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Defenders of the truth since 1906
September 6, 2010
By
Stuart A. Thompson
You’re holding the Gazette in your hands. Stay calm. That warm feeling of enlightenment is normal. It’s something you’ll feel four times weekly for the rest of your life at Western.
Frosh week is a time to ask yourself important questions. Things like: What clubs should I sign up for? (We recommend the Knitting Society.) Is it possible to overdose on Red Bull? (A recent, comprehensive study by Gazetters suggests you can.) How do I throw away my undergraduate career? (Try student politics.) But the most important question is this: How will I spend my time with the Gazette?
You see, the Gazette is a proud student newspaper. It’s one of the biggest ones in Canada and the only one that publishes daily. And we want you to be a part of it. There’s a few ways to get started, so listen up young recruit.
Work with us
Corey Stanford/GazetteFrom left to right: Managing Editor Mike Hayes, Editor-in-Chief Stuart Thompson, Deputy Editor Meagan Kashty
As a “student newspaper,” you’ve probably guessed the Gazette is run by students. If you haven’t figured this out yet — congratulations! The University Students’ Council holds its presidential elections in February and you sound like a true contender.
The truth is, if you fancy yourself with a future in journalism or media, then swing by Room 263 of the University Community Centre and get started. It’s easier than you think. Unlike residence parties during Frosh Week, there’s no pressure. You can decide your own schedule, contribute as often as you like and work in any section your heart desires.
If your head is already teeming with questions about the Gazette, then you’re well suited for our glamorous news section.
If you’re a pretentious asshole, or simply enjoy arts or life, our arts & life section welcomes you with open arms.
If you love the idea of spending your nights and weekends at Mustangs games, find your home in our sports section.
Artists and computer geeks can make friends with Gazette Creative or our web team.
Finally, if you have a yearning to be the next Kevin Newman or Elliotte Friedman (both Gazette alumni), fulfill your bizarre fantasy in our video department.
Read about all these opportunities online and get a map of how to find us: www.westerngazette.ca/contributions.
More ways to work with us
Don’t feel much like doing the whole volunteer thing but still want to make mom proud? Try submitting a letter about something you’ve read. (Even commenting on our website counts.)
You can also send your problems to Dear Life, complain to The Fixer about your leaky faucet, or write a submission for “Act of Kindness, Act of Spite.” Find all these options online.
If you’re feeling sexy, join our model registry and become an infamous Gazette model. If you want to contribute ad hoc art, join our artist registry.
If you’ve got some wit and a pencil, you sound perfect for our comics section. Since you’re probably a recluse, you can easily send your comics over the internet. Learn more about all of these online. Soon your mom’s fridge will be littered with Gazette clippings.
Choose your path
Western is already a vast campus with overpriced food and winters that never ever end. But it can be better! When you’re done your three, four or seven years here, you don’t want your greatest memory to be Superpsych with Dr. Mike — trust us!
By working at the Gazette, you can build cynicism against society while improving your writing. You could also join the distinguished troop of writers, editors and columnists who are now working at Maclean’s, the National Post, the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, and the CBC.
Choose your path, young frosh. And hey, if the Gazette’s not your thing, that’s fine. But be sure to check out the Knitting Society during clubs week.
Email Stuart at stuart@westerngazette.ca or follow him on Twitter at @StuartAtGazette.
Other uses
The Gazette is quite handy for regular sudoku puzzles, crosswords, or for lining your birdcage. Think of us when you’ve gone fishing and need to wrap your fish guts. Saving money on your heating bill? A semester worth of newspapers makes great kindling in the fireplace!
Useful Links
Follow the Gazette on Facebook and Twitter.
Stuart is the Editor-in-Chief for Volume 104 of the Gazette. He can be reached at stuart@westerngazette.ca. He was the news and web editor for Volume 103. He graduated with an honours BA in media, information and technoculture in 2010 and holds a certificate in writing and a diploma in journalism. Stuart can also be found on Twitter at www.twitter.com/StuartAtGazette.
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