At the start of my 3rd year here at Winona State I was looking for ways to get more involved. I had some crew work for the theater department, including “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Footloose,” and joined a few clubs, Biology Club and Medical Lab Science Club.
While brainstorming my roommate, Kailey, suggested The Winonan. She had been the sports editor for about a year at that point and knew they were looking for photographers. When I started, I went to many events on campus I would not have gone to otherwise. I was able to get involved not only in a club, but in campus life.
At the start of spring semester, 2024, the previous editor-in-chief, Sophia, reach out to me to see if I would be interested in being the photo editor. Truthfully, I was hesitant. The previous photo editor, Keaton, was minoring in photography and had much more of an understanding of how to edit photos. After some thinking, I decided to do it. I will probably never get an opportunity like this again and the whole point of joining The Winonan was to get more involved.
Although I have many stories from my time on the paper I will only reflect on my favorite. In spring of 2024 UW-Lacrosse reached out to Sophia about participating in a history reenactment of the American Revolutionary War. Admittedly, I did not want to do it. It was the Saturday before midterms, and I could think of many things I wanted to do with that day. However, all the editors and some other writers woke up early to get to the campus on time. It ended up being a fantastic way to spend a Saturday. We got to dig up dirt on both sides, blow things out of proportion, and conjure up lies to stir the pot. By the end I was glad I went. It brought me closer to those who were there and allowed me to test out writing for a paper (since there were no modern cameras in the 18th century).
As I look back on the last two years and delete the photos from my camera I am overjoyed by the memories. Not only from events I have had the pleasure of going to but also with the people I have met. Seeing the amount of work everyone has put into the paper is truly inspiring. I will always hold those memories close to my heart as I go on with my education and life.
If you are reading this and looking for something to get you out and about on campus, I highly recommend The Winonan. Whether you are interested in writing or photography, the tools are there to succeed.
Finally, I want to say thank you to everyone I have worked with in the last two years. Every single one of you has made a positive impact on my life and I know you will all do wonderful things going forward.
Thank you, Keaton, for trusting me with the task of editing, and good luck, Marissa I have full confidence you will do an amazing job!
Kara <3
