I caught the writing bug

“I’ve got the writing bug,” is what I said a few weeks into my time as an editor. 

I couldn’t stop pursuing stories and writing articles for The Spectrum. 

After stints as a staff writer and contributing writer, I joined the news desk as an assistant news editor after spring break with less than two months until my graduation. I wanted my short time on the editorial team to be meaningful. 

I caught the writing bug after I wrote an article about the scheduled CAS faculty confidence vote. Although that article wasn’t my first one, it helped reignite my passion for journalism. I asked my senior news editor, Sol Hauser, to send stories my way or let me know if she needed help writing anything. The momentum I had hasn’t quite let up either as the semester comes to close.

Amidst finals and non-school related problems, I find writing to be an outlet. It is an escape from the stress that awaits when I leave the windowless Spectrum office. Lately, I find myself clacking away on my laptop in the office on the couch or in one of the rooms, doing an assignment or writing a new story.

Although all types of writing are therapeutic for me, writing news articles is currently the most effective. It pressures me to bunker down and simply write, leaving my overthinking behind. 

Overthinking is a flaw of mine. I often stress the details of a task and wrestle with how I should approach things. When I write a news story, the words flow out of me. I feel relieved and not as stressed.

Writing as a form of escapism began when I was in high school. I wrote poetry and songs to express myself. I boxed myself in, only writing creative pieces. I only considered pursuing journalism after my high school English teacher, a former sports journalist, spoke about her experience in the field on career day. I pursued this interest at UB as a freshman when I enrolled in ENG 193, a course taught by Professor Charles Anzalone. I took this course to fulfill the communication literacy requirement. Kill two birds with one stone, I thought.

After submitting my first assignment, I believe Anzalone’s said that my writing was too academic. Through the lectures and assignments completed, I believe that my writing improved as I learned how to pitch story ideas, make a compelling lede and nut graph, and not stack quotes. By the end of the course, its title had lived up to its name and prepared me to take more journalism evening courses that would last three hours. 

For the final assignment, I wrote a story about a family member’s near death experience and recorded an interview podcast. The reaction from the class and Anzalone solidified for me that pursuing journalism wouldn’t be a mistake. It can strike an emotional chord with its reader, viewer or listener as a creative writing piece could. Journalism could help its audience empathize with the subject in a profound way.

Taking ENG 193 led to me enrolling in ENG 397 and ENG 398. After taking those courses, I took ENG 394, where I started at The Spectrum as a staff writer. Last spring, I decided to take the prerequisites for the Journalism Certificate and joined the program this semester.

The shift from staff writer to contributing writer to editor didn’t feel like big jumps, as my journey with The Spectrum started in the spring semester of my sophomore year. I wasn’t always able to dedicate time to writing stories and often fell into the trap I made for myself of overthinking every part of the writing process. When I realized I was better suited for news stories than features, I jumped at the chance to write more. I could no longer delay with the intent of making it perfect- a lesson I still have to remind myself of sometimes.

This academic year, I reached out to Grant to write stories, still interested in journalism but lacking the passion I once had. My passion for writing was reignited after I became an editor. I was rejuvenated.

Grant and Ryan, thank you for creating such a great environment to write in. I applaud you both as journalists and despite us being the same age (I think), I strive to be like you. Your leadership and dedication to the craft is astounding. It’s been inspiring to see you go from editors on your respective desks to the amazing leaders of the newsroom you are today.

Sol, thank you for being an amazing senior editor, writing partner, and telling me to ask Grant about being an editor. I greatly appreciate your encouragement. Thank you so much for recognizing my potential as an editor.

Grant, Ryan and Sol, thank you for allowing me to join the editorial team. I appreciate the kindness and support you all have shown me. I can’t wait to see what you and our fellow Spectrum graduating editors will do in the future. It’s been a pleasure working with you!

Moaz, thank you for always taking fantastic photos for our articles. Thank you for popping in and out at events like BSU’s Black Explosion, International Fiesta, and the Honors College Life-Raft Debate with your camera slung around your neck, ready to capture the most perfect photos to grace our eyes.

Matt Parrino, thank you for leading a great course for journalism newbies and non-newbies alike. Thanks for also sharing your story of how you became the journalist you are today and introducing the class to Spectrum alumni.

Thank you to Grant, Ryan, Xiola, Darcy and Sol for being in the office on production day to edit the pieces we write.

Josh, Sarah, Rachel and Mylien, thank you for welcoming me into the office with open arms and positive vibes.

Thank you to everyone who let me in on the office jokes and allowed new ones to be made.

I have also appreciated the opportunity to work with other editors like Sol, Mylien and Sarah (to name a few) on stories.

I would also like to thank everyone who has helped me throughout my journey during undergrad, navigating difficult circumstances and being understanding. Thank you to my family and friends for supporting me along the way and putting up with me. I have so much love and appreciation for you all.

Since my start as an editor, I’ve strived to take my new role seriously. I wanted to prove that I was the right choice — a person who is always ready to make the donuts. I’ve truly loved pitching ideas, making the donuts and spending time with an incredible group of talented individuals whether inside the office, Capen 240 for ENG 394, or off-campus.

This newsroom was a great environment to be in as I was encouraged to chase the next story and had the chance to meet new people with vibrant and fantastic personalities who I’ve enjoyed being around. Joining the staff as an editor also gave me the opportunity to get to know acquaintances better.

I’m so grateful for my time as an editor- it was short but sweet. My only regret is not being an editor sooner.

Alisha Allison was an assistant news editor and can be reached at alisha.allison@ubspectrum.com