The Pen Is Mightier Than The Sword
There are countless freedom fighters all over the world that have done amazing things and shined the light on issues that the popular media might not necessarily focus on. However, we decided to stay local and interview someone who is a participant in creating awareness among Hunter College students. Amy Lau, a sophomore at Hunter College is an editor of The Olivetree Review, a literary and art journal that is published every semester. It includes various pieces of work such as non-fiction writing and photography. There are also weekly workshops where students can learn more about expressing themselves in writing and the arts. In Soldiers Without Swords people were given a voice and a way to share their ideas with others through media. The Olivetree Review gives Hunter College students a chance to share their ideas and talents with the rest of the college community. We asked Amy a few questions about her experience of working for a publication and her overall opinion on today`s media.
How did you first discover The Olivetree Review, and what encouraged you to join?
I’ve always enjoyed writing and working in various media and print publications. Working in my high school’s literary magazine was an amazing experience. A friend of mine told me about the OTR and gave me a copy. Impressed with their work, I stopped by the OTR office located in Thomas Hunter Hall. The staff is comprised of diverse and diligent Hunter undergraduate students whose passion in writing and the arts is apparent in the work they do for the Olivetree Review. You don’t need to be an English major to work in a literary journal. Just be passionate and willing to learn about writing.
How would you say publications such as The Olivetree Review benefit students, Hunter College and the community?
The Olivetree Review introduces students to various forms of writing, featuring works from different genres. Our workshops help students improve their writing skills. Writing is a competitive field so writers need to get as much exposure as they can for their work. With over a thousand issues circulating every semester, stories featured in the OTR reach a large audience. Open mic nights organized by the journal is an excellent way for writers to raise awareness about what they do and gain publicity. In addition, the OTR website often posts contests and internship opportunities in the publishing and fine arts industries.
What would you say is the message that you are trying to send to the readers?
Just to encourage students to continue reading and writing and to challenge themselves with different styles, genres, and subjects.
Overall, what do you think of the role that media plays in our everyday lives? Do you think that all of the different points of views and ideas that are circulating on the internet, television, and newspapers benefit us and make us more tolerant when dealing with issues, or create even more problems?
I have mixed feelings about the media. While the media is a fast and convenient way for us to share information and have our voices heard, its quick ability to share is also its downfall. Last summer, Bank of America proposed a monthly $5 fee for its debit card users. In an attempt to stop the proposal, Molly Katchpole created a petition online using social media. Within a day, Katchpole’s petition received tens of thousands of signatures. Eventually, Bank of America was forced to rescind the proposed fee. Katchpole was hailed as an activist and hero. But not everyone has a positive experience with social media. Back in September 2011, Rebecca Black posted her first music video on YouTube that made her famous for all the wrong reasons. Viewers criticized her singing abilities, leaving malicious comments on the video webpage. Black had to be homeschooled because of the bullying that occurred over her video.
What are some causes that you are passionate about (health, equal rights, clean environment, treatment of animals or etc.)? In the future, do you plan on working for another publication, possibly create a blog online, or use another media outlet in order to create awareness?
I will continue working with the OTR but I would also like to try reporting. I would like to write for the Hunter Envoy in the future by covering the news at Hunter and around the city. I’ve been thinking about starting a blog over the summer that focuses on the nonprofit and health care industries in New York.
If you are interested in The Olivetree Review you can take a look at the students` work here:
http://www.theolivetreereview.com/
Ieva Ulozeviciute
Tasnim Quaiyum
Fire in the Basement 