Justice Dunn:
I joined Student Media right as quarantine began, and I was more than ready to work from home at the time. Well, working from home is not all it’s cracked up to be, but the people of Student Media made it bearable. I hope to work with everyone in person next year!
Brian Bessey:
I’ve had a great time working for the Branding Iron, and I can’t wait to work for the paper again hopefully. I loved working with everyone from the writers, editors, and photographers to the amazingly talented graphic designers and the wonderfully caring staff—best of wishes to all of you.
Mickelle Bisbee:
What a semester…what a year! This year at the Branding Iron has been such a blast, and I have been so honored and humbled to work with some fantastic people. I will never forget the late nights in the office, listening to music with Calie Siplon as we hustled to get the pages edited, or quietly sharing memes to Kylee Harless as she focused on her website just to get her to laugh. The writers and photographers have produced such amazing work, and the graphic and page designers have worked so hard to make our pages and websites look beautiful. I am so proud of every one of our staff, as well as our supervisors, who have relentlessly supported us through these strange times. I wish the best to you all, and I thank you for making this year so wonderful. The Branding Iron could not have done it without you!
Jared Daniels:
Working at the Branding Iron has brought so many experiences as I have worked with the people there. I enjoyed working with everyone here, from writers to my editors. I hope the break is short-lived, and the campus newspaper can continue again.
Kristen Cheser:
I started the year with absolutely no experience as a writer, and now an editor, and I still continue to learn so much despite quarantine. I am so glad to have been a part of Branding Iron, and I am so thankful for everyone who kept everything as normal as it could be and for keeping tabs on everyone. Everyone has been great, and I hope to see you all at the fall semester.
Jacob Capron:
The branding Iron has been a cool ride, allowing me to explore the world of journalism, something that never entered my mind as a freshman. Plus, my experience working with the student and regular faculty both before and during the pandemic have been enjoyable. I’ve spoken to legislators, prize-winning journalists, and other cool cats because of this job. There is a real community at the Branding Iron that anyone would be lucky to be a part of. Farewell, may your work be joyful and your mistakes interesting.
Katelyn Moorman:
I began this semester uncertain (and excited!) about my new position as an editor for the Owen Wister Review. I shouldn’t have been worried, though–everyone I interact with at Student Media is kind and patient. I ended up learning a lot about editing and collaboration this semester, and I’m really glad that I was able to continue working for Student Media after everything went online. I’m excited to coming back in the fall, whether that’s online or in person.
McKenna Nylander:
This year has been challenging and busy for me, but being able to see my graphic design team each day made it so much more enjoyable. From Hayden yelling, “traveling safely,” out of the design office, or Brian constantly asking, “how do you feel about this,” before showing off a new design, my team was always a joy to be around. I also believe I grew as a designer this year. I pushed myself to do my best to work with everything. I am also so thankful for the team that continued to push me in my designing; it really helped me grow.
Kathryn Mayers
I recently came back to the Branding Iron to work as a photographer this semester, previously working as a writer, and love it! There are some really great individuals working for the paper, from photographers and writers to graphic designers and editors, that make this job even more enjoyable than it already is. Photography has always been a passion of mine, and working under the paper has challenged me to push harder to become an amazing photographer. Specifically, the leadership provided here at the Branding Iron has made me a better journalist, in general, preparing me for any future career. It has been a great experience, and I cannot wait to come back in the fall!
Julia Conte:
I started working as a writer at the BI shortly before the quarantine hit and began doing some editing after we all started to work remotely. I’ve loved working here, as the work can be really fulfilling, and all the staff, including writers, editors, photographers, and designers, have been so fun to work with. I’m really appreciative of all the hard work everyone’s put in, and I can’t wait to work again next fall!
Danielle Server
I think this has been a long, but fruitful year for me working with the Branding Iron. I have definitely enjoyed the successes, as well as the challenges the 2019-2020 school year, has given me. I would not trade it for the world as I am grateful that this job has pushed me to be not only a better journalist but an even better person. I have loved working as a writer, especially with the sports section. It has been a real privilege to report on football and basketball games for readers, and I look forward to hopefully this upcoming fall season before I leave for student teaching. As always, I hope everyone stays happy and healthy this summer, and I look forward to writing for you all come next semester.
Tristan Kutzer:
Thank you, Branding Iron, for the past year of experience and fun! I started at the Branding Iron spring 2019 as a photographer worked my way to visual editor! I wouldn’t have made it this point without the amazing staff and other students who work here. I will never forget my time here and how it shaped my college experience! I grew as a photographer, as a leader and most importantly, a journalist! This job has prepared me for the workforce, and I know I can do my best. Good luck to those returning during the fall and those who will be starting at the paper in the future. You won’t regret what you learn from this experience.
Hannah Harvey:
I started at Student Media this semester as an office aide, but once quarantine hit, I was able to become a writer. Though my time has been short, I have loved working with everyone here. I look forward to working with everyone again and writing to you all next semester! Stay safe, and have a fantastic summer, y’all!
Mackenzie Thomas
I began working for the Branding Iron in August, knowing nothing about journalism. This year has been a huge challenge for me, but I have enjoyed my time learning how to write articles and interviewing all sorts of interesting people. I have definitely grown as a writer, and I am so appreciative of the experiences I have had during my time at the Branding Iron. I have loved working for the Branding Iron, and I am so thankful for this opportunity!
CJ Day
I’ve loved working here and reporting on the news. I got to talk to so many interesting people and learn so many interesting things through my time here. Thank you to everyone who read the paper, and I wish everyone the best of luck in the future.
Kylee Harless
I love you, Branding Iron. These were the best two years of my life. I thank everyone for their hard work this year and the countless hours’ everyone put in. The paper was amazing because of you. To you, I say: Don’t change and Stay classy!!
