Beyond campus: My journey as a student journalist
By Kaitlyn Seawood
I have been working for college newspapers since 2021. Student newspapers vary in size and coverage, but they are fundamentally driven by the same passion for storytelling and truth. This summer, however, I had the opportunity to step beyond campus and immerse myself in the world of local journalism. Through an internship with Tompkins Weekly, a small newspaper in Tompkins County, New York, I experienced firsthand the differences — and surprising similarities — between writing for a student newspaper and working for a local publication.
My biggest takeaway? The level of respect and trust we’re given as journalists. At Tompkins Weekly I was responsible for a weekly column called Street Beat, where I hit the streets to ask people lighthearted questions like their favorite childhood board game or summer memory. It sounds simple, but people were surprisingly hesitant to participate. Some worried about how their answers might be perceived, even with questions as harmless as their favorite flavor of ice cream! This struck me because it highlighted how cautious the public has become, even about things that seem trivial.
In student journalism, sources can sometimes be difficult to reach but that challenge is amplified as a professional. For one of my final assignments, I worked on a cover story bringing a state-wide topic to a local level. The process should have been straightforward but stretched nearly four weeks because of delays with key sources. At one point, a source asked if I could “move my deadline” to accommodate their vacation schedule. It was an eye-opening moment for me. Deadlines are concrete, as journalists have timelines to follow, just like any other industry. While we want to maintain good relationships with our sources, we also need to protect the integrity of our work. This type of challenge wasn’t unfamiliar — I’d faced delays in college journalism too — but the stakes felt higher this time. In a local newspaper, the community relies on you for timely information. Missing deadlines can break trust.
The differences between student newspapers and outside publications go beyond tight deadlines. College newspapers tend to be more restrictive in terms of what we write about. The content is often geared toward campus life, university policies or events that matter to students. There’s a limited scope, and sometimes that can feel creatively stifling. In contrast, Tompkins Weekly encouraged flexibility. I had the freedom to pitch interesting ideas, explore local stories and write about real-world issues that impacted the entire community, not just a specific demographic.
Another major difference is the hierarchy. In a college newsroom, your classmates are your colleagues — and sometimes your boss. Navigating this can be tricky. You have to manage your personal and professional lifestyles by balancing friendships while holding each other accountable. In a professional setting, there’s still teamwork, but the lines of authority are clearer. Expectations are different, and there’s more emphasis on individual responsibility.
Another key difference is how mistakes and deadlines are handled. In a college newspaper, missing a deadline or making an error is certainly serious, but there’s more room for forgiveness. We’re student reporters, and part of the process is learning from our mistakes. If we misspell a name, misquote a source or submit something late, there’s a chance to correct it and move on. We face consequences, but our careers aren’t at stake — we’re still in a learning environment.
However, as a professional journalist, mistakes can have much greater consequences. Missing a deadline or publishing an error in a professional setting could cost you more than just a slap on the wrist. It could impact your reputation or even your livelihood. At Tompkins Weekly, I learned that professionalism means respecting deadlines and being thorough with every detail. The stakes are higher, and the responsibility is heavier. There’s less room for error because the consequences are far more tangible.
One aspect of my internship that I hadn’t anticipated was how much I would enjoy the social aspect of local reporting. Interacting with community members, even for something as light as Street Beat, gave me a sense of connection that felt different from my work on campus. I wasn’t just reporting for the student body — I was writing for an entire town, which gave my stories a broader impact.
As I prepare to graduate in May, I find myself both nervous and excited about stepping into the real world. The experiences I’ve had working for student newspapers have been invaluable — they’ve shaped me as a writer and a journalist. Some of my greatest work, from covering campus news and events to capturing student voices, has come from these opportunities. I’ve loved every moment of it, and these papers have been a cornerstone of my college experience.
Now, as I look ahead, I’m eager to see where my journey takes me next. My summer internship gave me a taste of what life beyond campus looks like, and while it comes with new challenges, it also opens up a world of possibilities. I’m ready to embrace the opportunities ahead, confident that all I’ve learned so far has prepared me for whatever comes next. It’s exciting to imagine what the future holds, and I can’t wait to dive in.
Kaitlyn Seawood is a senior journalism major
