In our fast paced world of information, The Collegiate offers a space for students to share the stories that motivate them to stay engaged in current events. Since the early 1950’s, Grand Rapids Community College’s (GRCC) student-run publication, The Collegiate, has provided students in the Journalism program an opportunity to put their writing skills to work. For aspiring journalists, The Collegiate provides a classroom experience that mirrors a professional  newsroom, offering hands-on learning and real-time feedback. Providing a Place to Learn The publication, entirely student-run with the oversight of Adjunct Professor Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood, operates on the ideas and execution from the students both within the entry level journalism class and the editing staff. For 13 years, Professor Haywood has continued the tradition of The Collegiate knowing how valuable of an experience it is for the students. “Students come into an entry level class and at the same time they are on the staff of a student-led newspaper,” explained Professor Haywood. “The students engage in real world scenarios presenting story ideas, conducting interviews and putting their stories together through their research all during the class,” Professor Haywood continued. Alexa Cheaney, Editor-in-Chief, shares her experience, “The Collegiate, Journalism 251, teaches you the ins and outs of being a reporter. We learn the fundamentals through the course class and then have a chance to turn them into a published work through the newspaper.” Cheaney has known since high school that she wanted to pursue a career in journalism. After taking a few turns in her college career, she came to GRCC to study journalism. “I came back to school and joined The Collegiate in my first full semester here. It’s been the cornerstone of my experience here at GRCC. It’s made me feel integrated into the community. It’s given me a real purpose and drive on this campus that exists both inside of our newsroom and how I show up in my classes. It’s made me so much more motivated, dedicated and driven within my own education because of the work I get to do here,” said Cheaney. For the students, by the students The stories featured in The Collegiate are written by students, for students. Managing Editor Vanessa Hewitt, who dual enrolled at both GRCC and Grand Valley State University, found her passion after enrolling in the class. “I’ve always loved to write and knew I wanted to do something with that skill. Once I took this journalism class, it opened my eyes on what I can do. Getting to talk to other students, and people in general, really brings me joy. This experience helped me learn how to do that better and get involved more effectively. Now I know what I want to do for the rest of my life,” expressed Hewitt. “This class has also given me the chance to combine my love for photography and writing. I get to showcase both through the publication.” Stories matter The Collegiate editorial team works together to collaborate and brainstorm story ideas. Some stories are born during their meetings, while others come directly from the students in the class. “A lot of people appreciate the opportunity to get their story out there,” shared Cheaney. “We’ve worked with many departments on campus from professors to fellow students. Our publication allows us to amplify the many voices we have on campus. We have some really cool stuff going on around here. Having a college newspaper is a great way to help more people stay informed with current events.” Hewitt adds, “I think it’s valuable to hear from fellow students, and The Collegiate gives us that platform.” The power of words, combined with the relationships created in the class, gives The Collegiate its heart. With the students actively engaging on campus through face-to-face conversations and real world experiences, the publication holds the pulse of the student body. “Everyone is welcome here,” exclaimed Professor Haywood. “If someone looks at our publication and feels they’re coming at life with a perspective they’re not seeing in our publication right now, I think it’s important for them to know that we want to hear their voice. We do better when our team represents the population of our campus. The Collegiate is a place where everyone who has an interest in being a reporter has a spot here.” “No real long term good comes out of ignorance,” reflected Cheaney. “When you’re informed about the world around you, you can make the best decisions and choices about the life you want to live. You can show up as the best version of yourself. We are the students. You can talk to us directly. We hope everyone on campus will engage with the media. We hope they’ll want to be informed. We are very open and want to hear what you think. Bring your stories to us, share your stories and read the stories we share.” “Read The Collegiate!” said Hewitt confidently. “Everyone brings something different to the table. I believe learning from our fellow students is very valuable.” If there’s one thing you can count on when it comes to The Collegiate, every idea is worth exploring and the people behind them matter. Read The Collegiate This story was reported by Anjula Caldwell.