Hannah Johnson, Campus Carrier Reporter
A new community for college women hit the “Berry bubble” on Jan. 19 with the launch of Her Campus Berry. Her Campus is an online magazine for college women, by college women that allows students to participate in a worldwide network where members share stories, support and empower one another.
Junior Annabeth Sadler and her team have been working since September to launch a chapter of Her Campus at Berry. Sadler formed her writing and editorial staff by advertising in communication classes and by word of mouth.
“We started our first official writing over winter break,” Sadler said. “We met by phone and emailed because no one was together, which was hard, but our first round of content made a huge impression. Our style is casual yet informative and relatable.”
According to Forbes, Her Campus online magazine was started by three Harvard graduates who saw a void in publications for college women and now has over 240 chapters, each called “My Campus,” at universities worldwide. Each chapter creates content that is directed toward their college, whether news or lifestyle material.
“We saw a need, and Berry is a great fit. Not only do we have a large female population, but we needed another resource, other than the Carrierand Ramifications, for creative writing,” Sadler said.
Junior Hannah Lambert works as a staff writer for the Berry chapter of Her Campus.
“We’re meeting new people and talking about topics that are important to us as students, individuals, teammates and peers,” Lambert said.
“I think this will give a new voice to Berry,” said senior Mackenzie Ross, a staff writer. “It gives real people a chance to write what they feel others need to hear and what they need to say. It isn’t a Berry orchestrated endeavor, so there is no fear in the writing, and I think that is very powerful.”
Sometimes, students get caught and “feel limited by the ‘Berry bubble,’” Sadler said.
“Her Campus is such a large community of powerful women that it makes you feel connected to the world,” she said. “Seeing everyday stories and stories of huge success allows us to be able to identify with a broader network.”
The launch of Her Campus Berry included articles on family tension during the holidays, a review of an innovative bra design and a commentary on the film “Suffragette”related to Martha Berry’s vision of education.
While some content is geared toward women, most articles provide insight and information for everyone, Ross said.
“Contrary to its seemingly gendered name [Her Campus] is a celebration of every person,” Ross said. “It’s a place where regular Berry students share their experiences and opinions, the good and bad.”
Ross will interview Sadler later this month on her talk show “A Little Bit of Sunshine,” produced by Viking Fusion.
“I want people to know that Her Campus is a creative outlet for our students that will potentially lead to strong career opportunities,” Sadler said. “I also want us to be a helpful resource for our readers as well as entertaining.”
Her Campus is a professional source that is giving a voice to Berry students, a voice that is real and familiar.
“It’s fresh and new, and it’s only going to get better,” Ross said.
