Hello, Auburn students, faculty, families, staff and beyond,
My name is Harlee Meydrech. I have the pleasure of serving as The Auburn Plainsman’s editor-in-chief for the fall 2024 semester.
I have been a member of The Plainsman since the first week of my freshman year here at Auburn. The Plainsman has not only made my Auburn experience exceptional, but it’s also made me feel completely and wholeheartedly at home in Auburn.
At the interest meeting during my first week here, I knew I wanted to become the editor-in-chief of The Plainsman one day. Now, my dreams have come true.
When I joined, I didn’t really realize what all newswriting entailed. I was still in my core classes, learning about science and mathematics, not aware of all the many rules of journalism.
My first story was horrendous. I spelled names wrong, used first-person pronouns, editorialized and simply created the worst lifestyle story The Plainsman has ever seen. But then, I went on to become the assistant culture editor, then the culture editor, then the assistant managing editor.
That’s what The Plainsman is for: growth. Our organization serves as a learning lab, a stepping stone into the complex world of journalism. Mistakes are inevitable, and that notion applies to a lot more than just newswriting. As long as you learn from them, everything will be OK.
The Plainsman has gifted me the best friends, peers and supporters, and for that I will always be grateful. I’ve gained real-world experience beyond becoming a journalist through The Plainsman. I know how to be a good leader, friend and coworker.
I could gush about all the many things our organization has brought me for hours, but I’d rather tell you who we are as an organization and the accomplishments of those who came before me.
“A spirit that is not afraid” is a line from the Auburn Creed that our organization lives by. As journalists, we have to ask the hard questions and oftentimes, receive hard answers.
The Plainsman is making a large shift with this edition. In the past, we published actual newspapers. This time, and possibly beyond, we will be shifting to a magazine-style tab. Our printer closed down, but this opened a door for us to learn beyond what we’re used to and what we’re comfortable with. In my opinion, any opportunity to learn is a good one.
The Plainsman is the winningest non-daily college newspaper as of 2022, regarded by the Associated Collegiate Press and it’s clear to me why that is.
From editors going on to become renowned journalists and CIA agents, to big stories that broke right in our office, The Plainsman is a very highly regarded publication across the country.
My best piece of advice to incoming Auburn students and beyond is to find what you’re passionate about and pursue it. Journalism isn’t even my major; I’m graduating with a degree in public relations. Don’t forget to pursue your passions while you’re here because Auburn has plenty of outlets.
Let this Camp War Eagle edition serve as a blueprint for your time here at Auburn. And let those who have come before you guide you as well.
Maybe The Plainsman isn’t for you specifically. Maybe there’s another organization on campus that’s better for you to explore. And that’s completely OK. Whatever that may be, find it, do it and work hard. You get out what you put in.
I look forward to being a voice for our student body, faculty and staff this year. Thank you, Auburn, and thank you to The Plainsman for all it has given me.
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Harlee Meydrech, senior in public relations with a minor in business, currently serves as the editor-in-chief of The Auburn Plainsman. She previously served as the assistant managing editor and an editor in the culture section.
