After medically withdrawing from the fall semester, my biggest concerns were returning in the spring and missing out on working for the Torch. I was nervous about re-admitting and returning to my job as a reporter. With perseverance and guidance from my amazing successor, Giuliana Denicolo, I made a return and finished the semester strong.
My name is Blase Gapinski, and I am the new editor for the culture section. One thing I want to do is establish what our school’s culture is. I hope to welcome everyone to this section with open arms, as this is a place where registered student organizations, students and administrators should be able to share their voices.
Everyone’s background is different, and embracing that brings us together. Everyone should be able to share their voice and feel comfortable doing so. I plan to continue showcasing distinct events, perspectives and beliefs, all in the name of furthering our campus community. This section is supposed to be interesting, creative and display all the fun events our campus offers.
Some things I would like to focus on this year are community events in Big Rapids, new RSOs, diversity and one of my favorite topics, music and the role it plays in our culture alongside the influence it has on people. I also want to continue establishing relationships with RSOs and groups on campus. I want them to be able to come to the Torch and help portray their messages and give them exposure. In doing so, this will showcase the unique backgrounds our students come from.
What I want though, is to hear more from our readers. Please reach out to me or the Torch with ideas or suggestions that you may have for this section. If I haven’t already made it clear, my goal is to include everyone and make this section a community melting pot.