Lara Murray-Sterzel, Editor-In-Chief |
Lara Murray-Sterzel
Four years ago, I went to The State Times as a Contributing Writer during the Fall 2021 semester. I previously worked as a writer at my high school’s newspaper, so I knew what to expect at The State Times. During my first year, I covered campus events which included play reviews and club meetings.
The staff was very engaging and always coming up with something new, they even welcomed a few article ideas I had. Through every article I wrote, I came to know the Ononta community and felt the connection I was looking for as a freshman.
The next year, I became an official member of the newspaper as a Staff Writer. Through this position I came to understand how the newspaper operates better than before. I honored that through my articles and the research I put in them.
Now, I leave as a proud Editor-In-Chief of two years. In the hands of my staff, I know the newspaper will achieve many great things. I would highly recommend The State Times to anyone who loves to write and report. Don’t forget to visit their table at the next eXpo!
I also want to thank the support from my family and friends through these four years at The State Times. Your belief in me gave me the strength to lead this paper.
I’m truly blessed to have worked at The State Times during my education. Thank you for everything, Oneonta!
Lex Valluzzi, Arts Editor |
I started at Oneonta as a freshman in 2021, but honestly did not discover The State Times until spring of my junior year. Before then, I was bouncing around a few different clubs, but most consistently Gamers Guild. I applied to be a Staff Writer on a whim. I saw some familiar faces at the sign-up table and said, “why not?” Even if I didn’t get the job, I would be left with the same amount of journalism knowledge I came in with, zero. I remember my first article was an informational piece about Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS tour. I locked myself in my room and listened to the whole album in one sitting. It was enjoyable to write and was the first of many arts articles.
I wrote a lot of fun articles as a staff writer, sticking mainly in the arts and occasionally moving to news. There were a lot of cool events on campus I attended as well as topics I got to research. By far I’d say my favorite article I’ve written at The State Times was about the Taekwondo club. It was the first article I did where I needed to go out and interview students and I had a fun time sitting in on their practice and watching my dear friends on the team kick each other. My friends and co-workers have been a major part of my college and State Times journey. The last four years wouldn’t have been nearly as eventful without you all.
I eventually moved up from Staff Writer to Arts Editor during my first semester of senior year. Back when I was a Staff Writer, the previous editor was about to graduate. After only a few weeks that semester of primarily writing arts articles, I remember turning to my friend (a former staff writer) and saying “He’s about to graduate right? I want his job. That will be me next semester.” This was yet another thing I walked into blind and eventually figured it out along the way (which pretty much summarizes my college experience). A lesson well learned since my time at Oneonta is to call your shot. Be confident in what you want, jump without a net and weave it on your way down.
To my friends, co-workers, professors, my Arts Editor successor, and all who come after, I wish you all nothing, but luck and success always! Nothing about college is easy, but if you find people who are as crazy and chaotic as you are, surely it becomes way more manageable. Try things out, meet new people, see where you end up. For the last time, this is your 2024-2025 Arts Editor: Goodbye Oneonta!
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