Alumni often tell us they want to read about what it’s like to be a student. However, journalists, particularly those who last took a final exam during a Bush administration, can be considered the opposition — or, as the kids say, “ops” — and penetrating the residential colleges is no easy feat.
For many years, the “Student Dispatch” column has helped to provide insight into student life. We’ve continued with this tradition and have sought out students to contribute to PAW in other ways as well. Since February, nine students have authored pieces in PAW.
But we’re taking our efforts a step further with a new position on staff.
Hope Perry ’24 joined the team in July as PAW’s first-ever reporting fellow. This is a one-year fellowship that we hope to fill each summer with a graduating student or a recent Princeton graduate who is interested in a career in journalism.
Hope, along with PAW writer Julie Bonette, will report on student life and campus issues, as well as profile alumni and tackle issues in higher education.
During her time as an undergraduate, Hope was a reporter, newsletter editor, head podcast editor, and managing editor for The Daily Princetonian. She also interned at the Centre Daily Times in State College, Pennsylvania.
Hope grew up in nearby Lawrence, New Jersey, where her family lives, including her 15-year-old sister.
“I joined PAW because I wanted to be able to gain experience with a new type of media and respected PAW’s editorial independence,” she said. “Also, it was a bonus that I get to be near my sister and go to her swim meets.”
Hope has already brought great energy and ideas to PAW, including contributions in this issue. When asked what’s one thing alumni may not understand or appreciate about being a student now, she said that the mental health conversation is real.
“It’s not being exaggerated by PAW or the Prince. It’s being talked about in many different corners of campus,” Hope said. “Students try to care for each other and check on friends, and the recent student deaths are fresh in the minds of many students.”
We’re unveiling two other additions in the first issue of the academic year.
Starting on page 41 is “Tiger Travels,” a new feature where we cover the travel and adventures that alumni take and provide tips from Princetonians and members of the campus community. We’re also interested in learning about your most exotic and exciting trips and each month will feature a handful of your photos on PAW’s website.
Over time, we’ll build a catalog of travel content that readers can turn to when in need of ideas, advice, or inspiration. Some of these stories will appear in the print magazine, but the entire library will be housed online, and we encourage you to share your experiences and expertise.
Flip to page 78 and you’ll find a Princeton-themed crossword constructed by Stella (Daily) Zawistowski ’00, one of the leading puzzle creators and solvers in the United States. These crosswords will appear in select issues, but we will publish a new one each month online. In addition, Tyler Maxey *24 will contribute a weekly logic/number puzzle to the website.
These features are part of a spiffy new website we plan to launch in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more details.