Onto the finale of this series of editor spotlights, Lauren Stallworth. Lauren is a Junior at CCMHS and is the Editor-in-Chief of the Newspaper Department. Lauren has been nothing short of helpful and productive in the Newspaper. She has helped shape what the newspaper is today. Lauren has the responsibility of running the Newspaper, editing articles, holding pitch circle every week for the reporters, helping others with their articles, and overall managing what the paper needs. Lauren answered a series of questions that shines a light on what an editor is like at CCMHS.

How did you start your journey as an editor?

Lauren has loved writing her entire life. To her, writing has immense value and pride. When she found out that Newspaper was on the course card, she instantly knew that it was for her. She wants to share her articles and stories with the world, and that is what she strives to do.

What made you take up the position as an editor?

Lauren always wanted to take her passion and skills for writing a step further. With the position of Editor-in-Chief opening up, she knew it was her calling. Lauren loves to take leadership positions, and help/teach students something new. She loves the Newspaper and everyone that coincides with it and she wanted to help everyone grow as individual writers. She wanted to watch them grow, along with the paper.

Why should people join Journalism?

“Newspaper is truly such a unique opportunity. Anything you are passionate about or see wrong in the world; you have the power to write about it and make a change. We are big on student authenticity, so you truly get to be yourself and be honest. And if you aren’t a strong writer but you have passion, you will still do great in newspaper. I am always here to help, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly your skills improve! Journalism is like a family, and I couldn’t be prouder.”

What is your favorite thing about being an editor?

Lauren’s favorite thing about being the Newspaper editor has been interacting with the reporters, along with watching the paper grow bigger and bigger each year. She knows that she is helping build something amazing which is more than enough reward for all the hard work she puts into the paper.

What have you learned from being an editor?

Lauren has learned that anything is possible if you believe in yourself. With all the hard work you put in, your confidence will increase along with hers!

What do you think should be a requirement for upcoming editors?

“To be an Editor you MUST be organized and have vision and motivation. It must be something you are truly passionate about and are willing to put work in for.”

If you could improve one thing about Journalism, what would it be?

Lauren wants to see the program grow in popularity. The growth would mean bigger classes/more classes and a bigger paper.

What is one quote you have been told about your role that will stick with you forever?

“I’ve had two different staff members go out of their way to tell me that I was doing a good job, and that meant the world to me. Sometimes I feel discouraged that I don’t do enough, so it felt amazing to hear. One of them said to me ‘I’m really impressed by you. You run this like a real paper and do an amazing job. You’re going to lead this paper to great things.’ And that really stuck with me, because they went out of their way to say it.”