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Home Opinion Why Student Print Publications Still Matter

In today’s digital culture, print media is sometimes seen as a dying art. With the immediacy of the Internet and the ability to ask Google or Siri any question under the sun, printed books or newspapers may seem outdated by the time they are released from publishers and make it into their readers’ hands.

Despite this, physical printed copies of publications still hold a place in our society. They are a tactile object for people to hold on to that engages them both physically and intellectually.

As Concordia’s student newspaper, we believe that print media is still important.

Working for print publications can provide students with professional and creative experience in a variety of areas, whether it be writing, art, design, leadership, photography, organization, communication or publication.

These skills can help students not only to boost their resumes but to grow as individuals.

While the Internet is constantly and quickly changing, print publications provide a more permanent record of students’ stories and perspectives. While digital content can easily be edited, manipulated and deleted, printed publications are not so easily changed.

Furthermore, while people are bombarded with an endless flow of information every time they open a Web browser, printed publications are intentional in the information they choose to provide in their limited space. They allow people to pick and choose what they want to read without being overwhelmed by advertisements and misleading links.

Print media also provides a space for the celebration of the arts. Skills that are often overlooked, such as writing, art and design, are given a place to shine, challenge and encourage readers, and help them learn new things.

When students can take ownership of a printed artifact like a newspaper or yearbook, it allows them not only to take a sense of pride in their school but to tell the story of Concordia as they see it. They don’t have the same requirements and responsibilities as the Marketing or Admissions departments to paint an idealized portrait of life at Concordia.

When print media gives students a place to creatively express their struggles, joys and concerns, it can lead to genuine improvement for all members of the Concordia community. Giving students a place to express these thoughts and opinions openly does not expose our school as a negative place to live–it exposes a deeper, more personal side of Concordia full of rich memories and life-changing experiences.

In what other place will you find detailed information and stories about organizations like Math Club and Catholics at Concordia alongside the scores from the latest athletic event? Or a review of the drama department’s latest production next to a story about a student with an amazing hidden talent?

These stories, told through both words and photographs, connect us to Concordians who came before and help us to retain valued traditions. When we look at old yearbooks or Sowers past, we are able to see bits of ourselves in them and bridge the gap between generations, whether it be through a sports team, a musical ensemble, or a much-loved tradition like Spring Weekend.

Most of all, we see how those who came before us, despite living in a different era, still shared a common goal with us: to receive a Christ-centered education that would allow them to serve others in the church and world.

 

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