As I wrap up my second year with WLUSP, and The Cord in particular, and look ahead to year three, I’ve come to realize just how deeply this experience has shaped my university journey. From the people I’ve worked with to the stories I’ve told and the voices I’ve had the privilege to amplify; The Cord has become a defining part of my time at Laurier.
It all started midway through the second semester of my first year. I had missed the initial wave of club recruitment through club fairs and open applications. Trying to make up for lost time, I sent out a series of cold emails to clubs that sparked even the slightest interest. No one responded, except for one: The Cord.
Former Editor-in-Chief Bronte Behling replied to my message and introduced me to the different sections I could contribute to as a volunteer. When I saw that there was a sports section, I immediately gravitated toward it. Basketball had always been a passion of mine, and just like that, I was assigned my first story: covering a Laurier men’s basketball home game against the University of Toronto.
With no prior experience or training in sports journalism, I walked into the Athletic Complex Gym, phone on hand, figuring things out as I went. I took photos, conducted post-game interviews with former OUA star guard Taye Donald and former Head Coach, and current Raptors 905 Assistant Coach, Justin Serrese, and rushed home before reading week to write my article. I had a lot to say, and it showed. The piece ran well over the expected word count and didn’t quite follow standard formatting, but given the circumstances, Bronte saw potential in it.
That encouragement changed everything. When applications opened for the following year’s Sports Editor position, I made sure not to miss my chance. After interviewing with Bronte, who was returning for another year, I was offered the role.
As Sports Editor, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in Laurier athletics beyond just basketball. I covered rugby, baseball, hockey, curling, and football, gaining a deeper appreciation for the breadth of talent across campus. Along the way, I documented some truly memorable moments, like the curling program’s double gold victory at the U SPORTS Championships, where I interviewed team captains Kibo Mulima and Emma Artichuk.
That same year, Laurier football went on a historic run. I had the privilege of covering their journey to the Uteck Bowl and the 59th Vanier Cup, speaking with Head Coach Michael Faulds before the season and later interviewing quarterback Taylor Elgersma pitch-side as his career began to take off beyond U SPORTS into professional American leagues.
Beyond reporting, the role gave me space to lead and innovate. One of my key goals was to build a stronger, more consistent sports volunteer base. I recruited and worked closely with a group of talented writers, Jasmine Abel, Hadiyah Abedin, Ashwin Jaiswal, and Isma Shaikh, many of whom I had the chance to connect with not just as contributors, but as friends and collaborators.
My involvement with WLUSP also extended beyond The Cord. Through Radio Laurier, I explored broadcast commentary for hockey and basketball, even sharing the booth with my friend Matteo Beckles.
I also attended the NASH 87 conference, where I connected with passionate student journalists across the organization, including current Editor-in-Chief Sheryl Madakkai and many others who continue to shape WLUSP.
While sports were my foundation, I began to branch out into opinion pieces, editorials, and feature stories. This eventually led me to take on a Managing Editor role, working closely with Sheryl to help guide the publication.
One of my articles, “Balancing Bureaucracy with Success,” was even recognized in an OB class, with Professor Greg Irving sharing his praise.
Through internet outreach, I also secured an interview with Ellen Petry Leanse, one of Apple’s early employees, exploring the company’s evolving values.
Additionally, I initiated a collaboration between The Cord and Laurier Moot Court on a feature that gained significant traction among arts students, another reminder of the impact campus journalism can have.
This past year, we found that although we are amongst the most established groups in Laurier, not many people have picked up the physical newspapers we place around campus. Hence, our team made a concerted effort to bring journalism to the forefront of campus life. Through an increased social media presence and a reimagined Vocal Cord segment, we found new ways to engage with students and make The Cord more visible, interactive, and relevant.
Although my long-term career path may not follow a traditional journalism route, with my scope focused more into pursuing law, the skills and experiences I’ve gained here are invaluable. More importantly, it’s the people, the mentors, colleagues, and friends, who have made this journey so meaningful.
For that reason, WLUSP and The Cord will always hold a special place in my heart.
