Editor's note: Through April 14th, you can support student journalists like McKay Suia by donating to the Reveille fundraiser here. You can also join Crispy Her Cream Give Back here.
When people find out that I major in Kinesiology, I often get asked the same question.
“Why Reveille?”
And it makes sense, considering the closest thing to journalism I studied at LSU was the communications class I needed to graduate. Although my career interests have always been in his STEM field, my passion for sports and strengths in English and reading led me to apply.
I never expected to be accepted.
I thought my lack of knowledge about the AP Stylebook would lead to failure. But luckily the sports editors at the time, Reed Darcy and Joe Carli, decided to give me a spot. I will be forever grateful for that.
Initially, Reveille was just a super cool way to combine my two passions. However, looking back at her two years working here, she has gained more than just the time to flesh out her hobbies.
My love for the sport deepened during my time at Reveille, so how could I not?
I had a front row seat to the LSU baseball team in the national championship. I covered the new era of LSU football during Brian Kelly's employment.
Reveille sports journalists McKay Suia and Jared Brotman speak with Gavin Dugas at LSU Baseball's preseason media day.
There wasn't a single game at Tiger Stadium where I didn't pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. I get goosebumps every time I watch or hear LSU's pregame routine.
Traveling to Georgia to cover the Southeastern Conference championship game, flying to New York to witness Jaden Daniels win the Heisman Trophy, things most journalists could only dream of. That's what I was able to do.
And I haven't even graduated yet.
I have had the opportunity to pour my heart into the story and help readers understand all aspects of LSU athletics. I loved talking to people from different places and loved telling their stories. Reveille has given me a platform to embody that passion.
I feel like I could write a whole book about what I gained from working at this newspaper company.
But perhaps the best chapter in the book is about the connections I made.
At Reveille, our staff works around the clock to provide audio coverage of LSU and Baton Rouge, fostering a vibrant and hard-working environment.
McKay Suia, deputy sports editor of Reveille, traveled to New York to attend the 2024 Heisman ceremony.
This environment also fostered some of my most treasured friendships. I've spent so many hours in the beautiful newsroom in the basement of Hodges Hall that I often joke that I should start paying rent. But my time there also allowed me to be surrounded by creative, inspiring, cheerful and kind people.
Sports editor Peter Lauterkas and I have spent a lot of time in the car together going to various sporting events, so perhaps he could write a biography of me.
I strongly believe that this place is made by the people, and this place is so great.
With graduation just a month away, I've been reflecting a lot on my time at LSU.
Reveille changed my life. I couldn't imagine my college experience without Reveille.
This paper has given me and many others a lot. Your support means this can continue.
An investment in student journalism means an investment in the future. We invest in the growth and success of so many people in so many ways. It's an investment you'll never regret and one you'll be glad you made.
Give back to the students who have made it their mission to give back to you.
