Editor’s note: You can support student journalists like Mackay Suire by donating to the Reveille fundraiser here until April 14. You can also participate in our giveback with Krispy Kreme here.
When people find out that I’m a kinesiology major, I’m often asked the same question:
“Why the Reveille?”
And it’s valid, considering that the closest thing to journalism that I’ve studied at LSU was a communications class that was required for graduation. Though my career interests have always fallen in the STEM field, my passion for sports and my strengths in English and reading led me to apply.
I didn’t really think I’d get hired.
I figured that my lack of knowledge on the AP Stylebook would lead to my downfall. Luckily for me, however, the sports editors at the time, Reed Darcy and Joe Kherli, decided to give me a spot. I will forever be grateful for that.
Initially, the Reveille was just a super cool way to merge my two passions together. Now looking back on my two years working here, though, I’ve gotten so much more than just time to flesh out my hobbies.
My love for sports has only grown while at the Reveille, but how could it not?
I had front row seats to a National Championship LSU baseball team. I covered a new era of LSU football during the hiring of Brian Kelly.
There wasn’t a single game in Tiger Stadium where I didn’t pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. Witnessing and hearing LSU’s pregame routine gave me goosebumps every single time.
From traveling to Georgia to cover a Southeastern Conference championship game to flying to New York to witness Jayden Daniels winning a Heisman Trophy, I’ve been able to do things that most journalists could only ever dream of.
And I haven’t even graduated yet.
I’ve had the opportunity to pour my heart into stories and give readers the ability to understand LSU Athletics in every facet. I’ve loved talking with people that come from vastly different places and I’ve loved telling their stories. The Reveille gave me a platform to make that passion tangible.
I feel like I could write a book about what working for this paper has given me.
The best chapter in that book, however, would be about the connections I’ve made.
The Reveille fosters a lively and hard-working environment, as the staff works around the clock to provide sound coverage of LSU and Baton Rouge.
This environment has also fostered some of my most cherished friendships. I’ve spent so many hours in our beautiful newsroom in the basement of Hodges Hall that I’ve often joked that I should start paying rent. The time spent there, however, has also given me the ability to be surrounded by people that are creative, inspiring, hilarious and kind.
Peter Rauterkus, the sports editor, and I have spent so much time in a car together driving to various sporting events that he could probably write my biography.
I firmly believe that the people make the place, and this place is pretty spectacular.
With just a month to go until graduating, I’ve done a lot of reflecting on my time at LSU.
The Reveille has changed my life, and I couldn’t imagine my college experience without it.
This paper has given me, and so many others, so much. Your support means that this can continue.
Investing in student journalism means investing in the future. It’s investing in the development and success of so many people, in so many ways. It’s an investment you’ll never regret, and one that you’ll be happy you made.
Give back to students that make it their mission to give back to you.
