Letter From The Editors

By Summer Tyler and Nolan Locke

Editors of "The Purchase Phoenix" Nolan Locke (left) and Summer Tyler (right) (Photo by Cage Evinger)

Welcome back! Here at "The Purchase Phoenix," we're dedicated to using our passion for journalism to cover everything that happens in our community. We cover a wide range of content, including your shows, sporting events, performances, current events, and showcase the student and faculty voices throughout our campus community. 

With that being said, it's only fair that you get to know the new faces guiding "The Phoenix" this year. 

Summer Tyler Editor-In-Chief (Photo by Cage Evinger)

My name is Summer Tyler, and I am a junior creative writing major. As I step into the role of editor-in-chief of "The Purchase Phoenix, "I do so with a deep sense of excitement and commitment. I'm thrilled to be leading this publication and look forward to the journey ahead. 

This is my first year as editor-in-chief, and I am honored to be filling the shoes of Jennifer Ward, who held the position last year. This role is a huge responsibility, and Jenn set the bar, which I will strive to match (we miss you, Jenn)!

I have been involved with "The Purchase Phoenix" for two years and had the opportunity to intern with them last semester. I was involved in the previous semester as assistant editor for the student-run magazine, "Sub Mag". I am also a reporter for Purchase alum Tyler Thompson's magazine "Tomorrow's Vision", whom I met at a Phoenix meeting last year. My writing has also been published in the creative writing literary magazine "Italics Mine."

A little bit about me outside of academics: I love to write poetry, hang out with friends, collect trinkets, abuse my notes app, rewatch episodes of "Glee", listen to music, and read. I'm from Warwick, NY.

Writing has always been my sole passion, a journey of growth and learning. When I first encountered "The Purchase Phoenix" at a club fair, I was not considering journalism as a field of interest. However, the warm welcome and helpfulness from the previous editors showed me the many possibilities that "The Phoenix" and writing in general have to offer.

My journey with the Phoenix has been a rewarding one. It has opened many doors for me, including internships, meetings with writers, interviews with student and faculty officials to learn about their roles, and opportunities to stay in tune with campus life and events. These experiences have not only broadened my perspective but also helped me make connections and enhance my writing skills. I look forward to sharing these opportunities with you all as we work together this semester.

My main objectives for this upcoming semester are to maintain a positive atmosphere, motivate members, and increase involvement with our newspaper. Our goal within the Phoenix is to serve as a voice for students, sharing honest thoughts and outtakes on campus events, and providing a space for students to express their opinions. As student journalists, we're bound to make mistakes and learn from them, always striving to represent students' thoughts accurately. It's more important now than ever to get involved, drive real change, and share vital information within our community.

Nolan Locke Managing Editor (Photo by Cage Evinger)

My name is Nolan Locke, and I am a journalism major entering my second semester here at Purchase College. When I transferred here last spring, my first week was filled with a sense of loneliness, a longing for connection, and a sense of belonging. That was until I stepped into my first "Phoenix" meeting, and was greeted by some of the friendliest faces I have met on campus. Especially last year's incredible editors, Jenn Ward and Arlenis "Leni" Marmolejos, whose role of managing editor I will be stepping into. Jenn, Leni, and the rest of the "Phoenix" staff welcomed me with open arms, and I immediately felt at home in the dingy newsroom underneath The Hub.

For me, writing for "The Phoenix" wasn't only something I wanted to do to develop my skills, but it became a way for me to make friends. In fact, some of the people I interviewed for my articles became some of my closest friends. I genuinely can't describe what "The Phoenix" has done for me over the past year, so when I found out that I would be taking over the role of managing editor from Leni, I was so incredibly excited. Excited not only to attempt to fill the massive shoes left for me, but to continue to provide an outlet for journalists and writers like myself to share their work and to come together and feel a sense of community.

But although I can ramble on about "The Phoenix" and its impact on my life for pages and pages, I also want to share a little more about myself. Those who know me often describe me as a character. A badge I proudly wear with honor, as the best people in life should be interesting. But if you asked me to describe myself, I'd really say these few things: I am a kid from Long Island who loves two things in life, music and my New York Mets. I enjoy spending time with my friends and writing whenever I can, whether it's music or my baseball blog. I have been published here in "The Phoenix" as well as "The Beat," Purchase's arts and culture magazine, and run my own aforementioned blog, "The WAR Room." I have also anchored at my previous college's newscast and written extensively for it. I have experience in live man-on-the-street interviews and plenty of experience in interviewing in general.

As far as my goals for "The Phoenix" over the next year, I really only have one: to continue to strive to be the best editor I can be and to make "The Phoenix" the best it can be. And alongside my editor-in-chief, Summer Tyler, we will be able to make that goal possible. I cannot wait to see what the future holds, and I promise to give it my best.

We're looking forward to getting to know everyone! (Photo by Cage Evinger)

We look forward to meeting you all. Our meetings are held every Tuesday in CCN Room 0024 at 6 p.m. You're welcome to stop by!

Our best,

Summer and Nolan