Letter from the editor: use our paper to find your passion

OK, so I know this is kind of late.

Normally, The Spectrum’s editor-in-chief writes this letter before the first week of classes.

But hey, we’re here now, right?

For those of you who don’t already know, this is The Spectrum, UB’s independent student newspaper. This is where you’re going to get your campus news, catch up on UB’s arts scene, get the rundown of the latest football game (a win here and there wouldn’t hurt) and learn more about the complex little metropolis that is the University at Buffalo.

You’ll learn that this paper is a reflection of not only what’s going on around campus, but also what the students on this campus are talking about.

When I was a freshman at UB, I didn’t quite know my place on campus. I didn’t know where to go, who to hang out with or why I was here, really.

I knew I loved sports, but I had no idea what to do with that passion.

Then I saw a copy of The Spectrum on a newsstand in the Student Union. 

I would have normally passed right by a stack of newspapers. In high school, I deleted my iPhone’s news app because I thought it was too “negative.” But this issue had a big picture of former UB football running back Jaret Patterson on the front page. That was all I needed.

I immersed myself in the world of UB sports, and after a conversation with 2019-20 editor-in-chief Brenton Blanchet, I jumped right into the men’s basketball beat.

Media seating to games, access to post-game press conferences and the ability to schedule one-on-one interviews with players and coaches were all I needed. I became addicted to the rush of writing a recap after a game and telling the stories of our athletes on campus.

I found my passion through The Spectrum, and I encourage you to do the same.

Use our newspaper to explore your passions and find what you love. This campus is huge. Whatever it is you’re into, there’s a student, club, organization or team that shares your interest. The Spectrum is the students’ platform to highlight what is important on campus and why. From news, features, arts, sports and our opinion page, the possibilities are endless.

I never thought I’d be in this position, but as soon as I joined this scrappy independent newspaper, I knew I had found my calling.

I’ve been using the word paper a lot, which is ironic considering you’re reading this on a screen.

There have been some changes to the way The Spectrum is distributing content. As we find ourselves in a digital age, we must use our outline platform to maximize outreach and get you the news you need in a timely manner.

That’s why we started our weekly newsletter, which will be delivered to your email every Thursday. It will include our top three stories of the week as well as an e-edition of our latest issue. Those interested in receiving the most comprehensive and in-depth campus news can sign up for our newsletter here.

There will still be print editions of The Spectrum, just not on a weekly basis. We understand that having a print edition helps establish our campus presence, we’re just more focused on where media is headed as opposed to where it’s coming from.

To the readers, I’m excited for you.

We’re going to dazzle you with our storytelling, provide accurate and diligent news coverage and maximize the human experience by giving a voice to those we seldom hear on campus.  

To those who want to join the staff, I’m also excited for you.

I can’t wait to watch you find your passion in the newsroom.

Any students, faculty, staff, clubs and student organizations: I encourage you to stop by our office located at 132 Student Union. Our door is always open. And if it isn’t, just bang on it. An eager journalist who’s running on four hours of sleep would be more than happy to speak with you. I may be busy draining shots on our Nerf basketball hoop, but just hang tight. I look forward to hearing from you.

If you’re interested in joining as a writer, photographer or social media assistant, click the “Apply” tab on our website and fill out the application. You can also enroll in The Spectrum’s class, ENG 394 (you’ll be stuck with me as your TA), which takes place every Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. in Clemens 102.

I’m eager to see which new faces will help us continue our 72-year-long tradition of providing factual, intriguing stories and amplifying the voices of students at UB.

Anthony DeCicco is the Editor-in-Chief and can be reached at anthony.decicco@ubspectrum.com and @DeCicco42 on Twitter.

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