This summer, Nicholas Kowal gained a behind-the-scenes view of professional baseball through an internship with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Back on campus, the senior communications and media studies major is helping more people see the stories unfolding at Holy Cross College.
Through his work with The Observer, Kowal is bringing Holy Cross students, faculty and campus life to readers across the tri-campus community. He also hopes to build something that lasts beyond his graduation, encouraging fellow students to join him and carry that coverage forward.
Students do not need previous newspaper experience to get started. Kowal joined without it himself. Below, he shares what the experience has meant to him, why more Holy Cross voices matter and how the next generation of student journalists can get involved.
What made you decide to join the Observer and become involved in covering Holy Cross?
I decided to join The Observer after being reached out to by the Notre Dame News Editor towards the end of the summer. She explained that The Observer was looking to expand its news coverage at Holy Cross, since they had not had much coverage in recent years. Recognizing how unique of an opportunity this was as well as the opportunity to start something that can continue to grow even after my time at Holy Cross is over, it was a no-brainer.
What has been most rewarding about the experience so far?
What has been most rewarding about my experience with The Observer so far has been the opportunity to bring Holy Cross more to the forefront on a tri-campus scale. In years past, the St. Mary’s News Staff has been tasked with covering Holy Cross, and it is hard to be in two places at once. Having heard feedback and appreciation from students, faculty, staff, and administration, has been extremely rewarding in knowing that our work is noticed and appreciated.
Why is it important to have more Holy Cross students writing for the Observer and telling stories from our campus?
It is important to have more Holy Cross students writing for The Observer because it will expand our coverage. With more writers comes the opportunity for more story’s to be covered and thus more coverage of Holy Cross around the tri-campus. It will also help in making sure that the Holy Cross news department continues through the years. With more students writing, the better the chance that writers will return year after year.
What would you say to a Holy Cross student who might be interested in joining but has never written for a newspaper before?
What I would say to a Holy Cross student interested in writing for The Observer, but who has no previous experience, is to just try it! You never know if you like something until you do it, and college is all about trying new things. The Observer staff is very good at providing feedback, especially to new writers. You will also have the opportunity to work on stories with experienced writers who can “show you the ropes.” Admittedly, while I had taken journalism courses, I had never written for a newspaper before I joined The Observer, and it has been nothing but a positive experience.
What do you hope Holy Cross coverage in the Observer can become in the years ahead?
What I hope for Holy Cross coverage in The Observer in the years to come is a constant, growing operation. From what I understand, Holy Cross had a good presence in The Observer before the Covid-19 Pandemic. After that, however, it was never able to get going at the same pace again. I hope that after this year, the Holy Cross news department will be able to not only continue to grow and expand but be able to continue and become a permanent presence covering Holy Cross throughout the tri-campus.
