Letter from the Editor: Being the First Voice
Well, we did it everyone! Another academic year down, and varying more to go for those still on their academic journey. It feels as if this one was a rollercoaster of caffeine and deadlines for some, and a blur of late-night study sessions and early morning classes for others. As the Editor-in-Chief of this newspaper alongside Jacqueline, I've seen firsthand the power of giving people a platform. The Conglomerate has worked to provide a space for diverse voices, to share stories that matter, and to shine a light on issues within our campus community.
But as this year concludes, and we look ahead to the summer break, I want to talk about something equally, if not more, vital: the power of being the first voice.
In journalism, we often focus on the responsibility to report accurately and provide a platform for those who need to be heard. And that is absolutely essential, I would never deny that. However, I think it's also important to remember our role, and our responsibility as living, breathing members of society, goes beyond simply facilitating conversation. It's about being the one who initially raises their hand, the one who speaks up when something feels wrong, the one who is willing to challenge the status quo before others have even had a chance to fully process that something is wrong to begin with. It's about being the first to say, "Hold on. This isn't right."
I've seen this firsthand this past year on campus, and it's been an interesting space to navigate even though I can't say I've always done this well myself. I've been in rooms where I’ve watched students mislead others, seen instances of unfairness go unchallenged, and observed situations where a clear wrong was being committed, and I myself was not ready to speak up. There have been times when the fear of being wrong, of being the only one, or of simply causing a stir has held me back. Perhaps you’ve felt it too, dear reader – that knot in your stomach, the internal debate about whether it's "your place" to say something, the worry about potential backlash. It's easier to wait, to see if someone else will take the lead, to hope the issue resolves itself.
But I've also seen the profound impact of that initial voice. I've seen how one person speaking up can crack open a conversation, expose an injustice, or simply make someone else feel less alone. It's a ripple effect that starts with a single act of courage. Think about the issues that have gained traction this year – both on campus and in the wider world. Conversations about racial injustice on campus have made it to Administration. The need for a food pantry for students facing food insecurity is being addressed. Students in STEM and Humanities fields are advocating for better equipment to support their career goals. First-generation students are finding more apparent academic support and celebrating their identity. Title IX and sexual assault awareness are gaining more conversation, pushing for systemic fixes. Students are becoming more empowered by understanding how overall systems work, reducing the risk of exploitation. And yes, even programs exploring non-European countries to broaden perspectives and celebrate diversity are gaining traction on campus.
These advancements, big and small, didn't happen in a vacuum. They often started with one or a few brave individuals who were willing to be the first voice, to point out what was lacking, what was unfair, or what needed to change. But remember, dear reader, being the first voice doesn't always mean leading a protest or writing a scathing exposé. Sometimes, it's a quiet conversation with a friend, a comment in a meeting, or a question asked with genuine concern. It's about being the journalist of your own life.
As we head into the summer and our campus community disperses for some much needed rest and relaxation, remember that our responsibility to be engaged citizens doesn't take a break. Whether you're returning home, traveling, or working this summer, you'll encounter different communities and situations where your voice can make a difference.
What will you be the first voice for this summer?
