Student Journalists’ Fall Survival List

It’s time to head back to classes and most of us are wondering where the summer went. Maybe I should correct that… most of us still are dealing with summer heat, we’re just doing so from the newsroom instead of poolside. We’re wondering where summer break went.

As I transition back into each semester, I write a list of things I’ll need for survival. The lists usually include things I really like at the moment, but also consist of some standard addictions like my iPhone and Starbucks.

I thought it would be interesting to find out what student journalists think they need for fall survival. Honestly, I was pretty impressed with their thoughtful responses. After polling them on social media, here’s the Student Journalists’ Fall Survival List:

Communication

Student journalists need strong communication with their teams to survive the semester. As one student journalist wrote: “It’s when I’m not reaching out about problems that things start slipping fast.”

Intangible traits

Student journalists provided a thoughtful, accurate list of intangible traits they need to survive the semester. These traits included optimism, dedication, determination, motivation, creativity, a willingness to work cohesively in teams, and a sense of humor. They said they need passion to create, describe and be a voice. They also said they need a willingness to try new things and work to adapt to the changing newsroom environment.

Relationships

The need for positive relationships for survival extends outside of the newsroom. One student journalist mentioned needing a good rapport with campus PIOs so he could do his job. We all understand how these relationships (positive or negative) can change the ease with which we do our jobs.

Wi-Fi

Student journalists are just like the rest of us in crossing their fingers and hoping for a good Wi-Fi connection. It’s amazing this still is a problem, but we all know it is… especially on college campuses.

Charger packs

Several student journalists said a cell phone charger pack, like a Mophie case, had become an accessory they just couldn’t live without. I agree with them. My Mophie case has made my “survival list” during multiple semesters.

Food

Another necessity touted by student journalists that surprises no one was food. However, I was surprised by the types of food student journalists mentioned, specifically spinach sandwiches, chai tea and dragon fruit. Hey, whatever they need to get the job done, right?

Of course, multiple student journalists said they’ll need coffee and/or energy drinks. We all get that one.

Advisers

One student journalist wrote that student journalists need “wonderful, supportive advisers” to survive. Let this be a challenge to all of the advisers reading this. May we all strive to be more wonderful and supportive every day.

So there it is—the list of things student journalists report needing to survive the fall semester. The list is thoughtful and (mostly) easy to accommodate. As an adviser, it also helps me identify areas where I can help students work toward meeting their needs and excelling, not just surviving, this semester.

Dr. Kenna Griffin is an assistant professor of mass communications and director of student publications at Oklahoma City University. She is the author of the Prof KRG blog, which serves as a practical resource for student journalists. She is a journalist, reader, shoe lover, wife, mother of two, and the spoiler of a couple of adorable dogs.