10 - Listening Posts (Campus or Community)

With information readily available at the touch of a button, the exchange of news has become multi-sourced. Whether that exchange happens through a social media post, involvement in certain organizations, or at the workplace--news is everywhere. As a student, I am surrounded by various listening posts, each tuned in to what excites them or what they find important. 

Community Listening Posts 

Seeing what is trending at any given moment has never been easier. As a student, I frequently get information about my community and the wider world through social media. Platforms such as X (Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, highlight what is happening in the world in real-time. Whether I am scrolling through reels and come across something that piques my interest, or catching up on global news, social media shapes how I consume information. Events happening in the global world are readily accessible, and the Internet has bridged the gap between our communities and the world. 

Within my community, I use the Arkadelphian--my hometown's news source run by Joel Phelps. Here is where I find news pertaining to my county and hometown, and is often the thing I check everyday to see if there is something I should know about. 

[Joel Phelps; picture above leads to source.]

Campus Listening Posts

On campus, I hear about campus news and information as I pass through the Reynolds Rotunda, reading my emails, through the organizations I am in, or from my friends. Digitally, I will often consult YikYak, an anonymous app where students can post about things happening on campus. Because news (both on campus and globally) is constantly flowing, I am always in the know. 

Working as a Writing Consultant here at the SAU Writing Center has been enlightening. I have learned so much from my colleagues and those coming in for consultations: what assignments they are working on, what is troubling them or happening in their own lives, or the events happening on campus. There are also many students who will pass by, and I will hear what information they are exchanging. 

[SAU Writing Center; picture above leads to source.]

Another way I receive news and information is through the organization I am a part of. As the president of our chapter within the English Honor Society (Sigma Tau Delta), I am constantly engaging with the campus. Whether that is discussing what fundraisers to do, reaching out to other schools and organizations about upcoming events or what we could raise money for, or brainstorming the best way to involve students, I am always working with others. The chapter here at SAU directly involves itself with campus, reaches out to others, and listens to what excites students in participating in fundraisers and activities. 

[The Student Leaders for the 2025-2026 year; picture above leads to source.]

Within the English Honor Society, I am also the Associate Student Representative for the Southwestern Region. Because this position is on a national level, I am always in communication with those in different states. We share information on planning for the Sigma Tau Delta Convention, work on social media posts that broadcast information to chapters within our region (such as conferences, spotlighting chapters, or highlighting projects we have been working on), and communicate with others in preparation for these events.

Personally, I navigate this constant flow and exchange of information by blending digital platforms, conversations, and institutional updates. From scrolling through carefully crafted and curated posts, to engaging in conversations at the national level, my approach to receiving news is as diverse as the source itself.