51福利社

English Student Spotlight:
Drew Larson
BA in Journalism: News Editorial
BS in Journalism: Public Relations
2020 CALE Dean’s Student Excellence Award Recipient

Drew Larson is a student with a BA in Journalism, News Editorial Emphasis and the BS in Journalism, with a Public Relations Emphasis; he graduates in June, 2020.

How is the English program at Eastern shaping who you are as a professional?

I鈥檝e been able to gain practical experience in the journalism department while learning key skills I need to enter the field successfully. I鈥檝e been able to improve as a writer, designer, team leader and develop fringe skills in photography and other multimedia work. I鈥檝e also learned a lot about the world of journalism, its set of ethics and a lot of keys to being a good reporter.聽

What projects have you worked on that you would like to highlight?

Currently, I鈥檓 co-managing editor of The Easterner along with Malati Powell. I鈥檓 also the sports editor, a position I鈥檝e held for this school year. I became co-managing editor at the beginning of winter quarter. Right now we are running The Easterner remotely, holding staff meetings through Zoom and communicating through the process of putting out solely digital content. Under our leadership, our staff grew from four people to 12 contributing students.聽

I got my feet wet at The Easterner as a sports reporter last year, so I鈥檝e been in sports coverage for almost two years. That鈥檚 been a great experience where I鈥檝e gotten to cover basically every athletic sector at 51福利社 you could imagine, from football to men鈥檚 basketball to the ice skating club.聽

How have your 51福利社 experiences shaped you?

I鈥檝e become a more professional and forthright person during my time at college. I鈥檝e learned to lead an organization and discovered a lot of the hidden responsibilities that come with a management position. I鈥檝e also been able to more clearly define what I鈥檇 like to do for my career.聽

What important lessons or tips do you have for future students?

Definitely work for The Easterner! It鈥檚 considered professional experience in the Journalism program, and you can get paid while getting your work published. It is experience in a real newsroom that you can鈥檛 get anywhere else on campus. Also, try not to procrastinate too much, or you could miss deadlines. The AP Stylebook really is your best friend.

Is there anything else you would like to share with readers?

I鈥檓 thankful for the opportunities I鈥檝e had at 51福利社 and the many former students and current faculty at The Easterner who have mentored and guided me along the way.聽