All good things must come to an end, so they say. But, for me, this is really my beginning.
Hi, I am Holly Delay, a senior studying Mass Communications and Art at Kansas State. I will graduate this month (I still cannot believe I am saying that). As part of the Collegian Media Group (CMG), I am the current Editor-in-Chief for Manhappenin’ Magazine and the Creative Manager for the Ad Sales Department. As I reflect on my time here, I am so grateful for the many opportunities given to me, because when I joined CMG in the Fall of 2019 I did not expect how far this journey would take me.
That August, I had applied for a position on the CMG Ad Sales’ Creative team. I was so happy to get the call that I had received the position. When school started, I got straight to work with the team, learning how to use different Adobe programs and how the ad processes work. In my second year in Ad Sales, I became the Creative Manager and oversaw the rest of the creative team. Currently, I am finishing out my time as Creative Manager this semester, and it has been incredibly fun. Working with the ad sales team taught me so much about the advertising industry, and allowed me to have real, hands-on work. I experienced working with real clients for the first time, and my work was published in print and online. I am so grateful for this team and the experience.
I vividly remember my first Manhappenin’ Magazine meeting. I was definitely intimidated walking into a room of 40 plus people, but luckily I went with a friend. From there, I instantly fell in love with the magazine. I remember watching the current co-EICs and I thought to myself, “I want to do that!” I remember the feeling I had when I received my first print project as a graphic designer, and I think that piece was the hardest I ever worked on any project because I wanted it to be perfect. The long work nights were my favorite part, and it was a blast.
The next year, I decided to apply for the Design Editor position at Manhappenin’. I got the position, and I was so excited to start working with the rest of the designers. I threw myself into my work that year and took on multiple print assignments. I also put the magazine pages together both semesters. The Fall 2020 issue is one I will never forget because I, along with our current EIC and the photo editor, were editing until 5 a.m. the next morning on the final work night. However, it turned out to be such a beautiful magazine that won multiple awards, including national ones.
Over the last couple years, I received awards for both my work in Ad Sales and for Manhappenin’. It’s been so amazing to see my work published in real, print media, and has also been a great portfolio booster that helped me land my post-grad job with American City Business Journals (ACBJ).
Some advice I have for anyone interested in student publications is to go for it! You really do get out what you put in. My college experience would not be the same if I did not apply myself and put myself out there. Another piece of advice is to take on a leadership position. I have learned so much from leading different teams, and it really helps boost your professional and personal confidence.
So, this is goodbye for now. I have loved every second working with CMG, and I have made so many friendships and connections that will last a lifetime. I will always hold Kedzie Hall close to my heart, and it has been an honor to lead two incredible teams. I will now be watching from the sidelines, and I cannot wait to see what these teams accomplish next. Until next time!
Signing off,
Holly Delay
