Newsroom Managing Editor of The Guardian, Britin Frazey, is happy with where she ended up in her college career. Her path to The Guardian and the world of writing may not be what many expect.
Frazey is a senior English major with a concentration in creative writing. She has always wanted to be a published author—so much so that in eighth grade, when her class wrote letters to their future selves, hers stated her hope that no one would persuade her to attend college.
“Apparently, eighth-grade me wanted nothing less than to go to college because I really wanted to be an author and thought college would be a waste of time,” Frazey said. "But now, I’m so happy where I ended up.”
Despite her affinity for writing, she began her undergraduate career as an undecided major.
"Ultimately, I want to have a job where I can both make money and have plenty of time to write. There are many options available for me, and I want to try out multiple paths," Frazey said. “I have learned from all my classes that essentially with a liberal arts degree you can do whatever you want. Maybe I'll go into editing, similar to what I do here, or maybe I'll be a project manager.”
Throughout her time in college, Frazey acquired different skill sets in multiple areas. She credits all her success and where she is today to her involvement in many different communities around campus.
Aside from being a full-time student and working at The Guardian, she is also the outgoing College Panhellenic Council President. She joined the sorority Kappa Delta in her freshman year.
“I would recommend [joining a sorority] to everybody who is even a little curious about it," Frazey said. “It really, truly shaped my college experience.”
Frazey believes that being a part of a sorority has given her the transferable skills she uses in The Guardian as well. She also credits her career at The Guardian to her sorority.
“One of my sorority sisters was working at The Guardian at the time, and she told me [to join], so I did,” Frazey said.
Frazey started at The Guardian in October of her sophomore year, taking the News Editor position. The following year, she became Wright Life Editor and now oversees the entire newsroom. In addition to editing, she hosts weekly newsroom meetings and has individual feedback meetings with members about their articles, doing her best to be personable when giving feedback to each member.
“I like to see what people bring to the table, and how they improve through time.” Frazey said. “[I] figure out what works best for each person and how to bring them to the next level."
In addition to her role in editing, she writes content for The Guardian when needed. Even with her busy schedule, she states how much the work is beneficial to her.
“I always try to remind myself that in the end, it’s going to be worth it. All of the energy you put into a community is never wasted effort, in my opinion," Frazey said.
Frazey revealed that her favorite part of working at The Guardian is all the networking opportunities and the ability to get to know so many different people throughout WSU.
Frazey is proud of numerous different accomplishments throughout her work at The Guardian. She listed an article she wrote on diversity, equity and inclusion, her contributions to last year's Flight magazine and, most recently, changing the setup of the newsroom.
Frazey shared that The Guardian has impacted her by helping to build her confidence within writing, both her articles and for her English degree. Working at The Guardian has also helped her feel professional and learn how to be in a work setting.
Frazey reflected on the memories she had made and stated that each one was her favorite. Her advice to everyone considering joining The Guardian is to simply take the jump and reach out. She also expressed appreciation to everyone who take the time to read The Guardian.
Read articles by Frazey here.
