Working on a school newspaper should not be solely a homework assignment. Yet, for many students, writing for the school newspaper is often a requirement for some English, communication, and public relations coursework. One of my first contributions to Wisconsin Lutheran College's The SWORD was just that: a homework assignment for a mass communications course. This was not my first introduction to The SWORD, as I had written a couple of opinions and news pieces for the publication in previous months. Still, this class was where I developed a sense of the newspaper, its purpose, and how critical local papers are to their communities.

There are many ways student news media contribute to the campus community. Likewise, there are many ways being a student newswriter can help develop a voice for the student body and impact your school.

Writing or otherwise contributing to student media lets the student be a spokesperson for your campus and student body. One of the most rewarding aspects of being a student journalist, I found, was that I was able to speak to and for the student body as a whole. Though there will likely be few instances of major controversy during your college career, you can still provide your classmates a voice in the discussion. Even if your paper or writing focuses on the college's cafeteria food or lack of student movie nights, it is still possible to represent the student body in the form of the written word. With all of the talk in today's political and cultural circles about young people, you, as a student journalist, have the opportunity to be at the forefront of that conversation. You do not need to be a history major to understand how newspapers and media have impacted our democracy, culture, and past.

On a related note, it is also important to your college's history to have you write it. It is often said that journalists write the first draft of history, and that is a true statement. As a student journalist, you will have the opportunity to write the narrative of your school. You will also become part of its historical identity for anyone in the future attempting to research the school's impact on the community, its culture, or simply another student, like yourself, looking for the best college to suit their needs. The historical record will showcase you as a journalist and a student of the institution you represent. Power resides in representing yourself and your peers in the historical record. Be proud of that accomplishment.

As mentioned in other Newsroom pieces, working on or with your student newspaper can also potentially make you more employable after high school or college. Not much else needs to be said regarding that topic here, except that there are multi-faceted benefits to working with your peers on the student newspaper.

Additionally, working with other students, faculty, staff, and school alumni on an article or issue of your publication can also make you more involved on campus. Student and school publications are one of the main ways campuses keep in contact with their various stakeholders, from educational board members to alums. By contributing to these publications, you can also impact someone's life by bringing back college memories, inspiring more donations, or revisiting old relationships. Your contribution can directly impact the school you attend and touch the lives surrounding it.

Perhaps most importantly, student media brings people into the fold. The student newspaper, podcast, anchored live stream, or social media pages drive the college's diversity of opinion and inclusion of ideas and perspectives. Anyone can contribute to the campus paper in a meaningful way. In the current political, social, and cultural climate, student news outlets provide a voice for those included and excluded from the conversation. High schoolers too young to vote can have their voices heard in a democratic and impactful manner, while college students just finding their footing can provide concrete examples of their service, leadership, and activism through contributing to your school's news media.