Intro by King Musa
"Yo, what it is? You know what it is. It's your man, King Musa! Welcome to The CheatSheet, the podcast where we decode success for creators, professors, and business owners. I'm your host, King Musa, and today, we’re diving into the world of student media and publications.
Our guest today is the driving force behind student media at Stephen F. Austin State University, shaping the voices and stories of the student body. Please welcome Amy Roquemore, Director of Student Publications and Divisional Media at SFA. Let’s get into it!"
Getting to Know Amy Roquemore
King Musa: "Miss Roquemore, can you introduce yourself and tell us about your role at SFA?"
Amy Roquemore: "Of course! My name is Amy Roquemore, and I’m the Director of Student Publications and Divisional Media at SFA. I oversee student-run media, including the Pine Log, our student newspaper. My job is all about helping students express themselves through journalism, whether online or in print."
Personal Background and Path to Media
KM: "Where did you grow up, and how did you discover your passion for journalism?"
AR: "I was born and raised right here in Nacogdoches, Texas, and graduated from SFA. My journey into journalism wasn’t planned. After taking my basics and avoiding math and science, I stumbled across journalism in the course catalog. I gave it a shot and fell in love with it. Working for the Pine Log as a student opened doors for me, from internships to a career as a reporter at newspapers like the Dallas Morning News. It all started here."
KM: "What do you enjoy outside of work?"
AR: "I love hosting parties, cooking, and creating charcuterie boards. Scrapbooking is a long-time hobby of mine, and I recently took up crocheting to make things like blankets and Christmas stockings. It’s relaxing and helps me unwind."
The Role of Student Media
KM: "What’s the vision for student publications, and how do they help students?"
AR: "The primary goal is education. Student media provides hands-on experience for students in journalism and mass communication. It’s like a lab where they can learn by doing. Mistakes here are part of the learning process and don’t have the professional consequences they might face in the real world. It’s about building foundational skills like interviewing, writing, teamwork, and critical thinking that are useful in any career."
Adapting to Modern Media
KM: "How has student media changed since you started?"
AR: "It’s transformed dramatically. Back in my day, we printed the Pine Log twice a week, using wax machines to lay out stories. Now, almost everything is digital. Students post content online and send out a weekly newsletter. While the delivery has changed, the core—reporting accurate, objective stories—remains the same."
Leadership Journey and Challenges
KM: "What brought you back to SFA, and how did you become the director?"
AR: "Family brought me back to Nacogdoches. After working in journalism and taking a break to raise my kids, I joined SFA’s marketing team. My mentor, Patricia Spence, encouraged me to pursue a master’s degree, which eventually qualified me for this role when she retired. It’s been a full-circle journey, as she was my advisor when I was a student."
KM: "What challenges do you face in your role?"
AR: "One challenge is countering the narrative that ‘journalism is dead.’ Students need to see the value in developing communication skills, even if they don’t plan to work for a newspaper. Another challenge is balancing my role as an advisor. While I critique their work and help them grow, I don’t interfere with their editorial decisions. It’s tough to let them make mistakes, but it’s part of the learning process."
Advice and Insights
KM: "What advice do you have for students, whether in media or other fields?"
AR: "Take advantage of hands-on opportunities, even if they feel intimidating. Mistakes are valuable lessons. Also, remember that foundational skills—like critical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork—are transferable to any career."
Outro by King Musa
"Miss Roquemore, thank you for sharing your journey and insights. Your dedication to student media is inspiring.
To our listeners, remember: Everyone has a story worth telling, and storytelling is a powerful tool. Subscribe to The CheatSheet and follow us on social media. This is King Musa signing off. Keep creating, keep sharing, and keep telling your story. Stay blessed!"
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