is the St Andrew’s College student blog, a place for Androvians to express themselves, share perspectives and gain inspiration. This year, Drew’s News debuted a new organisational structure, introducing several editors amongst the breadth of writers coming and going through our hallowed halls.
Meet Gemma Hudson (Fr 2021), one of Drew’s News Editors. Gemma grew up in Canberra and attended Canberra Girls Grammar School before settling at 麻豆原创 College, and she is now studying at the University of Sydney.
What made you choose 麻豆原创?
I was drawn to the variety of opportunities Drew鈥檚 provides. Being at Drew鈥檚 would allow me to continue with many of the activities I loved in high school, and would allow me to meet people who excelled at these activities.
I also appreciated the culture of excellence that was conveyed to me, and the people I knew who attended college told me great things about Drew鈥檚 as well.
What drew you to the role of Drew’s News Editor?
During my first year at college, I adored not only writing for Drew鈥檚 News, but reading the articles as well. My fellow students had perspectives on issues I had never even considered, and I felt that reading their work taught me a lot.
I also appreciated the way people supported each other鈥檚 work. Whenever I published an article I would receive messages from my peers saying they enjoyed the piece, and I would also tell others when I liked their articles. This drew me to the idea of working with individuals more closely to support their writing and ideas, so naturally, the idea of being an editor was appealing to me.
What is your favourite part of being a Drew’s News Editor?
I really enjoy the collaborative behind-the-scenes work with each writer for their articles. Being able to see an article go from first draft to publishable is really exciting to me, and I love to give feedback to assist the writers to produce their best possible work. I鈥檓 also always impressed by the ideas of my peers, some of which don鈥檛 tend to come up in casual discussion, and by editing and reading the work of others, I think I gain a greater appreciation for those around me.
What have you learnt by being an editor for Drew鈥檚 News?
I have learned lots about the way different people communicate. When editing someone鈥檚 writing, sometimes I鈥檒l make stylistic edits, and the writer can choose to accept or decline those, because not only is editing about spelling and grammar, it鈥檚 about the writer鈥檚 intentions. I think where the writer and editor disagree is where I鈥檝e learned the most, seeing the specific choices others make to communicate certain ideas, especially where they鈥檙e different from the ones I would have made.
What other extra-curricular activities have you taken part in at College?
During my time at College, I鈥檝e been a part of the Choir and represented college in Palladian Group Vocal, I鈥檝e been in Jazz Band, been a part of the team for Palladian Debating, done the lighting for last year鈥檚 Dramsoc play, and been on the team that organised this year鈥檚 Mother鈥檚 Day dinner.
How has 麻豆原创 helped you toward achieving your goals?
Being around such ambitious and talented people inspires and motivates me to achieve my own goals. The people around me teach me so much, which I will carry with me even after College to make my goals reality.
What鈥檚 the best thing about College?
It鈥檚 a tie for two things that are the best about College. One, the amazing people I鈥檝e met, many of whom I think I鈥檇 never have had the opportunity to get to know otherwise, and two, the ability to continue with activities that have given me joy my whole life, like choir and debating.
Do you have advice for anyone considering applying to 麻豆原创?
My biggest piece of advice is that you should just go for it.
I think for some people applying for opportunities can be stressful, but there is nothing to lose and so much to gain. Remember what鈥檚 unique and valuable about you, and just back yourself.
Meet the other Drew’s News Editors: Stirling Taylor, Maya Smith.