YSU student takes classroom learning to newsroom through The Jambar

Student Spotlight

The Jambar is Youngstown State University’s student-run newspaper. For YSU students, The Jambar provides an opportunity to take skills learned in the classroom and apply them in a newsroom.

Katelyn Obermiyer is a fourth-year public and professional writing major at YSU, and when she’s not learning in a classroom, she’s working as the head copy editor for The Jambar. Her position focuses on correcting grammar, identifying AI use and verifying the accuracy of facts before publication. She was first introduced to The Jambar through an introductory journalism course.

“I was recruited by one of my professors when I took an introductory journalism course, and then I also saw an ad in the paper. So those two things coming together at the same time was a sign,” Obermiyer said.

The relationships Obermiyer has built with her professors in the classroom have also extended to her work at The Jambar, where faculty members continue to provide guidance as students develop their skills.

“I think that we have really close relationships with our professors being in small class sizes, and I think their guidance really helps us get opportunities and leads us in the right direction,” she said. “Things come up that we’re not sure about, and it can be really late on production night, 7 or 8 p.m., and we can call them up, and they’re always available for us. That means a lot.”

In the classroom, YSU students learn fundamentals that they can apply to scenarios they may encounter in the real-world, but in The Jambar they are able to extend those scenarios and build professional experience. Obermiyer says through working at The Jambar, she has been able to develop her own professional judgment.

“You can go through the scenarios and you can talk through things, but when you’re in it and have to use your own professional judgment, that is where you really learn best.”

The Jambar has allowed Obermiyer to feel as though she can provide to her campus community while also connecting with the people she works with. Both experiences have reinforced her sense of belonging on campus.

“I have absolutely loved working on campus. It’s helped me get more involved and connected with people,” she said. “It’s also given me a lot of pride in what I’m able to provide to the community. On The Jambar, we’re providing news directly to the students, and so that’s really cool.”

The Jambar has given Obermiyer the chance to build strong relationships with her peers.

“It has given me a really close and tight-knit friend group that we call our family, and that is extremely important to me because it makes the university experience even more enjoyable,” she said.

The skills students develop in the classroom can open doors to a variety of careers, something Obermiyer has been able to explore through her work at The Jambar.

“I would love to do a variety of jobs moving forward. So, whether that be a technical writer, a grant writer, copy editing. I would love to edit for any type of publication, magazine, newspapers, or even do PR, because I have a minor in marketing too.”

For Obermiyer, the experience has also allowed her to take an interest she developed through her coursework and apply it in a professional setting.

“I’ve always had a love of editing and so that kind of came through when the avenue of the Jambar opened up and I could explore that in real time,” she said. “Moving forward is great because I’ve gotten the experience now, and I can look forward to the future.”

Working with other students has also helped Obermiyer adapt her communication style and learn how to collaborate with people who approach their work differently.

“Being with other people who are authentically themselves in learning how we all work together has taught me a lot about, not only my workflow, but my communication style, and how I can tailor my skills to help others benefit.”

Obermiyer believes that there are many opportunities students may miss out on by not considering their university experience beyond the classroom. She encourages them to apply their skills and become more involved on campus.

“When you’re employed on campus, you see the opportunities you would have,” she said.

For students interested in joining The Jambar, Obermiyer said:

“Don’t be afraid at all to get involved. Come in, see what might interest you and give it a shot. We’re always looking for people that want to work.”