This spring, Lakeland Students enrolled in The Mirror, have developed critical career skills and job experience through news writing about topics relating to the Lakeland University and the greater community.

The Mirror is a 0-1 credit class in which Lakeland University students can interview, write and publish articles about a variety of topics. The Mirror students may also apply for several paid positions to serve cooperative education or internship hours. There are three fully funded positions currently. Though required under some major paths, The Mirror is open to any student and provides future employment experience.

Each published article goes through a process involving several people. These people include Sarah Stege, Jenna Winge and Miranda Boswell. Winge, the story editor, oversees the story editing in the initial stages. Stege, editor-in-chief, has the final say in what gets published. As articles get published, Boswell, the digital media supervisor, makes sure digital media platforms stay up to date with relevant content such as current events, previews and new articles. She said that her favorite part of this experience is getting to see the analytics behind the social media. Stege recalls that “The Mirror creates a space where students can have an active role in what they learn. ‘Student-led’ doesn’t just mean that we as students write the articles. We get to choose the direction, the vision, the way we report on Lakeland’s news and community.”

Staff writer Jeremy Kobe, a junior, recalls his favorite part of The Mirror is that “You’re able to write your own story and what you feel like you want to put out there.” The Mirror always encourages students to choose topics they are most interested in. Similarly, freshman staff writer Samantha Klusman feels that her favorite part of The Mirror is the environment and coming to class to see the people and discuss the work.

Not only does The Mirror offer experience and a community for students to express their writing, but next fall, The Mirror is seeking to grow its paid staff base. Possible open positions include editor in chief, story editor, digital media supervisor, writer and photographer. Positions vary in weekly hours and can count towards cooperative education credits. This opportunity allows students to gain work experience to build their resumes while also making money to support themselves. The Mirror staff encourages interested students to become involved and help this community grow.

Leading off with a piece of advice for interested students, Winge encourages, “If you have any interest in being a part of the team, please come join us next semester! It definitely can seem overwhelming and scary to join, knowing that you will have your writing published, but it is so worth it. The staff also works so hard to be a support system for our writers.”