Managing Editor Anna Pearson hit the quan during The Clarion meeting to bring work and fun into the atmosphere. Pearson shows her dance move to show the Clarion members what they must do to exit the meeting. “Anna, can you hit the quan for us?” Molly McFadden said. | Photo by Emillia Aadland

Truth matters, and so does collaboration

Bethel University’s Clarion staff work together to seek truth and report it.

By Emillia Aadland and Grace Rubin

Managing Editor of the Clarion Anna Pearson stands up in the middle of the meeting and dances to the pop song “Hit the Quan” by iLoveMemphis. The “quan” is part of the exit slip Pearson assigned, alongside proof that each member’s story is well underway. April 23rd is the print deadline for the next edition of The Clarion, so the members have their laptops open working on their stories, ask Pearson questions, and brainstorm with one another.

To begin Tuesday’s 11:15 meeting, Pearson has each member answer a question of the day. Tuesday was all about trucks to spark non-journalism discussion. The atmosphere is loud with the staff voices echoing in the meeting room in the BC 400s with pictures of chief editors framing the walls and people sitting on the counter and the floors; everyone squished elbow to elbow.

“Having a good time has definitely been the best part of the job,” Pearson said. “It’s made closer.”

The managing editor of The Clarion, Anna Pearson, kicks off the weekly Clarion meeting with a question of the day. Pearson excited the group to start working to meet the print deadline in 9 days. With brainstorming time and work time, The Clarion team is off to work. | Photo by Emillia Aadland

Starting with something fun at the Clarion meetings eases the tension and helps members gain a little more insight into each other’s lives. After a few announcements at the meeting this morning, Pearson had members turn to someone near them and talk about their progress on their stories. Voices filled the room as advice was given, stories were shared, and decisions were made. One of these voices is Photo Editor Kathryn Kovalenko.

“The atmosphere is super supportive and fun,” Kovalenko said, “we all want to see each other succeed here.”

Staff photographer Kathryn Kovalenko works on finishing up her photos to meet the upcoming deadline during the brainstorming and work-time activity in The Clarion meeting. The deadline was one week away, and members were instructed to go over their work. | Photo by Emillia Aadland

The Clarion’s motto is truth matters. Kovalenko has been a photographer for the Clarion for less than a year. Seeking truth is important to Kovalenko.

“I think truth matters in my work, which means trying to get the most authentic representation of people and their stories,” Kovalenko said.

“It’s important as Christians to seek truth, and the truth is not always clean and it’s okay to lean into the messiness and have those important discussions that aren’t always talked about.” — Anna Pearson, managing editor of The Clarion

Pearson has been writing for the Clarion since her sophomore year of college. She enjoys sharing stories and spreading the truth on stories such as emotional support animals at Bethel, the phenomenon of “ring by spring”, and the language of swing.

“It’s important as Christians to seek truth, and the truth is not always clean and it’s okay to lean into the messiness and have those important discussions that aren’t always talked about,” Pearson said.

For both Pearson and Kovalenko, seeking truth through a school newspaper is essential to sharing the important stories of the people on campus.