From local and global current events, to sports stories, and the infamous “Wednesday Hump” articles, UCSB’s Daily Nexus always keeps Gauchos up to date. Amanda Hill puts in a lot of hours to help ensure the Nexus’s success. From being able to contribute about one of her biggest passions – food, to having lunch with Chancellor Yang, Amanda has had a plethora of amazing opportunities while working as Managing Editor, Student Creative Director, and On-The-Menu-Editor for the Nexus. We got to talk to Amanda about all her work as well as other things she enjoys doing – when she finds the time!
Her Campus: What does your job at The Daily Nexus entail?
Amanda: I am currently the Managing Editor, Student Creative Director and On-The-Menu Editor at the Daily Nexus, UC Santa Barbara’s student-run publication. As Managing Editor, I am responsible for creating the page 2 Calendar and overseeing the daily operations of the paper: making sure the ads are placed properly, the editing process is running smoothly, and the layout is ready to print. In addition, I also do payroll for the entire editorial staff. As Student Creative Director, I head the Special Supplements that run quarterly: Sex on the Beach, Best of, and Bring in Spring. Every other week, I design our On-The-Menu section, contributing content entirely about my favorite subject – food!
HC: How did you get involved in The Nexus?
A: I got involved in the Nexus at the end of my freshman year. I picked up a paper and there was a house ad asking for graphic designers; while I wasn’t exactly a graphic designer, I decided I’d talk to them and see what the position entailed. After submitting a portfolio and interviewing my predecessor, I came on staff as the new Layout Editor.
HC: How can someone else get involved in The Nexus?
A: We hold training sessions the first few weeks of each quarter. Anyone interested in writing, photography, art, website maintenance, or layout should stop by our office under Storke Tower. Most people just think the Nexus is an opportunity to get your work published, but our positions are paid!
HC: What is your favorite part of being involved with The Nexus?
A: My favorite part of the Nexus is the staff. Every day I go to work with some of the most amazing people I know, and each day they surprise me with something new. We really are a crazy, food-loving, sleep-deprived family of passionate people.
HC: What is one of your best memories from being involved The Nexus?
A: This is a loaded question; there are so many stories that I either can’t share or adequately describe that I would consider my favorite. Without divulging any Nexus secrets, one of my best memories from being involved in the Nexus has to be having lunch with Chancellor Yang and his wife Dilling at their house.
HC: What are you career goals and how is The Daily Nexus helping you reach them?
As of now, I hope to be either a production editor or creative director for a major magazine. Already having the experience as layout editor and running my own section, the Nexus has definitely bolstered my portfolio, additionally helping me land internships at both the Noozhawk and Santa Barbara Magazine.
A: What is your favorite thing about UCSB?
Academically, my favorite thing about UCSB is the Professional Writing Minor. Between the prerequisite classes and the classes I am taking now, this program has proven to be the most practical on campus. No matter your area of study, this minor prepares you not only by establishing your professional portfolio, but also developing technical skills that aren’t as readily focused on within theory-based classes.
On a broader scale, I love how everyone at UCSB generally leads a balanced life. Sure, we know how to party, but at the same time we know how and when to work. People here are incredibly intelligent and motivated, yet still socially adept; the combination of the two are surprisingly rare.
HC: It seems like you put a lot of hours of hard work into The Nexus, what are some of your favorite stress relievers?
A: My stress relievers are definitely eating food and working out; luckily for me, they counteract each other.
HC: What kind of things do you do outside of The Nexus?
A: Outside the Nexus I try to do a little bit of everything. I ran my first half marathon this year, the Nike Women’s in San Francisco, earning that little blue Tiffany’s box! I play soccer, do zumba, hike, snowboard, eat ridiculous amounts of food, paint, teach myself design programs, go on road trips, and veg out on the couch with my roommate watching Grey’s Anatomy. I’m a kid at heart and I have every intention of trying everything I possibly can.