Time flies, doesn’t it?
Just yesterday, I was nervous about being editor of the West Liberty Index. Four months later, I can say I am very happy.
You may have noticed a change in content in the newspaper. The the paper isn’t mine but the communities connected to it, the subscribers and anyone else who may take interest in it, so why not have community members write articles or guest columns? And why not have community members take pictures of events happening that I may not be able to attend?
You probably noticed this change to Latino Culture page last month. Senora Vanessa Espinoza, AP Spanish teacher at West Liberty High School, suggested her students write the weekly column for the paper. I was so excited when she suggested the idea and jumped on it.
Students are the future of our country and world. Why not let them have a voice about what they’ve been through in their lifetime or go out and interview someone. Also, this will help the students learn what entails writing an article in English and Spanish. The topics Espinoza’s students brainstormed in her class also give them ownership of an article published in the paper with their name in print. They can use that for their college applications.
The first column Ashley Barahona wrote. She wrote about her experience performing with in the mariachi band “Los Cometas Mariachi.” The column was well received.
Last week’s column was written by John Quinones Centeno. He interviewed his mom Jacky Centeno about their experience after hurricane Maria and the decision to move to the United States.
Another area you may have noticed this change is with the guest opinion columns or what newspaper editors like to call guest commentaries. Having someone other than me talk about what they see happening in their community is great. This is another way of ownership being taken by the community.
For guest commentaries, keep a few things in mind. Don’t attack. Also, try to keep it to 750 words. You can email it to me at indexnews@Lcom.net. Please leave me your email and city you reside in and the best way to contact you if I have any questions.
Xiomara Levsen
Index Editor