Luke Whitehouse
@Lwhitehouse12
I came to Springfield College with no intention of being a writer, nevermind being a part of The Springfield Student.
When I arrived on campus as an Exercise Science major I was lost, needing to find direction.
I remember watching my friend Brady Cote interact with his professors and noticed that he was really enjoying his time with them – while I was feeling the opposite. He would mention Marty Dobrow and Kyle Belanger and how wonderful they made the class experience. And so I decided to make the bold move of transferring into the Communications/Sports Journalism program. I thought about the move for many weeks before telling my parents, and when I finally did tell them, I remember my father saying: “This move is on you. You better make it worth it.”
Still, I hadn’t totally found my place in the major or even on campus after a year of shutdowns and Covid restrictions. At the time I knew I didn’t want to be a writer – ironic, right? – and so I decided to join the TV club and participate in the making of packages and on-air appearances, with Dan Curren giving me weekly tips on how to write a script.
The family of SCTV3 was something that I hadn’t felt on campus. The people I encountered – Nick Storlazzi and Brooklyn Johnson – were bonds formed that carried in and out of the classroom.
But I still wasn’t fulfilled.
Until one day, after getting back my assignment for my Journalistic Ethics class, Marty suggested that I join The Springfield Student. At this point writing was the last thing on my radar – the one club I had no interest in joining.
But I did.
I remember texting Garrett Cote, who was going to be the Co-Editor-In-Chief, that I was going to be a part of the club. I was nervous, with absolutely no confidence in my writing ability. My first article was on Title IX and on the event that took place on campus featuring Hall of Famers Tamika Catchings and Tina Thompson. I remember feverishly taking notes throughout the event and constructing the plan in my head of walking up to two legends and asking them for an interview? When I arrived back at my room I finished the story and turned it in to be edited. Boy did I not expect what came next.
Aimee Crawford, Garrett, Cait Kemp, Braedan Shea and Chris Gionta tore it apart – making edits on almost every line.
“Was I this bad?”
“Maybe this isn’t for me.”
Those thoughts began to circle in my head – yet when it was finally published I sent Garrett a text that read “Really enjoyed my first week.”
That was a lie, of course.
Soon though, I began to love the process of writing – pulling back the curtain and finding stories within the games. I picked up the beat reporting jobs for the women’s soccer team and women’s basketball team. I really began to hone in on my writing skills, seeking advice each week all while forming unbreakable bonds with my fellow writers.
I was invited to cover the 2023 Hoophall Classic in what would be my first professional journalistic experience. But what I didn’t know was that I had to find the stories to write – and that process was something. After a full five days of late nights, sweating to hit deadlines and learning how to use a camera, I felt proud of myself for the first time in a while. I went from being a hesitant journalist, to an aggressive one – feeding off of the rush that a good story gave me.
Fast forward a couple months and I found myself in California for the first time in my life. Chris, Garrett, Braedan, Cait and Carley went from editing my articles to a point where I was questioning if this club was right for me, to becoming some of my closest friends on campus. And for that I owe so much to them.
Garrett, the tough love early and often made me the writer I am today. You made me pay attention to the little details that take a story to the next level. When I was screwing off in the meetings, you would always get me back on track and then share a joke with me at the end. You were always honest with me about my work and for that I thank you so much.
Chris and Cait, whenever I had a question about something you both would always answer in a candid way, even if it was a stupid question. You both were a joy to have around and again, I wouldn’t be the same writer without you both. Chris, with your dry humor and Cait, with your laugh, it always kept the newsroom light.
When I was elected to be the Co-Editor-In-Chief at the end of my junior year after only a year in the club I was admittedly nervous.
But from one challenge to another, I had no choice but to get over the fears of the unknown that I once had when I first stepped into the club.
This year was not going to be easy. We had less than 10 writers on our full-time staff heading into September.
This was where people like Sam MacGilpin and Dante Iafrate made a difference – stepping into the fire each week and offering to take stories on subjects that they were unfamiliar with. They both brought joy to the newsroom on Mondays, and even when the Diamondbacks lost the World Series, Sam still graciously showed up that Wednesday with his usually hot (cold) takes. Thank you guys so much for making this year possible, and I know you both have a bright future in writing.
To the now juniors Liam Reilly, Nick Pantages, Patrick Fergus, River Mitchell and Tucker Paquette and the seniors Kaitlyn and Sam– keep going. You all have shown the eagerness to succeed in this career. We would not have been able to produce our weekly paper without you guys taking on unique stories – even last minute ones. You guys have been an absolute joy to be around and I’m so proud of the work you’ve done and will continue to do.
To Braedan, my right hand man in the office. What you have taught me throughout these two-and-a-half years working together is something I’ll never take for granted. Whether it’s editing each other’s papers, doing layout to just talking about sports, you always keep the office loose and well…put up with me when my emotions run a little high. Through two Hoophalls, two trips to California and two PSJ’s it’s always been a joy working with you. And don’t worry, I’ll beat you on the golf course one of these days.
And finally to Marty and Aimee.
Marty, thank you for steering this lost ship in a direction. I would have never even tried to take writing seriously if it wasn’t for you – I don’t even know if I’d be in this major either. Aimee, you have been the absolute best advisor a student, and The Student could ask for. You have made me become a better writer, thinker, and most importantly a better person. Throughout all of the conversations regarding my writing and sharing your wisdom, introducing me to other professional journalists, and being the glue that keeps the newspaper running each week, I am so grateful. There is no way I would be set up the way I am without your influence every single day.
To The Springfield Student, you have done so much for me as a person. The doors you have opened, the bonds you have created and the fun and stressful times that were had are nothing compared to the one aspect that I thank you most for. You gave me a purpose on this campus as a student and as a person, and for that, thank you just isn’t enough.
And so I am announcing that I am using an extra year of eligibility to come back for my fifth year.
Just kidding.