When I was a student at the University of Wyoming, and even coming back as an alumnus, I have always taken great joy in reading the Branding Iron. The student publication is a great resource of news, and of current events on campus and within the community.
While studying for my undergraduate degree, I worked as a writer for the Branding Iron for two years, and appreciated both the BI’s staff vision for the paper and the editor’s hands on approach to helping me develop as a writer. While journalism had nothing to do with my major, I have sincerely enjoyed my time working for the paper, and seeing my growth both as a writer and a person. It helped open my eyes to the importance of objective journalism and the free press on campus and in society.
There have been very few groups of people I have met with such passion and integrity than those whom I worked with at the Branding Iron. It helped motivate me to be a better writer and helped spurred on my drive to be a better reporter. The experience helped me to see various aspects of campus and see a broader swath of the campus community. I had the opportunity to engage with many students, and help get the heartbeat of UW. I was lucky enough to see my name in print and feel the pride that comes along with it. Best of all, though, was that I was able to be a part of something that I felt was an important service to the students and the Laramie community.
The Branding Iron helped shape the skills I needed in college and the challenges of life after. While I will always have fond memories of the University of Wyoming, memories of the Branding Iron will always be ones that make me the most sentimental. Whenever I am on campus, I will grab an issue to see what is going on and still think how fortunate I was for the opportunity to write for the paper, if only for a bit.
- Michael Rotellini
