Photo courtesy of Lauren Champlin

By Lauren Champlin

I came to the University of Michigan with the intention of majoring in English, but as a freshman, I didn’t have a clear idea of what that meant. I knew I loved to write; however, my high school didn’t have a publication I could join to learn how to use that skill set in a creative way. I joined LHSP as a freshman hoping to learn more about myself as a writer, and I continued as an LSWA Student Assistant my sophomore year to learn more about where it could take me and how I could share it with others.

In the fall of my freshman year, I also joined SHEI Magazine as a member of the Features team. I was the only freshman on the team that year, and while I loved getting the opportunities to express my thoughts on art, fashion, and culture in ways I’d never been able to before, in the beginning, I still lacked the confidence to fully put myself out there, and that’s where I can really credit LSWA for my growth. As a Student Assistant, I grew closer to the other Student Leaders and the freshman in my hall and in Practically Arts Club. Co-leading a club and taking an art class came with failures, and it was from those experiences that I learned how to collaborate creatively, adapt and learn new skills, and have the confidence to advocate for myself and my artistic beliefs. This really pushed me to create bigger and bolder art, and pursue projects with SHEI that I would have been too afraid to take on my freshman year.

For this year’s Winter 2020 Print Issue of SHEI Magazine, I was asked to be a part of the “Collaborative Project”—a project where, instead of working independently, members from every SHEI team would work together to create a photo spread and article with one comprehensive theme and message. As this was only the second time a Collaborative Project had been done, there was no roadmap for me to follow. I didn’t know anything that went into designing and organizing a photo shoot or what I would be able to contribute to this process. I attended more meetings and brainstorming sessions than I ever have for one project, and I worked tirelessly to help plan, shoot, and execute our idea. As a writer, my work normally has to speak for itself; it’s my work alone with only the input from my editor. However, this time my work spoke for my entire team, and while there was more pressure there than any of my other pieces, I knew that in seeing the entire finished product—the shoot I helped plan, the wardrobe I spent a whole night in the STAMPS studio spray-painting, and my accompanying article—would bring me more pride than ever before. This, I learned, is what working as a writer can be, and what I can contribute to a team, a learning community, and the world.

The Winter 2020 Print Issue, SHEI Psyche, is available to read online.

 

Photo courtesy of Morgan Rubino

By Morgan Rubino

As a creative at UMich, one of the things that I’ve prioritized most has been getting involved with different writing and arts organizations on campus. So, naturally, I joined LHSP as a freshman and subsequently began jumping around from student publication to student publication—applying and writing articles for seemingly any outlet that I could find in Ann Arbor. Yet, for some reason, none of those opportunities seemed to stick. Through Lloyd, I had already found one home away from home on campus and wanted so desperately to find a publication where I felt equally comfortable and creatively uninhibited.  

At the advice of a former internship supervisor of mine (and UM alum!), I applied to write for SHEI Magazine my sophomore year, whilst working as an LHSP Student Assistant. Looking back now, I am so thankful that I did, because being a part of SHEI has definitely been one of my favorite college experiences. 

SHEI is known as the only student-run fashion and pop-culture publication on campus. As a member of the Features team, my role involves pitching and writing long-form articles for the magazine’s biannual print, monthly digital, and weekly web formats. Without a doubt, one of the best parts about being on Features is that I am constantly surrounded by so much creative, innovative energy. I leave every meeting feeling inspired and awestruck by my fellow writers, who continuously encourage me to think outside-the-box with my articles. Also, I love that SHEI permits so much artistic freedom amongst their staff. For the first time, I can quite literally take any topic that sparks my interest, write about it in any format (narrative, poetry, research-based editorial, etc.), and submit it for real-deal publication. 

I've come to find out that many of the skills that I learned through LHSP are applicable to my work at SHEI. First and foremost, LHSP brought my creative spirit out even when classes, clubs, and all the other responsibilities of life were weighing me down. LHSP, time and time again, reminded me that my writing was good enough—that I needed to be confident in the power and beauty behind my words. Now, I feel more comfortable than ever taking risks through my writing endeavors. Additionally, from my time as Co-Editor of the LHSP Arts & Literary Journal Club, I picked up invaluable collaborative and communication skills and gained first-hand knowledge of the publishing industry. 

If I were to give any advice to Lloyd Scholars about student orgs, it’s that it’s never too late to find your place on campus. Don’t feel locked into the extracurriculars that you join freshman year, because other opportunities are bound to come up. And when they do... take the risk and jump at them! Find orgs that make you feel as confident, comfortable, and creative.

With that being said, SHEI Magazine opens up its applications for every team (photography, design, style, etc.) every fall. Find us at Festifall, check out our website, or feel free to reach out with any questions!