Lilyana Vasquez
Staff Writer
Florida Southern College has opportunities across various fields, with the communications program being a notable example. Students in this program face challenging coursework but also benefit from extracurricular experiences that enhance their learning. A prominent opportunity is “The Southern”, the school newspaper, which is an excellent platform for aspiring journalists.
Grace Newton, a former editor for “The Southern”, has made significant strides in her career. Reflecting on her time at Florida Southern, she notes, “The Southern is like family.” Newton began her tenure at the paper during the first year back from COVID-19, a period marked by a shift to digital operations. While this provided more flexible deadlines, it also meant additional work managing social media to engage readers.
Initially an English major with a minor in communications, Newton’s passion for journalism quickly grew. “I never thought I would be an editor,” Newton said, as she became more involved, she developed a deep interest in exploring and sharing other people’s passions. Newton also forged meaningful connections with her peers at “The Southern”, including finding her best friend through the program.
Newton also interned with “Lakeland Now” and in a senator’s office, marking her entry into political journalism. She admits that “no one could predict what I was going into” in politics, highlighting its ever-changing nature. Newton emphasizes the importance of being adaptable, learning on the go and thinking quickly.
“You have to just do it,” she advises, stressing the need to find your rhythm in high-pressure situations and to manage stress effectively. For Newton, baking was a way to decompress, and she also underscores the value of having connections outside of work.
One notable experience was her time at the Republican National Convention (RNC), where she worked on media row. Despite the chaos, she enjoyed meeting influential people and observing the media’s inner workings. Newton notes that finding your rhythm and having outlets to manage stress are crucial in such high-stress environments.
Kailynn Bannon, who graduated with a degree in multimedia journalism and media production design, and a minor in entrepreneurship, also has an inspiring story. After transferring to Florida Southern, Bannon quickly got involved. Although she started with a general interest in communications, she found a passion for writing and connecting with people through their stories.
“I found that I really liked talking to people and learning their stories; also telling other people why they should hear those stories,” Bannon said. Her favorite part of working for The Southern was the strong community among the staff.
“We were together for so many hours, so many late nights,” she recalled, valuing the collaborative environment and the inspiration she gained from her peers.
Bannon’s time with The Southern prepared her for the fast-paced world of journalism. She learned the importance of adapting quickly to changing news and deadlines. Her internships included covering political events and participating in high-profile assignments, such as reporting from the White House and the Kamala Harris rally in Atlanta. Bannon’s experiences highlight the importance of preparation, making connections and staying composed under pressure.
Both Newton and Bannon emphasize getting involved and making connections while in school. They agree that participation in extracurricular activities not only enhances your resume but also provides valuable real-world experience.
As Newton said, “Find your rhythm,” and Bannon added, “Prepare as much as possible.” Their stories illustrate that success in journalism and other fields comes from experience, adaptability and resilience.
Their journeys from Florida Southern to impactful careers in journalism show how involvement and dedication in school can lead to future success. Whether pursuing journalism or another career, taking advantage of opportunities and learning from every experience is key to achieving your goals.
