Dear future Sun News staff,
From one group of student journalists to another, the 2026 graduating seniors understand how you’re feeling after joining Sun News Daily — maybe you’re anxious about stepping into an unfamiliar environment, or nervous about what to expect in your position. Maybe you aren’t even a media major and are joining Sun News without knowing anything about journalism.
We’ve all been there. It’s daunting, but you’ve just signed on for an experience that will change your personal or professional life for the better. The things that we’ve learned here and the people we’ve known each contributed to our experiences.
Most members of our graduating class have been on staff for at least two semesters, and in that time, we’ve grown as students, people and most importantly, journalists. Each of us joined with an interest in journalistic writing, photo journalism, design or meeting new friends.
Looking back, our experiences in Sun News have shaped our outlook and developed skills that we’ll take on after graduation. Our class of seniors gathered for one final editorial to share our advice and pass wisdom to you, the next generation of Sun News.
Effort and intention
The most important thing to remember about Sun News is that it is a class, and we pride ourselves on putting effort into our work. Many don’t understand that we aren’t a club on campus — we’re a fully operational news organization, and our purpose is to inform students, faculty and staff of campus happenings.
The class is called Journalism Practicum for a reason. A practicum is a class dedicated to providing students with chances to practically apply the skills they have been taught, and everything we do is portfolio eligible. It provides future employers with the chance to see your skills and talent in action.
This means the work you’re doing may have a real impact on your future, and the effort you put into your work will take you far. Be intentional with the work you’re doing. Be proud of it. Make sure the final product reflects the effort and intention you put into it.
Skill practice
Sun News and student journalism taught each of us a work ethic that we can take into any future career. Instead of taking time in a professional setting to learn the skills and drive that are required for a journalist, we’ve spent the time honing that here.
One important thing you’ll learn is how to handle difficult situations. As a news organization, we handle a wide variety of topics regardless of how controversial. It’s not always our job to make the university look good, but to report the facts of what is happening. These are situations professional journalists face daily, and practicing professionalism and conflict management here will prepare you for any career, journalism-related or otherwise.
Personal impacts
While the professional development benefits and reporting practice are invaluable, the relationships you’ll build with your peers are just as important. For many of us, we’ve met our closest friends on staff, and you might meet someone who will introduce you to a new hobby or interest you never knew you had.
This opportunity is one of the best ways to get to know the campus community and greater St. George. Every week, we have reporters and photographers scattered around attending university events or talking to community members. Outside of student government, there aren’t many opportunities to go out and learn about things you may not have ordinarily come across. Each of us has found a sense of belonging and community with our classmates.
Position-specific advice
We also wanted to leave advice specific to positions on staff.
Section editors — don’t be afraid to be direct with your writers. Being direct with your constructive criticism isn’t mean, and it will ensure a stronger product. Establishing that respect early on will allow you to give effective feedback.
On that note for writers — don’t disregard your editor. They’re giving feedback to help improve the story, and nothing they say is meant as a personal attack on you. Follow their advice and do everything in your power to write with intention and make your story the strongest it can be.
Socialmedia editor and video editor/reporters— your position on staff is just as important as the writers and editors. You may come in thinking your work doesn’t matter, but most people’s first interaction with Sun News is through seeing videos or posts on social media. Your work plays an important role in helping others discover stories and telling a few of your own.
Anchors — keep up with what’s happening in the news and in the world, because it helps you curate and brainstorm ideas for stories to discuss in pitch meetings. This goes for all sections. It allows you to show people different things, whether it be in a written story, a video or a broadcast. Finding the “so what” of the story and showing students why they should care is vital.
Photographers and graphic designers — remember that your art tells a story, too. Shooting diverse shots and experimenting with different styles can help tell that story effectively as well. Each of you was picked for this position for a reason, and taking pride in your work and not worrying about fitting into a specific box can help your talent flourish. There’s a place for every person on staff.
Final thoughts
Even though not all of us are continuing on as journalists after graduation, we each agreed that our experiences prepared and refined us for whatever the future may hold. It might be hard for you at times, but the difficulty and struggle are going to make you stronger in the end. It’s better to take your lumps now and learn through challenges so you can shine in the future.
Most importantly, remember to have fun. Whether you’re sitting court side at a basketball game, reporting the hard news of policy changes, or attending a local event, just enjoy it. It’s cliché to say the time will fly by, but before you know it, you may be a graduating senior, reflecting on your past experiences and looking at the path you’ve trodden as you walk the graduation stage.
Signing off for the final time,
Lexy Borgogno, editor-in-chief
Ireland Salvo, news editor
Annie Muirbrook, opinion editor
Daniel Klingler, features editor
Curtis Keddington, sports editor
Rylee Hjorth, copy editor
Harlee Hollibaugh, video editor
Kesiah Philpot, show producer
Brianne Crismon, social media editor
Spencer Rodak, sports writer
Van Sommerville, graphic designer
Lukas Hassell, photographer
