Cherishing The Miami Student: A Call for Community Engagement

A Connection Beyond Passion

In recent years, we’ve witnessed a growing number of platforms dedicated to reporting the stories that matter to us. Among them, The Miami Student has stood out to me, not simply as a newspaper I cherish but as an indispensable part of my life. Established to serve the Miami University and Oxford communities, The Miami Student has evolved into a vital channel that connects us all. The experiences and insights gained through my involvement in the publication have amplified not just a mere passion for journalism but a dedication to creating a discourse that resonates with our readers.

The Heart of Journalism

When I first joined The Miami Student, my understanding of how a newspaper functions was limited. I had yet to grasp the intricate web of effort, teamwork, and creativity that goes into each edition. One of the most illuminating aspects of my journey has been realizing how deeply our readers influence our priorities and editorial decisions. Your voices shape our focus, guiding us on the issues that truly matter within both the university and the broader Oxford landscape.

Bridging the Gap

Community engagement is at the core of our mission. While we strive each week to cover a breadth of topics and stories, our current team is limited, and we are acutely aware of the gaps that may exist in our coverage. This is where your input becomes crucial. Whether you have an idea for a story, feedback on our reporting, or simply want to share your community’s perspectives, we want to hear from you.

Listening to Diverse Voices

Recognizing the diversity of perspectives within a community of 20,000 students is no small feat. Members of our editorial team hail from all corners of the university, bringing their own experiences and insights to our work. However, we understand the inherent limitations that come with this. Your unique stories, opinions, and concerns matter to us, and without your guidance, we risk overlooking significant narratives that deserve a platform.

A Collaborative Effort in Coverage

While other local outlets like the Oxford Free Press provide valuable coverage, The Miami Student has its own unique role to play—one that actively engages the student population. We want to ensure that our stories resonate with you, addressing the issues and events that hold importance in our day-to-day lives. To be effective, we need your feedback; we need to understand what you appreciate and what we could do better. Your input can deepen our connection with the community, ensuring our journalism is not only relevant but impactful.

Engaging with the Community

As someone invested in the heartbeat of our university and town, I can attest that understanding the intricacies of community sentiment is a complex task. Even as a lifelong Oxford resident, navigating the aspirations and concerns of a diverse population is a challenge. This is where our collaborative relationship comes into play. By communicating with us—sharing your thoughts, experiences, and suggestions—you empower our newsroom to create a more inclusive and representative narrative.

Your Voice is Vital

In this digital age, reaching out has never been easier. Although our newsroom no longer has a landline, we are always available via email. Every writer includes their email at the end of their stories, enabling you to engage directly with them. Furthermore, I encourage you to connect with me or the editor-in-chief at eic.miamistudent@gmail.com regarding ideas, questions, or just a friendly conversation about your thoughts on our coverage.

Invitation to Share

We are passionate about our role in the community, but we can only grow and improve with your insights. Share your story, share your feedback, or simply introduce us to the narratives we might be missing. An open discussion can lead to deeper understanding and more effective reporting that reflects the community’s true essence.

Thank You for Your Support

In this endeavor, I am grateful for every reader who engages with us and supports our work. The invaluable connection formed between The Miami Student and our readers is the lifeblood of our journalism, fueling our growth and commitment to serve you better. Let’s continue to build this relationship, making our coverage as comprehensive and impactful as it can be.

For those interested in continuing the conversation, feel free to reach out. Your voice matters, and together, we can enhance the role of The Miami Student within our vibrant community.

Kasey Turman
Senior, Political Science and Journalism Double Major
Editor-in-Chief, The Miami Student
Email: turmankd@miamioh.edu