Why you should join all of the clubs that I’m in

Between making early-morning social media posts for The Observer, spending hours arguing about a fictional court case for mock trial and working three jobs, I have little free time. 

I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

My time spent as Social Media Editor for The Observer has been incredibly rewarding. Not only have I developed my marketing skills and learned more about graphic design, but I also have made a ton of amazing friends. As Social Media Editor, it isn’t required that I attend production nights, but I always try whenever possible just to be in the presence of the amazing people on our staff. Every Sunday, before the weekly Editorial Board meetings, each of us go around and answer ice-breaker questions intended to help us get to know each other better. Once, Managing Editor Evan McKenna even asked us to share our most “unhinged Twitter draft” and it ended with each of us laughing. After that, I realized I had made the right decision in joining this team.

Another reason I’m grateful for The Observer is our awesome Editor-in-Chief. Adriana Perez has welcomed me to this team with open arms, always making sure that I am accommodated with the resources to run our social media smoothly. Every concern I have ever raised was addressed immediately and with care. I can always count on Adriana to help whenever I need it, and I am so glad that I’ve been able to spend my first year on the Editorial Board with someone so amazing as the Editor-in-Chief. 

When I’m not working at The Observer, many of my nights during the academic year are spent in a DeBart classroom with the Notre Dame Mock Trial team. While arguing over a fake case seems like something only the nerdiest people on campus would do, I’ve made great friends (that aren’t too terribly nerdy). In a typical year, we spend around one weekend every one or two months traveling to tournaments across the Midwest. Beyond everything I’ve learned on the team, I’ve visited cities that I had never been to before and have made some of my fondest memories alongside my teammates. After participating in mock trial, I have found a true passion for all things law, and may one day attend law school. I’m so incredibly glad that I found this team. Believe it or not, they also throw some pretty fun parties. 

As the activity fairs at each campus take place over the next two days, I hope that you consider joining one of these two amazing campus organizations. 

There is a place for everyone on The Observer. Anyone from Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s or Holy Cross College is welcome to join our team. If you won’t be attending the activity fair and would still like to join one of our departments, visit https://ndsmcobserver.com/join/.

Anyone from Notre Dame or Saint Mary’s is able to try out for the mock trial team. If you’d like to join the Notre Dame Mock Trial team but won’t be at the activity fair, attend our information meeting this Tuesday at 7 p.m. in DeBart 140. You can also fill out the interest form at https://www.irishmocktrial.org/interest-form.

You can contact Veronica at vnavarr3@nd.edu