If I’ve learned anything in my three years at USAO, it’s that time truly flies by. It wasn’t that long ago that I was a sophomore finding my way to my very first meeting for The Trend, too shy to speak up. Now that I’m officially the Editor-in-Chief (EIC) for The Trend, it’s both incredibly exciting and hard to grasp all at once.
During my sophomore year, I was encouraged to attend a Trend meeting and there met former EIC Emily Loughridge. Loughridge knew I had a passion for writing and helped me to hone my skills as a future professional. Soon after, former EIC Gary Jackson gave me the responsibility of being Features Editor. This was a unique year, as I had the privilege of working alongside three other incredible editors, former News Editor Cassie Srock, former Sports Editor Matthew Yokum, and former Entertainment Editor Thomas Buchanan. I was grateful for the opportunity to be in the position of an editor and was excited to do all that I could to continue to make The Trend shine.
The summer after my sophomore year, I began my internship at The Lawton Constitution. There, I not only strengthened my writing and editing skills, but I learned so much about the world of professional journalism. The staff at The Constitution were incredibly kind to me and helped me to continue to grow as both a writer and an individual.
During my junior year, I continued in my role as Features Editor with former EIC Matthew Yokum. I was thrilled to further pursue human interest pieces, as it had become something I loved. Though my main role was features, I found a love for various other topics, such as opinion pieces, reviews, and Drover sports.
In the second semester of my junior year, Yokum informed me that I would soon be taking over as EIC. Truthfully, I was nervous. Though I feel more confident as an editor, I know that I am by no means perfect. However, I know there is always room for improvement, and I am truly grateful for the wonderful staff of writers to help me through.
I want to extend a special thank you to Managing Editor Becca Gibbins, who will be helping me keep things flowing this year.
My goal for The Trend is to connect the USAO community, and that begins with students. I want The Trend to be a hub for all things USAO, such as sporting events, plays, club fairs, etc. There are always so many things happening on our campus, and I want to shine a light on all the moving parts. As a student news publication, it’s important to me that The Trend continues to support the USAO student body in every possible way.
Beginning September 14, The Trend will have its meetings every Monday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Nash Library Music Pocket. These meetings are not exclusive, anyone is welcome!
Be sure to follow The Trend on our social medias to stay up to date:
- Instagram: @thetrendusao
- X: @thetrend_usao
- YouTube: @thetrendusao
If you’re interested in writing, taking photos, or creating artwork for The Trend, be sure to stop by and see us at the Back to School Bash on Tuesday, August 25 from 5-8 p.m.
Whitley Brown is a fourth-year communication major at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.
