We Became One Through Hard Times
For the newspaper to be published in the first week of March, we had prepared and held meetings since early February. Especially, that publication was my first newspaper since I became Editor-in-Chief, which made me put more effort into. At the beginning of the meeting, I never thought that the publication would be delayed because of COVID-19. At that time, it was before the number of confirmed cases surged in Korea. However, as the number of confirmed cases increased and the school delayed the opening day of lectures, the publication date was also delayed.
The problem was “timeliness” of our articles. Su-yeon and I were preparing an article on COVID-19 as Cover Story. However, the COVID-19 situation had changed day by day. It was very difficult to contain the changing statuses, figures, and government measures. Also, since the publication was changed twice, all schedule for publication changed and there were restrictions on the time available for newspaper facilities. Usually, we finished our work by working until night, but since last publication, we had to finish our work at 6 P.M., so we used to work almost nonstop. Sometimes I even worked without listening to lectures.
But we did it in the end, and without much trouble since we all worked hard, not putting aside the delayed newspaper work. Su-yeon and Min-jeong, who were together at that time, were all good, and we contacted each other so that we could work anytime checking the situation. Thanks to the process, we were able to do well on the newspaper work, but most of all, we got closer because of the hard times together. So I did not hate the hard times that much. Although it is still hard to use the newspaper’s facilities and the process we publish is difficult because COVID-19 is not over, I am not afraid since I know that my peers have done well and will continue to work hard.
Lee Da-young
About Tough but Valuable Times
Publishing is always tough but recent publishing was especially tougher due to COVID-19. Most of all, as it was the first time for everyone to experience such a large-scale and long-term infectious disease, I was very nervous and worried.
First, the most unfortunate thing was that I could not go abroad for coverage. I expected meaningful experiences to write an article with my colleagues while adjusting myself to the new environment. However, because of COVID-19, it was so sad that I could not go on a trip let alone overseas coverage.
Also, as the number of publishing decreased, cub reporters could publish only once before they became post reporters (instead they received probationary education hard). I was worried whether I was helpful to them as I received a lot of help from Moon-kyung and Da-young when I was a cub reporter.
As the publication had to be proceeded regardless of the coronavirus, a lot of things were limited for safety. When we published No.439, we could not enter the school, so we had a meeting at a study cafe. Also, the school allowed an access to newspaper facilities later but only until 6P.M., so we had to come to school more often to edit articles and design the newspaper. The publication of No.439 was even harder due to a lot of assignments.
It was hard back then, but now I think it was a valuable experience that I overcame well. I was encouraged a lot from my colleagues. It was the first time for the post reporters to publish so they must have been very uncomfortable and embarrassed by the outbreak of COVID-19, thus I am so thankful to them for doing their parts well. Da-Young and Min-jeong made a lot of effort to complete publishing newspapers and I really appreciate it. Also, I want to say thank you to Na-ri teacher for keep encouraging us and giving a lot of help to make better newspapers.
I am still worried about remaining publications as COVID-19 is still acute, but I think I will do well with my colleagues, post reporters and future cub reporters. I will do my best to make a better newspaper and make more meaningful experiences working as a reporter of the Dongguk Post.
Lee Su-yeon
Tough Moments We Had to Undergo
Starting from February, due to COVID-19, which occurred unexpectedly, setbacks were caused in all the schedules. It was same for us, the Dongguk Post, of course. In February, we were working hard on our articles to publish the new semester edition then we were told that the new semester edition publishing date was postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. After hearing the news, I put more effort into the articles, which were to be published, so that more complete articles can come out. Then, the new semester edition publishing date was postponed again. Although I was aware that the COVID-19 situation was not good, I realized that it was quite more serious than I thought as the schedules got delayed again. After several delays, the new semester edition was published, finally. We came to school and distributed the newspapers all over the school, but I could not hide disappointment that not as many students would be able to get to read our newspaper as before since all classes were carried on online, not offline. Since the situation was actually that bad, I started preparing for the next newspaper, leaving my frustration behind.
However, I heard that another setback was made in our schedule again. The Dongguk Post usually publishes a total of three newspapers a semester, but we were also told that because the first publication was delayed a lot due to COVID-19, we would only publish twice in the first semester. Moreover, I was frustrated to hear that the whole semester will be done online, but I came to my senses and met up with our members for an item meeting for the next publication. We used to have item conferences in school, however, we could not use school facilities as freely as before because of COVID-19. So we had item conferences in a study room we privately rented, and tried to communicate as much as possible non face-to-face through messenger. Thanks to our team members who cooperated well in such a difficult situation, the second publication was also done successfully.
With the new semester edition publication of the fall semester just around the corner, COVID-19 has become serious again. Perhaps it is true that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said, that the previous world of COVID-19 will no longer come again. Although “untact culture” has many restrictions and it is difficult to adapt to it, I felt that as health is the top priority, we all need to do “everyday life quarantine” and adapt to “untact culture” as soon as possible. I guess the Dongguk Post’s remaining schedule will be quite tough for sure, but let’s do our best and help out each other as we are doing now. Then, we will be able to keep up our good work! Cheer up guys!
Kwon Min-jeong