By Garrick Hoffman

SMCC student Erik Squire has an idea, and he seeks to implement it.

In a recent discussion with his political science professor, Erik conceived of and suggested a two-way benefit for both The Beacon and students in general: for students to write for The Beacon and earn extra credit for their political science class.

First he suggested that political science students could write about any political matter that is of interest to them. Then, when pitching the idea to his English professor, he suggested that students could simply write about anything that interests them. In doing so, the student can earn extra credit for their respective class and contribute as a writer to The Beacon.

His professors agreed and his peers voiced enthusiasm at the prospect.

“Overall I think it’s great for the Beacon, but it’s also great for the student,” Erik said. “They get a chance to research something that interests them, and write about it. On top of that they have the pleasure of knowing that other people are going to see their hard work, as well as seeing it in an awesome paper format. Not to mention, they have a better grade for it all.”

Could this be something for all professors on campus to consider?

No doubt, despite the benefits, it’s something that would merit some sort of limit or restriction. Hypothetically, anyone could just write for The Beacon to earn extra credit without doing all the work for his or her class that’s expected of them. To avoid this circumstance, students should always confer with their professor to reach an agreement, and understand what’s fully expected of them.

I first began writing for The Beacon when I wrote an essay for my English Composition class. The seal of The Beacon was broken for me after I submitted the essay, and since then I’ve become a regular writer for the newspaper. Because of this, I’d personally like to encourage students to do the same, whether or not you earn extra credit for your work. Much of the work done for a class – work that one could consider meaningful – goes unseen beyond the eyes of the professor. Because of this, know that you, too, can broadcast your work via The Beacon.