving ourselves through our dedication, and it’s rewarding for us and our community. The multitude of people involved enables us to impact everyone in the process. We support writers, photographers, comic artists, and columnists with their unique interests. While we may not always be the first to cover a topic, we consistently provide a distinct perspective.
It’s important for all of us to acknowledge and for me to emphasize that The Stute serves a dual purpose. Undoubtedly, it serves as a vessel for preserving Stevens’ history, but it is also a platform for personal growth and self-discovery. Being a part of this organization benefits us more than we might admit, but I’ll admit it. While we aspire to make a positive impact, we have to recognize our limited reach. Perhaps we’re not more important than the readers, but our work is undeniably more rewarding. So, when you see The Stute on campus, know that it’s more than just a newsprint. It’s a testament to personal growth, resilience, and the unwavering commitment to creating something meaningful. It’s a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. We’re nurturing writers, photographers, and thinkers and shaping future leaders and the future of campus culture. In the end, we leave a lasting mark on the individuals who contribute their time and talents to The Stute. As I look back on my time here so far, I can say with certainty that The Stute has not only shaped campus culture but also transformed me into a more confident, capable, and empowered individual. We’re not just a newspaper; we’re a community of storytellers and future leaders, and our impact extends far beyond the racks.
