Perspective

The Charger Bulletin staff at the University of New Haven prides themselves on their commitment to publishing authentic print and digital media while maintaining an environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion among the campus community. A handful of members from the editorial staff will soon graduate, each leaving behind an unforgettable legacy that we hope to remember long after they have graduated. These graduates include Kayla Mutchler, Isabelle Hajek, Lismarie Pabon, Jada Clarke and Victoria Cagley.

Mutchler, the current editor-in-chief of the Charger Bulletin, says that she hopes incoming leaders of the organization “foster an inclusive environment and expand upon its new design” after she graduates. She said, “I am proud to say that our community has expanded and become more close-knit since I joined as editor-in-chief in 2020, and I know that it will only continue to get better. Also, since I redesigned the newspaper as part of my honors thesis, I hope that future leaders keep pushing for better as the media continues to change.”

Mutchler said that her favorite piece she has ever published was “CSA takes West Haven to Paris during spring fashion show.” She said, “While sitting in a crowd wearing designer clothing, watching models command the runway, with my hand cramping from the amount of notes I was taking, I experienced a newfound passion––fashion reporting––and I felt like a true journalist.”

Mutchler also said that she enjoyed writing “Students protest lack of action after 9/11 ceremony remarks.” She said, “It was one of the first times I and others within the organization got a taste of true journalism, where we were able to go out into the field and report… I was beyond proud of our staff that day, for their dedication to accuracy and their professionality. I am elated that we got to experience journalism for what it really is.”

Mutchler said that the most rewarding part of being editor-in-chief has been “seeing my fellow journalists succeed while being the leader of The Charger Bulletin. It is always a goal of mine to inspire those around me, whether it be in large or small ways. I can confidently say that I have helped foster an environment that pushes our staff to do their best and continuously educate themselves, while reporting accurately and fairly,” she said. “I can only hope that as they continue to grow, they will inspire those around them to do the same. It was an honor to lead this organization, and I will never forget the memories I made here.”

Lastly, Mutchler encourages all members of the university to join the Charger Bulletin. She said, “If you love writing, join; if you have never written an article before, join. There are so many educational opportunities within The Charger Bulletin, from writing articles to broadcasting in a weekly news program. I encourage anybody to join, as they are guaranteed to learn something new,” she said. “The people within this organization are some of the best I’ve ever met, and it’s an environment that I hope more people want to be a part of.”

Isabelle Hajek is the opinions editor for the newspaper and head editor for Charger Bulletin Magazine. She reflected on the inspiration for her writing and what ultimately led her to join the organization during her first few years at the university. She said, “I came into the Bulletin without any expectation to achieve a leadership role, I really was just looking for a more creative and constructive outlet for my thoughts outside of the context of the classroom. Looking back, now as the newspaper’s opinions editor and the magazine’s head editor, I am proud of how far I have come.”

Hajek said that it is hard to pick a favorite article that she has written during her time with the Bulletin. She says, “Personally, I am partial to longer form journalism as with the magazine, so the most rewarding pieces I have authored probably are the ones I have published there. The first that come to mind are ‘Say the Word; Say It’ which dealt with the orgasm gap and its social implications, and ‘Preservation or repatriation? The reality of museum exhibits,’ which was about stolen art/artifacts and features a professor who is an expert on the subject here at the university.”

Hajek said that being a part of the Charger Bulletin has provided opportunities to “explore my academic interests and expand my knowledge base in writing and communication.” She also said, “I always enjoy losing myself in writing and having a productive outlet for the information I have. In academia, there are so seldom opportunities for students to be published, have by-lines and receive that exposure, I am grateful for the opportunities that this experience has afforded me.”

Lismarie Pabon, the photography editor for the Charger Bulletin, said that she has enjoyed working for the organization throughout her time at the university. She said, “I was able to lead a staff and create images and art on behalf of the school.”

Pabon looks forward to her future after the Bulletin, saying, “It has prepared me to be a leader and helped me to practice being an effective leader. It has helped me learn how to manage issues with others on a team and learn how people receive delegation and tasks given to them.”

Jada Clarke, the multimedia editor and director of Charger Bulletin News said that her experience within the organization “has helped me develop my journalism skills and discover what I want to do when I graduate.”

“It gave me an opportunity to try new things and produce captivating content through Charger Bulletin News,” she says. “My time with The Charger Bulletin has allowed me to learn from my mistakes so I can find success in the future.”

Victoria Cagley, the community engagement editor, said that her time with the Bulletin has been the most consistent aspect of her undergraduate experience at the university. She said, “I could always look to it for comfort and stability, as well as a chance to be creative and grow as a person. I have learned so much throughout my time at the Bulletin, like how to be a leader and collaborate with friends on projects. I know that the Charger Bulletin will continue on as a strong organization on this campus because of the way that we amplify the voices of campus and are sure that people’s stories are being heard.”

Moving forward, Cagley would like to see the future of the Charger Bulletin to recognize that “creativity and courage are what will make you thrive,” she says. “Be bold and go outside of the box, your future self will thank you for it.”

Lastly, Cagley encourages up-and-coming leaders of the organization to “have fun and be friendly.” She says, “College is meant to be such an exciting time, make friends and memories while you have the chance.”