Being involved with The Fordham Ram has been one of the most valuable experiences of my college career. It has shaped how I view the world around me, the role I want to play in that world and the value of a strong community. In a time where so much of our social interactions are condensed into brief posts, tweets or videos, my time at The Fordham Ram has shown me the deeper value of real discourse and engagement.
I’m constantly interacting with the fast-paced world of digital communication. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram and X dominate the landscape, demanding a heap of short, attention-grabbing content. While these platforms are essential tools in the modern age, I’ve found that they only scratch the surface of true, direct communication and an authentic process of community-building.
As my time at the Ram has progressed, I’ve come to better appreciate the depth of traditional journalism and how it creates a lasting impact. Instead of quick soundbites, I’m engaged in sharing stories that give people context, insight and a reason to connect beyond the screen. This experience has led me to reflect on the way social media often feels like a “performance” of communication, while journalism — particularly at a college paper — gives me the opportunity to foster authentic connections and shared understanding.
The shift in my perspective can be captured in the following reflection:
“TikTok. SnapChat. Instagram. Twitter. Four nails in the coffin of conversation. Truncated sentences and videos of the most absurd scenarios imaginable have supplanted discourse… Success, to me, is finding my passion and devoting each day to not only becoming better at it, but better because of it. While I still post on Instagram and TikTok, those interactions pale in comparison… There is no way I could ever condense them into 280 characters or cartoon-like emojis — nor would I ever want to.”
While my role involves daily interaction with social media, I’ve realized that the most meaningful moments of my college experience have come from the in-depth conversations sparked by the stories we share in The Fordham Ram. It’s not just about getting the most likes or retweets, but about contributing something of substance to the campus community. The articles we publish, the updates we share — they create real dialogue, inspire action and bring people together rather than fleeting digital trends.
The balance I’ve found between social media and more traditional forms of communication has been key to my growth. Yes, I still use Instagram and TikTok to engage with the world around me, but The Fordham Ram has shown me the value of slowing down, diving in deeper and making sure that the type of content we produce isn’t just consumed — it’s understood and meaningful. As I continue my college journey, I’m more committed than ever to seeking out these meaningful interactions and ensuring that my role in sharing news goes beyond the surface.
In short, my experience at The Fordham Ram has shaped not only my understanding of media but also my personal values around communication, active engagement and community. It has taught me the importance of depth over brevity, substance over flash and genuine dialogue over fleeting interaction.
