Senior Staff Speak-Out: Christian Strong

A snapshot of some of Strong’s articles with the Setonian is shown above. Strong has covered over 20 sports articles during his career with the Setonian. Photo courtesy of C.Strong/Setonian.

As my time as Editor-in-Chief of the Setonian is approaching an end, I am happy with all the accomplishments that I have gained from being a part of the student newspaper for Seton Hill University. Often times being a journalism new-media major, I hear about the constant issues that this field brings and how difficult it is to find a job. However, being a part of the Setonian has brought confidence in knowing that I can one day be successful in this field of study.

Not only has it boosted my self-esteem in knowing that I truly picked the right major to learn about and gain experience with throughout four years, but it also has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and take more initiative to learn about sports writing.

To think that I started out with the Setonian in 2014 as just a mere sports staff writer, to then moving up on the totem pole becoming sports editor, managing editor, assistant editor-in-chief and finally editor-in-chief. It truly has been a journey that I am grateful for, as it has equipped me with knowledge in AP Style, InDesign, Photoshop, WordPress and most importantly, leadership skills to manage an entire team.

Strong earns Hero Of The Week after his performance against Kutztown University. He threw 517 yards and four touchdowns. Photo from SHG Athletics.

I also have had the privilege to witness the Setonian grow for the past three years, something that has been so remarkable. From different editors, to different magazine forms, to even different offices and other fellow staff that came with the ride. The people that I have met along the way and the connections that I have built will definitely go with me as I leave the Setonian.

One of my most gratified accomplishments with the Setonian is not the pro-athletes from SHU that I interviewed and wrote articles about, surprisingly, but rather that fact that I am able to be called the first ever athlete Editor-in-Chief. Not only did I have to lead a team of skilled writers and contributors, I also had to lead a team on the field as well.

Strong shows his leadership in his faith with God as he conducts the team prayer after games. He is also a Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader. Photo courtesy of C.Strong/Setonian.

Although there were many different approaches to how I had to lead each, there were still similarities of simply creating a relationship of trust and respect. Now that I am leaving the Setonian, it is bittersweet, but I am certain that I will continue to strive as a Christian student-athlete.

However, this is not like your normal goodbye, for I will be back next semester, just not in the same position and role with the Setonian. As I return back to SHU for my ninth and final semester, I plan to focus my time on finishing up my remaining courses and playing in my final football season as the Griffins quarterback. So as I turn my duties to fellow leaders on the rise for the Setonian, I am proud of the direction that the student newspaper for the Hill has and all the news they are going to continue to produce.

Published By: Paige Parise

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