By Ellen Garnett
Staff Writer
If there is a big event that needs coverage, it’s Haley, go Haley, it’s a Haley yo Haley and the rest can go in play—she’s got this.
Senior Haley Costen, the beloved News Editor for The Simmons Voice, is graduating this May after two years of loyal newspaper servitude at the Voice.
Although she is not entirely sure of her plans after Simmons, Costen will continue to write, as she will graduate with a Bachelors degree in Communications with a concentration in journalism.
Costen became involved with the Voice during her junior year after she transferred to Simmons from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA).
At MCLA, Costen was the Arts and Entertainment Editor and a copy editor for their student-run newspaper and had little experience in news writing—that is, until she came to Simmons.
Sarah Kinney, Former Editor-in-Chief, brought Costen on board to help in the Voice as a Co-News Editor in the fall 2013 semester. Haley covered the Colleges of the Fenway Block Party that fall and has continued in her position as News Editor ever since.
“I’ve gained so much from being an editor at the Voice,” said Costen. “I learned so much about race, sexuality, and gender while covering lectures and events here at Simmons, and I’ve become more enlightened about the Simmons community. I also learned so much about how a newspaper is run and the importance of it in our community here at Simmons.”
Costen is a very strong and eloquent writer who has covered events big and small with the same level of professionalism.
She has always been a very valuable member of the Voice team for her substantial writing skills and spunky personality.
“Since the birth of the Violence Prevention and Educational Outreach Program this past September, Haley has played an integral role in building our visibility on campus,” said Gina Capra, Program Coordinator for the VPEOP at Simmons. “The success of our program is contingent upon community-wide awareness of issues surrounding gender-based violence, as well as resources and supports that are available when needed.”
“Through her thoughtful, survivor-centered, and accurate reporting, Haley was able to give our program positive exposure and to help students feel more comfortable reaching out to our program for support,” said Capra. “We greatly appreciate Haley’s coverage and wish her all the best upon graduation!”
Week after week, Costen’s byline is on the front page of the Voice, spreading knowledge about the latest events to keep the Simmons community informed.
Whether she is exposing the mystery in Bartol (happy April Fools!) or delving into an important social issue on campus, Haley has proven time and time again that journalism is still relevant even in our technology-driven world.
“My favorite thing about being an editor for the Voice was hanging out in the news room every Tuesday while we put the paper together,” said Costen.
“Even on the tiring nights when we stay until midnight, I always have a good time laughing and talking to everyone. I also loved learning about some of the issues I covered and having the opportunity to hear powerful speakers like Angela Davis, Sally Field, and Abigail Disney,” said Costen.
Costen had some words of advice for Simmons students looking to become more connected to their college community.
“If you’re thinking about writing for the Voice, please do it!” said Costen. “Don’t be shy about turning in work or getting involved later in your college career. The Voice is such a welcoming community and we love when new people submit work or write about an issue they care about.”
Costen also had some words of appreciation for her fellow Voice staff members.
“As for everyone I’ve worked with at the Voice, thank you for shaping my experience at Simmons and for working so tirelessly every week to put out our newspaper,” said Costen.“It’s so amazing to me that only about a dozen students, who have about a million other things going on in their lives, can get together every week to create a whole newspaper. You’re amazing!”
