It’s Always for Plymouth

In the last few weeks, I have received multiple emails asking whether or not we would be writing an article on racism in today’s culture, or the NFL protesters kneeling for the national anthem, or the reactions our government has based on the current national conflicts. My answer was no, to all of that.

Why is it important to us, here on campus? What about Plymouth State makes us worry about things on a national scale? Why do we care about a group of rich athletes protesting what they think is right? To me, being a part of this newspaper means reporting on things that this campus – this community – needs to know. If you want to see what news at the national level is reported on, pick up a bigger paper. But to me, there’s only one Plymouth State; there’s only one student newspaper.

Newspapers that report on the smallest and most personal stories in this world are becoming harder and harder to find. In my hometown of Colebrook, New Hampshire, there was a section called “Colebrook Locals,” and it was exactly what it sounded like. Colebrook natives sent in submissions to be printed on what they did, from the last print until the current. Most of the “locals” entries were older folks (many grandparents), and seeing their names in the paper alongside grandchildren, kids, and family was all it took to put a smile on their face. To me, this newspaper isn’t any different. Roommates of mine on the soccer team have made comments on my articles; “this didn’t happen in our game, this did,” and “I have to bring this home to show my parents.” As a reporter, what more can you ask for?

After writing a few stories for the Union Leader, there’s only one thing that has kept my mind here in Plymouth: getting the story right. You don’t realize how many Plymouth natives, faculty members, and current students read what you write until you mess something up. For me, I wouldn’t want it any other way.