Throughout the Medill-Northwestern Journalism Institute, cherubs reported over 10 stories — and found their own signature spaces around campus to write them.
Stella Seitz of Los Angeles said she frequently wrote in the Multicultural Student Lounge in the Fisk Hall basement since “no one goes down there.”
“I like it because it’s secluded from all the energy of the program, which can sometimes be hectic,” Seitz said. “I think there’s something in the air down there because it really helps me be productive. There’s also three vending machines in really close proximity, which is nice.”
Ananya Mirchandani of New York gravitated toward the periodicals section of University Library. On the first day of the program, she said she saw newspapers spread across a table and was immediately intrigued.
“I had to walk in because my curiosity took over, and I sat down and the rest is history,” Mirchandani said. “It’s a good place to sit at a desk and write while staying focused. There’s a good, collaborative vibe.”
While some cherubs decided to venture further into campus, Ansh Bhadani of San Jose, California, said he preferred the fourth-floor lounge of Jones Hall.
“The feature was brutal,” Bhadani said. “I stayed up until like 4 a.m. with a bunch of the guys just working on it. Everyone else is in the lounge, so if I need help, they’re all right there.”
Although Mirchandani usually chose the periodicals area, she said she headed outside when the weather was nice.
“The other day, I went to a picnic table in the park by the lake, and it was breezy and sunny and warm,” Mirchandani said. “I wrote the first part of my trend story there, and I was writing about homelessness, so it’s a pretty sad topic. Being outside put me in a better mood about it.”
