Changes to the MainSheet Editing team

by Jenna Schmidt

Out with the old and in with the new.

MainSheet’s editor-in-chief, Amber Rivard, and managing editor, Olivia Appleton, are finishing up their associate degrees this semester and moving on to four-year colleges. With their upcoming departure, Tribekah Jordan and Jessica Lynch will be the next two journalists to tackle the MainSheet editor positions in the fall. Jordan will take over as editor-in-chief after writing for the MainSheet since November 2022. Lynch will become the MainSheet’s managing editor after just one semester of 4Cs journalism.

Rivard, Appleton, Jordan and Lynch were each asked a question related to the change.

Q: What is the best advice you were given as an incoming editor for the MainSheet?

Rivard: The best advice I received was to just be myself. One thing about me is that I recognize what I don’t know. This is a learn-as-you-go class; asking questions is at the heart of journalism, and since my first journalism class in 2022, I’ve been full of them.  I appreciate that every class fosters greater discussion among students, a better understanding of journalism and writing, and growth as the team we have become. And, to be honest, having someone as experienced as Tim Miller as our mentor and adviser is a foolproof recipe. On top of being an extraordinary writer, he is endlessly encouraging and patient with his students. I am infinitely grateful to have spent four semesters as the editor-in-chief, honing my skills under his guidance and learning from the very best.

Appleton: Personally, I always find remembering the different grammar rules of journalism as the hardest part about my position. There are so many specific grammar rules, unlike regular MLA essays, specifically for the journalism field. But having Tim Miller as our adviser and as a mentor has really helped sharpen my skills in grammar over my time as a managing editor. As well as referring back to the AP Stylebook, there are a lot of resources for students as well as journalists to improve their writing! Even when I encountered challenges or made mistakes in my position, it was very beneficial to learn from them as it helps me progress in my major.

Q: Do you foresee any changes to the MainSheet under your leadership?

Jordan: There are changes I want to make to The MainSheet as editor in chief. My main priority is to increase readership as well as welcome new writers and creatives to our team. 4Cs is a diverse community with talented students, and I want them to feel welcome to be a part of The MainSheet. I hope for writers, graphic designers, comic strip artists, podcast speakers, and anyone who’s interested to expand the way we view and share news throughout the campus.   

Q: What has prompted the interest in editing so soon in your journalism career?

Lynch: I expressed my interest in the editing position because my eventual career goal is to be a journalist, so I wanted to learn a new skill and build experience editing stories. In addition to the experience, I enjoy reading and writing, so editing is right up my alley.

MainSheet editors, from left: Olivia Appleton, Amber Rivard, Jessica Lynch and Tribekah Jordan. (Jenna Schmidt)

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