As the Spring 2025 semester draws to a close, so too does a chapter of personal and professional growth that has defined my time at Saint Xavier University (SXU). What began as a hesitant step into student media quickly evolved into one of the most transformative experiences of my college journey.
While preparing to graduate and transition into the professional world, I take with me all the experience I gained through student media. From writing sports columns for The Xavierite to co-hosting a weekly radio show on WXAV, each opportunity not only honed my skills in media but also helped shape the person I am today.
My journey in student media began through The Xavierite. In April of 2023, I joined the newspaper as a Sports Contributor, covering all of the major events and storylines within professional wrestling for our sports section.
After several months, I was promoted to the role of Sports Editor. Even though I initially hesitated to accept the position, I was fortunate to have mentors like Peter Kreten and then–Editor-in-Chief Grace Van Cleave, who encouraged me and expressed their confidence in my ability to succeed.
This new role came with greater responsibilities, including leading the sports section. Taking on this leadership position turned out to be one of the most important steps in my development. Not only did it allow me to be more confident in my ability to lead, but it also allowed me to eliminate my fear of taking on new opportunities.
One of the most validating moments of my time in student media was receiving two honorable mentions at the 2025 Illinois College Press Association (ICPA) awards—one for a graphic illustration I designed, and the other for a sports column I wrote. These recognitions felt like the culmination of all the hours I had put in, giving me a sense of pride in knowing that my work had been acknowledged. More importantly, they reminded me that I was capable of producing meaningful, impactful content.
This served as a perfect ending to my time at the Xavierite. Towards the end of my Fall 2024 semester, I felt it was time to move on. After achieving the goals I had set for myself at the Xavierite, it was time to explore a new opportunity.
It was time to step outside my comfort zone. Even though I had found a home at the newspaper, I had always had interest in the possibility of hosting my own radio show. After weeks of contemplating, I decided to make the jump to WXAV.
This led to the creation of 808’s and Body Slams, a show that combined two of my biggest passions—hip-hop music and professional wrestling. Although intimidating at first, getting the opportunity to go on air with my co host Charles Haltom and friends quickly became one of the most rewarding parts of my college experience.
What makes my journey with student media so meaningful has been the contrast between who I was at the start of my college career, to who I am today. A few years earlier, I never would have imagined myself having the confidence to talk on air to an audience. I attribute much of this personal growth to student media.
When I first arrived at SXU, I was shy, introverted, and lacked confidence in social situations. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted my last year and a half of high school, making the transition to college even more difficult. Months of isolation weakened my already weak interpersonal skills, making it hard for me to engage in face-to-face conversations.
Joining student media was a way to challenge myself and overcome those very weaknesses. Through my involvement in student media, I gradually gained the confidence and communication skills I once lacked.
My time in student media allowed me to grow in every aspect of my life. Having a radio show gave me the confidence in my own voice that I lacked growing up. I went from someone who dreaded public speaking to someone who looked forward to it every week.
This transformation didn’t happen overnight. It was the result of four years of stepping outside of my comfort zone and being open to trying new things and chasing new opportunities. Reflecting on this journey, I can confidently say that my work in student media has been a vital step toward the career I hope to pursue in media.
To any student considering getting involved in student media—whether it’s for WXAV or The Xavierite—I cannot recommend it enough. Student media gave me the chance to find my voice, find a community, and grow in ways I never expected. You never know what you’re truly capable of until you join student media.