Editor’s note: The Stentor has greatly benefitted from all three of our graduating seniors, and we will definitely miss their work and dedication. We interviewed Managing Editor Ellerese Topacio, A&E Editor Leah Moss, and Staff Writer Christian Metzger about their time on the paper and their plans for the future.
To the entire Lake Forest College Class of 2020, thank you all for supporting the Stentor during your time at LFC. We wish you the very best on your graduation into a world that is full of so many uncertainties.
Ellerese Topacio, Managing Editor
Why did you join the Stentor?
I joined the Stentor for two main reasons: Emma Overton and campus communication. Since we met in Professor Levis’ Constitutional Law class in the fall of 2018, Emma has been one of the most reliable friends in my life. She persuaded me to be a part of a team of dedicated writers and journalists, leading to the second reason I joined—communication. Joining the Stentor allowed me to communicate with the campus about ongoing issues.
What was the first article you worked on?
The first article I worked on was a “Meet the Editorial Board” feature in the fall 2019 semester. It was an excellent way to ease into my then-position as Associate Editor.
What was the most memorable article you worked on?
The most memorable article I worked on would have to be the Opinions piece where I talked about my perspective as a senior dealing with COVID-19.
What was your favorite part about being Managing Editor?
As I’ve mentioned, the Stentor allowed me to practice communication skills as well as be a part of a team of strong individuals. I will miss being able to engage with this kind of group.
What will you miss most about Lake Forest College?
I transferred to LFC as a junior, and I wish every day that I could stay for an extra two years. I’ll miss my professors, mentors, and friends who have been a pivotal part of my maturation. I’ll miss being lazy in class. I’ll miss procrastinating on essays. I’ll miss being a student at Lake Forest.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to hibernate. Once my parents scold me for being a moocher, I plan on attending law school to obtain my JD. After that, wherever life takes me.
Anything else you would like to add?
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and don’t leave any stone unturned. College is an uncomfortable experience. Find your support system and be honest with yourself.
Leah Moss, A&E Editor
Why did you join the Stentor?
I’m an English major with a publishing minor, so joining the Stentor seemed like a logical choice for me. I started out as a Features writer but eventually branched out to A&E for book and music reviews. I became the A&E Editor during my sophomore year.
What was the first article you worked on?
My first article was a Features article about Pokemon Go, back when the game was very popular. I was sitting in the Student Center, holding a cardboard Pikachu that I got from the Gates Center when the Features editor at the time asked if I would like to write an article about the game. Needless to say, I said yes and joined the Stentor!
What was the most memorable article you worked on?
My most memorable article was my album review of How to Be A Human Being by Glass Animals. It was my first-ever A&E article and it sparked my passion for writing music reviews. I also spent so much time listening to that album that it became one of my favorite albums of all time!
What was your favorite part about being A&E Editor?
Coming up with potential article ideas for the A&E writers and then seeing the finished articles was always fun.
What will you miss most about working on the Stentor?
I will miss the absolute joy I always felt whenever I picked up a new issue of the Stentor. Getting to see the articles that I helped edit and my own articles in print is something I will definitely miss.
What will you miss most about Lake Forest College?
While there’s so much that I’ll miss about LFC, the thing I’ll miss the most is hanging out with my friends. My college squad was everything I could have hoped for, and I will definitely miss spending time with them on campus.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I hope to work in the book publishing industry, either as an editor or as a designer. Fingers crossed!
Christian Metzger, Staff Writer
Why did you join the Stentor?
I joined the paper because my field of study is journalism and communications. It’s my goal to become a journalist when I get out of college for a paper like the Chicago Tribune or something similar. The Stentor was a good way for me to get credits as well as preliminary experience with being published in a journalistic form.
What was the first article you worked on?
I believe my very first article was titled “New Furniture in Lois Hall is a Tight Fit” from back in February of 2017. It was about the new furniture that the College purchased and how some students were encountering trouble trying to get it to fit in the dimensions of their rooms—as the door frames were far too narrow in some places to slide the dressers into the closets, for example.
What was the most memorable article you worked on?
There were a couple of stories that I had to do which dealt with the campus’ modernization efforts, during which I had opportunities to talk with President Schutt and others—which I find to be memorable, at the very least. It’s hard to pick just one, but being able to attend many of the art gallery openings as well as see various films for my articles was really fun.
What will you miss most about working on the Stentor?
Getting to write entertainment articles and movie reviews, primarily. I think that is something I won’t be doing for a good in print while I get my feet wet with more professional work. Also just having an excuse to figure out what’s going on around campus and keep my finger on the pulse of things, even if I wasn’t the most outwardly active student.
What will you miss most about Lake Forest College?
The campus and environment. I really felt like I had a place where I belonged and a group of professors that really listened to me and cared about my work. I can’t thank them enough for that.
What are your plans after graduation?
After taking on some additional work over the summer, the biggest thing for me is going on to graduate school for journalism at Boston University. I think getting that advanced and specialized experience will open up a lot of doors for me going forward.
Anything else you would like to add?
I just want to wish everyone well and hope they stay in the best of health during these troubling times. Bad times are just times that are bad, things will always get better.
