Inside the Rampage

Photo provided by Rampage student photographer Elei Haynes

Have you ever wondered how these articles get to you every week? Or perhaps you wonder how the posts on the social media pages are made, maybe even where the photos or graphics you see come from. We are here to provide you with an inside look of students who work on the Rampage. 

The Rampage was founded in 1987 and is produced entirely by BU students who work under the supervision of the Department of Communication Arts. It originally was printed as a traditional newspaper but has since moved to a website and a modern-style magazine print version as of 2018.

Chesed Russell, a junior at Bluefield University, started working on the Rampage at the beginning of her sophomore year. She has been awarded the Rampage scholarship for both her sophomore and junior years. Over several semesters, she has filled multiple roles, including writer, photographer, editor, marketing team member, graphic designer, social media manager, and website manager. 

John Thompson is a sophomore and has been working on the Rampage for the past two semesters. Thompson is both a writer and a graphic designer for the Rampage. Both he and Russell have remarked that one of their favorite things is designing the magazine that comes out twice a semester. 

“It’s nice to have a hard copy of the work I’ve done,” said Russell. “Most of the time it’s digital, so it’s cool to see it in the print version.” 

Thompson also said that the best part about working on the Rampage is “designing something physical.” 

Eledy Torres-Jimenez started working on the Rampage this semester, but she has produced incredible work as a videographer and social media manager. 

“Running the social media pages is fun even though it can get a little stressful managing more than one social media,” said Torres-Jimenez. “It’s all about staying organized and communicating with the publishers.”

Savannah Taylor, another Rampage scholar, has been working on the Rampage for the past three semesters. In her time working with the paper, she has filled the roles of writer, editor, and website manager. 

“It has been useful to plug myself into so many different roles and get that experience,” Taylor said.

Elle Gunter is a junior at BU and has been working on the Rampage for the past four semesters. She has filled the roles of writer, photographer, and videographer/podcaster, and this semester is a Rampage scholar. 

“I have always loved writing and working in journalism, but being able to share stories of the campus community and its successes fills my cup even further,” Gunter said. 

All of these students have said that they have noticed a growth in some of their abilities to create content. 

“Having a real-world situation, other than just Professor Roberts teaching us, you learn a lot more when you actually have to problem-solve in real time,” said Russell.

Thompson said that the hardest part for him is getting sources for writing. He said that “getting out there” has helped him develop his interviewing skills. 

“Because the podcast and videographer role on the Rampage were fairly new, there was little guidance,” said Gunter. “We were learning the equipment and style as we went, which was stressful in the beginning but has also allowed us to showcase our creativity and adapt to the ever-changing world of journalism.”

Working on the Rampage is a collaborative effort, as many of the students have to work together to get the job done. 

“Collaborating with other students on the Rampage, especially as an editor, is a very rewarding experience,” said Taylor. “I think it’s amazing that we can all devote our different talents to produce a publication like the Rampage.”

As graphic designers, Russell and Thompson have to work with each other often, whether it be to bounce ideas off each other or ask for help when needed.

”It’s nice to have someone to soundboard off of, but we also trust each other,” said Russell. 

Thompson remarks that with a partner, you can “discover more assets.”

“I’ve had to lean into working with other photographers or writers throughout my time on the Rampage, because I was so used to completing it all by myself in the past,” said Gunter. “Working with my fellow students on the Rampage has broadened my creative skills, as I’ve been able to see different skill sets in action.”

The Rampage is filled with many talented student workers who are passionate about the work they do. They work together creatively and meticulously to bring the news you read to your fingertips. 

“The best part about working with the Rampage is being able to step out into my campus community and hear the stories behind all that goes on at BU,” said Taylor. “I think I am able to see the way that we are all connected as a college, and that is really beautiful to me.” 

To stay updated on news and stories around campus, join the Rampage on Instagram, Facebook, or check out our website.