Dear readers,

If you’re reading this, chances are you may know a thing or two about what has happened across the country or the world over the past few weeks. No matter where you lie on the political compass or how you consume news, it is draining to consume major news stories, like the recent killings by ICE in Minnesota and subsequent nationwide protests. 

The challenge with running a college newsroom is that we all get drained by national stories. Our purpose is to cover our campus and surrounding community, but this can feel somewhat pointless when our town feels so small. 

We sometimes get stuck in this trap during the rat race. When times are confusing, people are always the answer. And people, on every college campus and in every town across the country, have a story to tell — no matter how big or small. 

Our job as a newsroom is to capture the stories that no one else is telling. It is vital to contribute on-the-ground reporting for these national issues, like the stories of the students who spend their time outside of class as immigration activists or how new federal funding changes affect Cal Poly’s current student. 

And, while these quote-unquote big stories feel like they are the most important, the small stories about daily life or community grievances are just as integral to the news machine. 

Stories about a juice bar or dorm construction irritating students bring us back to reality. These stories ground us in our humanity and community. Stories about third spaces or love languages make us feel more connected, which is something we all could use right now. 

The news can feel like a daunting and impossibly steep hill to climb, but we have to believe in the optimism of the world. Without talking, sharing and educating, the news is meaningless. Without people behind, in front of and on the frontlines of the stories we report, stagnation is inevitable. 

Sincerely,

Archana Pisupati, Editor-in-Chief

Jeremy Garza, Managing Editor

For more stories from the February print edition, check out the featured print section on our website.

To submit a Letter to the Editor, email editorial@mustangmediagroup.com. Please make the subject line [Letter to Editor, Topic — First name/Last name]. We require all letters to the editor to be signed with a name.