My winter break was spent relaxing and refreshing for the upcoming semester. Nonetheless, my utter sense of laziness was met with a revelation of sorts.
While this profound moment had nothing to do with my educational plans, I gained a fresh perspective on one part of my multifaceted college experience—my capacity as a student journalist.
I have always taken my status as an editor for The University News with a sense of honor and with a responsibility to the public, yet after speaking with various family acquaintances I was awakened to a seemingly common perception of journalists: Distrust.
As someone who is guilty of glimpsing at the latest tabloid issues waiting in line at the local supermarket, I am fully aware to less accurate forms of journalism. However, to have my work and standards as a news writer compared to the questionable ethics of a tabloid writer was and is insulting.
I do not see it as my duty to slander or discredit any individual whatsoever. I feel I have been called to report on the happenings at Saint Louis University, and to inform the members of this community— a community I chose to be involved with.
Whether an action of the University, or of members of the community, is seen as “good press” or “bad press,” I see it as my civic duty to report the information accurately and objectively.
I am a student journalist for one reason and one reason only. I am proud to be a member of the Saint Louis University family. I am proud to be a Billiken.
With that in mind, one should not be surprised I want SLU to be the best university possible. I do not want to see my school, my home, my surrogate family fail. Thus, I report on issues, both good and bad.
The “good” stories are reported on with intentions to commend various community members and the administration on their actions. I see this as pat on the back of sorts.
The “bad” stories pertaining to debatable decisions by University officials or of members acting in a way, which can be seen as immoral or irresponsible, are those that create the stigma as a “slanderer” or “malicious” reporter.
To think my reporting would ever be focused on discrediting an individual or ruining reputations is an atrocious thought. I simply write about those “bad press” stories because I want my university to see any possible mistake; to see who was upset by decisions or actions; to notice room for improvement. I write so my university, my home can reestablish its path to greatness.
My role as a journalist is comparable to loud, cheering fan at an athletic event.
As an athlete, I know the importance of having individuals showing support with enthusiasm and copious amounts of energy. When all hopes of success seem so far out of reach, it is amazing what a showing of camaraderie and unity can do when morale is essentially depleted.
Consider my pen and paper to be synonymous with a vuvuzela and facepaint.
I have sworn an unofficial oath to my university. I have promised to report on both commendable and objectionable events with the utmost of objectivity in order to see my university strengthened.
Think what you may. See my journalistic capacity as untrustworthy, as an insult to my school, as a poor showing of school spirit. I know my responsibilities to my university and to my fellow Billikens. I know my pen bleeds blue.
Sean Worley is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences.
