Aiko: So here we are. We have ascended to the “Boss” tier. How does it feel?
Corinna: It feels exciting! Being the bosses means that we have a lot of responsibilities, and so far, it’s been a lot of fun to be able to see a different side of the AUSM.
Aiko: That’s true. At the same time, though, I feel like we have a bigger weight of responsibility on how the Student Movement works and gives voice to the students. It sounds exciting, but difficult at the same time. After all, each student has a different view of their experience at Andrews.
Corinna: There are as many perspectives of Andrews as there are students, and so giving voice to all of those people is definitely a weighty task. How are you working to manage all of the different responsibilities and difficulties?
Aiko: I think it comes down to a lot of planning — with routines, workflows, goals — and actual listening to each person and group that is part of the newspaper. My objective for this semester is to be able to showcase what I actually hear from students and other members of the AU community, whether through OpEds, suggestions for articles or news coverage. As our world is changing so fast, so is the campus (or that is what I feel like). What about you?
Corinna: I have also found planning really useful, especially with calendars and schedules, so that I know which day I have to do what on and so on. I’m trying to be more communicative with my section team and the AUSM team at large to make sure that everyone is being heard and is able to express their opinion. I also want to encourage writers to come up with article ideas about things that they are passionate about! Often, the articles that I come up with are things that interest me, or things that I have heard about, so having writers come up with article ideas based on their own interests is such an important part of the AUSM.
Aiko: Real. I wouldn’t want it to be the “Aiko Movement” but the actual “Student Movement.” By the way, this reminds me of Andrew Francis’ (beloved retired EIC) article on why we need the SM: to keep our community accountable and give a voice to the students. I think the SM has actual potential for change, and Andrew pointed out some examples from the past. I wish more people were part of it.
Corinna: Me too, the AUSM is more than just writing articles, we are giving students a platform to share their perspective. We are always looking for new perspectives and team members to write articles. In fact, that was how I started my time at the AUSM, signing up to write for the Ideas section! And look at me now! One of the bosses. How can people apply to write for us, Aiko?
Aiko: I will sneak out the link here in case any of our lovely readers want to apply. Yet, students should also know they can submit Open Editorials (Op-Eds) and other articles they wish to publish with us, without the full commitment of being a staff writer. I would love to see more student voices moving this newspaper.
On another note, though, since both of us are students, is there anything you would like to see Andrews University doing in the near future that is not already part of Andrews’ regular schedule or structure?
Corinna: Great question, Aiko! My friends and I are big fans of the pizza in the cafeteria, but sometimes when we’re short for time we go to the Gazebo to get our meals. It would be amazing if the Gazebo sold pizza as well as the cafeteria.
Aiko: That sounds like a nice idea! I’m sure many other students might like that as well. From my own end, although I am graduating soon, I would like for AU to organize or promote more Sabbath afternoon activities. I know many might spend those afternoons talking with family and friends or sleeping, but I think creating more opportunities for community connection around our faith would be great. Besides, I come from a culture that usually does AY and Pathfinders on Sabbath afternoons, so I miss having an activity to close the sabbath with friends.
Finally, is there anything you would like to say to our readers in general?
Corinna: I guess I would like to encourage readers to see the AUSM as an avenue through which they can learn about campus events, hear the opinions of other students, and even share their own opinions and experiences if they choose. We want to be a voice for the student body. What about you?
Aiko: I would like the reader to know that, whether you write or read (or, ideally, both), that you are part of a community that can create change, for better or for worse. Your opinion is never small to be shared and discussed with others’ ideas. We are meant to discuss matters that matter to us. Your voice always matters, so please use your right!
Also, please stay warm and safe! Winter is no joke in Michigan, as well as allergies. With God, you will be able to overcome any challenge you face until May 3 and beyond. Stay strong, academic/working warrior.
The AUSM wishes all AU members a great 2026!
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.