A college editor illustrates the struggles and joys of local journalism.

Erik Chalhoub here, realizing that it’s been 15 years since I worked on my college newspaper, the Cabrillo College Voice. I served as the campus editor, meaning I was in charge of the section that covered updates on the college campus.

My first article covered a topic that has been one of my favorites to write about throughout my journalism career. I’ve always had a fascination with vacant buildings, knowing at one point they were a hub of activity, but now sit abandoned and often remain a time capsule inside (my recent cover story that described the state of the former Salinas Californian building is one example).

The former art photography building at Cabrillo College—where I learned how to develop 35mm film—was abandoned for years after the department moved into new shiny buildings across the street. In between classes one day, I noticed movement happening inside the building, so I stuck my head in the door and learned that an alternative high school was setting up shop. I met the principal, and a great story was born.

I’m reminiscing about my college journalism days because of an article by Features Editor Dave Faries in this week’s edition of the Weekly, where he interviewed Layna Hughes, the editor of CSU Monterey Bay’s student newspaper, The Lutrinae.

Hughes describes the struggles every beginning journalist must overcome. An interview, for example, should not be a Q&A, but rather, a conversation. The more human you can be, the better chance you have in building trust with sources.

“I love meeting people, whether it’s the president of the university or a fellow student,” Hughes said. “You can have a conversation with anyone.”

I can also relate to Hughes’ admission that she doesn’t have a lot of free time as an editor.

I encourage you to read Faries’ article and learn more about local journalism’s next generation.