Pi Media: Magazine co-Editor-in-Chief

Toni Morrison once said: 'I The Bluest Eye because I wanted to read it’. For me, writing and journalism presented a world of opportunities and yet seemed so restrictive in what was considered ‘mainstream’ and ‘publishable’. Previous issues of Pi Media have challenged that and I hope to be at the helm of that for the upcoming academic year. As a writer for HERCampus Media at UCL and a section editor at Circum Mundum I honed my skills in creating engaging and informative content that resonates with diverse audiences. My editorial journey extends beyond UCL, where I served as the Editor-in-Chief for the UC Berkeley undergraduate history journal. These experiences have equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of editorial processes and the ability to manage teams effectively. One of my goals for the magazine as co-editor-in-chief would be to carry on the tradition of fostering artistic talent at UCL through the magazine. A section dedicated to art surrounding the publication’s theme is an idea I would love to explore. I would also propose weekly sessions where members would be able to come together and exchange ideas and socialise. The writing process in journalism can be isolating and with Pi Media being one of UCL’s oldest societies I want to make sure it is not just an obligation but an enriching experience for members. Thank you for considering me as your editor-in-chief! I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the vibrant and thriving community at Pi Media.

This year, I am an Opinion editor at Pi Media. I have cherished being part of this community and the lovely friendships it has brought. This role is an opportunity to remain here for another year and help to create the best Pi Media possible.

What I most enjoy about editing is communicating with the writers. Having been on the side of the writer last year, it can be a strangely faceless process. I would enjoy the challenge of advertising to potential writers within this role’s behind-the-scenes capacity: getting creative with how to promote a more-hidden facet of Pi Media, and making sure people know there are friendly faces behind each stage. This was difficult to see before getting involved in editing - and that needs to change!

This calls for more posters around campus: the magazine is Pi’s only real opportunity to involve artists and poets, and should be capitalised on as much as possible. Very secretly, I also write poetry, and would love the courage to put it ‘out there’. Getting people to understand that Pi is a welcoming place for that outlet would be one of my priorities.

I’d hugely enjoy setting a theme creative enough that it can be taken in many directions by many different fascinating brains. I thrive on the interdisciplinary (see my Neuroscience degree, combining linguistics, philosophy and biology), and delicately combining the delegation of writing and editing and deciding the layout and illustrations for one shiny final product would make me so proud.

I have really enjoyed being a Lifestyle & Culture editor at Pi Online this year, getting to work with so many talented writers and co-editors, and seeing my commission ideas brought to life each week. I'd love the chance to take on the more expansive project which is Pi Mag!

Aside from my current role in Pi's editing team, I also have the relevant experience of creating and co-editing a literary magazine back at school. It's such a joy to see something through from idea to fully-realised issue, and there's nothing like print media for building intellectual community and providing that fulfilling creative buzz. As an English student I appreciate high-quality and original writing, I love to surround myself with it, and I have the skill-set and open-mindedness required by editorial work.

I really admire how Pi Mag reflects the diverse interests of UCL students, from poetry to science to politics, all brought together in one cohesive publication, and would seek to maintain this well-curated variety should I be elected. I believe Pi is an important part of UCL's cultural life and would want to keep the magazine in conversation with other societies and on-campus publications. Collaboration is the best thing about student journalism, and this role would be a great opportunity to foster exciting dialogue and produce something to be proud of together.

I have written for Pi since joining UCL, and have always appreciated how it provides an open and accessible platform for students to get involved in writing about their interests.

Being a news correspondent for Pi this past academic year gave me further insight into the society itself. I have loved the collaborative way in which the team works to compile articles together efficiently but also of good quality.

The chance to act as magazine co-EIC is an exciting opportunity for me to get further involved in the society. I am committed to being a writer, and journalism has always been a goal of mine.

My previous experience in editing magazines, founding and acting as co-editor for my sixth form paper makes me feel that I am well-prepared to work on this one. I have an understanding of how to manage writers under deadlines, edit articles and compile a layout.

The magazine’s simultaneous focus on design as well as just writing also appeals to me as I am passionate about photography. My interest means I would be able to help take a lead on the creative element of the paper as well as a purely organisational role. I’m drawn to this specific role because I’m particularly interested in promoting high-standard printed journalism, in an age where young people will often mindlessly consume digital content.

I believe that my bubbly and fast-paced nature would be fitting in helping to create an environment where any UCL student can take an idea and have it written down in print.