The IDS needs you

In middle school, I always found it easier to hide behind writing. I was so shy that I dreaded ever saying anything in class, but when writing a story or a paper I learned I could convey to the teacher who I was without having to say anything.\nIn high school, I found that journalism was a way to make my voice heard. I decided from then that I wanted to be a journalist. My entire high school career was geared toward an eventual job in journalism.\nBut after graduation, I realized that I no longer knew why I wanted to be a journalist. So I quit. \nFor the next two years, my life had nothing to do with journalism. I came into college as an English major, and that is what my field of study has remained.\nIt was over Thanksgiving of my sophomore year that I remembered what was missing from my life. I wanted to be a journalist again. The English papers I wrote were only for my satisfaction. They were not informing anyone. They were not empowering anyone. I wanted to be a part of something more, and that is what the Indiana Daily Student is for me.\nIt is a contribution to something more than my grades and transcript. It is about more than academics.\nIt is a learning lab, and it is a voice for the students. I know that as a journalist I am not writing for the elite; I'm writing for everyone.\nMy desire to produce a quality newspaper and to give IU students comprehensive and necessary information on the happenings on campus, in Bloomington and around this world has driven me for my past three semesters. Working for this publication has expanded my skills as a writer and editor, and also challenged me to meet new people, to go out into the community to find that story and to learn and listen to others.\nThe primary purpose of this paper for me is to provide our audience -- the students, faculty, and staff of IU -- with coverage of the issues that are affecting them. This paper is the only campus-wide outlet that covers students' concerns. We are here to serve you through our coverage and our editorials.\nI am dedicated to continuing this paper's tradition of excellence. I want to be able to look at each issue as a quality product. But I won't be continuing this great tradition alone. To make this a great paper, I need the help and drive of the editors and writers.\nAnd the Indiana Daily Student needs you.\nWe are here to inform and empower you, and if you feel we are not doing that, tell us. We want your feedback.\nWe are more than IDS employees; we are members of the IU community.