John Michaelides
Editor in Chief
Age: 29
Major: I am a communications major who is planning on double-majoring in something else. Possibly theatre arts.
When did you join the Clarion and why?
I joined the Clarion in fall 2015, because I wanted to become a sports writer. As time has gone by, I have realized I love writing about everything.
What are your other hobbies?
My hobbies are going to Disneyland every week and spending time with my best friends, who go to Disneyland every week haha
What’s your favorite part about journalism or the Clarion to date?
It’s a great feeling to know you are serving the Citrus community, but of course winning awards along the way gives you that motivation to keep looking for ways to improve.
What has been the weirdest experience you’ve had on the Clarion so far?
The weirdest thing I have experienced with the Clarion is running for editor-in-chief and winning haha. There is no way I would have imagined having this opportunity if I was asked two years ago.
If you could interview/photograph any person who would it be?
I would interview Kobe Bryant, my hero since 1996 haha.
Having been an editor for a semester (or more), what advice would you have given to yourself before joining the Clarion?
I should have done this years ago, but everything happens for a reason and I was meant to be in this position with this amazing staff who I am happy to call friends.
What advice would you give to other students pursuing journalism?
There will always be a need for journalism. It’s a great career to pursue. There will always be somewhere that needs a journalist. You just need to put in the work and seize the opportunity when it presents itself.
Favorite motivational quote:
“Never, ever, ever give up.” -Michael Scott. It has been my favorite quote for years now haha
What is next for you?
I am returning as editor-in-chief and hope to set myself to transfer to Cal State Fullerton, my dream school, sometime in 2018. In the meantime, I plan to make every day a productive one and appreciate the process.
Kevin Alvarez
Photo Editor
Age: 24
When did you join the Clarion and why?
I joined the Clarion because I liked the idea of being able to publish photos that may help captivate the Citrus College Community
What are your other hobbies?
Some of my hobbies are Playing soccer Being active Photography Listening to music reading
What’s your favorite part about journalism or the Clarion to date?
My favorite part of the Clarion is seeing the things I have been working on published for all to see as well as being able to form hopefully life long relationships with the people who were all involved.
What has been the weirdest experience you’ve had on the Clarion so far?
I haven’t really dealt with anything weird.
What is your major?
Communications
If you could interview/photograph any person who would it be?
Gareth Bale
Having been an editor for a semester (or more), what advice would you have given to yourself before joining the Clarion?
Sit down, be patient.
What advice would you give to other students pursuing journalism?
Learn to take criticism from the editors, they are not here to hurt anyone’s feelings, they are here to help produce an award winning paper.
Favorite motivational quote:
The world is yours -Nas
What is next for you?
University and staying motivated to accomplish all the goals I set.
Megan Bender
Managing Editor
Age: 25
When did you join the Clarion and why?
After taking Reporting and Writing News and meeting the professor, Meg O’Neil, I took her advice and joined the newspaper in spring 2015. I thought Public Relations would be my perfect fit, but the newspaper quickly proved to be where I belonged.
What are your other hobbies?
I play slow pitch softball on two different Claremont teams, I try to develop my photography, listen to music, read and visit different coffee shops in my spare time. I also like to hike and cook.
What’s your favorite part about journalism or the Clarion to date?
I spent most of my life being told I was nosy, and now I know why. Journalism gave me a purpose and the Clarion gave me a family and home. My favorite part is the teamwork that goes into each issue of the Clarion and watching others grow.
What has been the weirdest experience you’ve had on the Clarion so far?
Probably the weirdest experience was when a student, who was a friend of the Clarion, came bursting through our door like Professor Quirrell bursting into the Great Hall screaming about trolls. Only this student said “Van! Van on fire…by the AD building.”
What is your major?
Journalism, currently studying for a second degree in Communications
If you could interview/photograph any person who would it be?
Interview: The cast of Parks and Recreation
Photograph: Lauren Graham
Having been an editor for a semester (or more), what advice would you have given to yourself before joining the Clarion?
Don’t ever give up and have some confidence in the work you do. Being an editor will change your life, you just have to walk the walk. Be resilient.
What advice would you give to other students pursuing journalism?
Journalism works if you work it. The opportunities it provides are endless and it’s purpose is a noble one.
Favorite motivational quote:
“The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong in the broken places.” – Ernest Hemingway
What is next for you?
Getting a second AA in Communications and transferring to a CSU/University by spring 2018. As well as getting a big girl job.
