Being a student editor-in-chief is an important role with a lot of dedication, responsibility, and hands-on teamwork. It can be helpful to get to know our editor-in-chief and what inspired her to want to take on the leadership role.
Crimson Crier: What interested you in journalism, and how long have you been interested?
Aydin Collins: My freshman year is when I started. I always liked news anchors, and I used to want to be one, so I’m always getting my word and opinions out there.
CC: Do you plan on doing journalism as a career? If so, what field would you like to be in?
AC: I’m going to minor in journalism in college. I would like to be a news anchor in broadcasting.
CC: What was the process of becoming editor-in-chief?
AC: I got voted in by the editors, and I was chosen by the old editor-in-chief, Meme.
CC: What does it take to be an editor-in-chief? What’s the mindset that you have to have?
AC: You have to be able to get along with different categories of people in journalism. There are a lot of different personalities, and you have to delegate to others because it’s more of a publication as a whole and not as a single person.
CC: How do you manage staff while keeping up with your work?
AC: I have a wonderful editing team that helps, so it’s not just me that does all the work. I just oversee everyone and see if people need extra help.
CC: Do you have to take time out of your personal life to keep up with work in class?
AC: My advisor sometimes lets me get out of writing an article if I have to help others with their work, and since the class can be demanding, I have to edit pictures and make sure edits are done in my free time.
CC: Can it be a struggle to juggle grades and work in other classes while producing weekly publications?
AC: I’ve always been a very busy person, so I’m used to being able to manage my time wisely.
CC: Do you ever get burnt out with an overload of work?
AC: I wouldn’t say burnt out, but it can be stressful with all the moving parts of the class. It can get hard sometimes.
CC: How do you feel about being a student editor-in-chief?
AC: I feel honored, and I feel like it’s a really big role. I looked up to Meme, the old editor, and for people to compare me to do what she did, because I love journalism so much, makes me feel honored.
