By Danielle Smith

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Seniors Lauren Barbour and Aleya Abeshima have stepped up to their roles as the new editors-in-chief (EIC) for the Trojan Times and Na Manao Poina Ole. But being the new EICs is no easy task, as both Abeshima and Barbour must take on new responsibilities and lead their staff on the way to success.

“The best way to show people that you can do something is to just do it. I mean, I’ve been trying my best to coordinate with everyone and make sure that they know that I’m always there for them,” said Barbour. Abeshima added, “I’m a little nervous. But I think that our staff will do really well this year and I’m really excited for the upcoming year. I know there is going to be a lot of practice, but I’m hoping that we can pull through and I think it’s gonna be a great year.”

Since her sophomore year, Barbour has been a part of the Trojan Times staff; however this year she has taken up the daunting position of EIC. “Originally, I was just going to apply for online editor again but (alumna April-Joy McCann), the last EIC, and also the other two seniors on staff, (alumnae Reagan Paz and Jessica Fontenot), told me I should try to apply. I’d been considering it and since they also told me, that gave me the last push I needed,” Barbour said.

As EIC, Barbour now faces new responsibilities and challenges that come with the job. “There is always the  responsibility of being a reporter and those I can never forget. Now, with the added weight of being (EIC), I have to kind of look over the staff and pay more attention to how things are running,” Barbour said. Along with these new obligations comes a great deal of pressure. “I know that when I am under pressure, I try my best to keep it together because my thought process is basically that I can freak out about this later. Because right now, the important thing is alleviating some of the pressure,” she said.

As Barbour works to ensure that she is leading and supporting her team, editors and rookies alike hold high hopes. “Being EIC involves a whole lot of skills. You have to be able to lead other people who are under you, set a good example for the people who look up to you for leadership, you have to be organized and you have to be confident in what you do. And I think she has the skills to make everything work out and fit together,” said Managing Editor Senior Ireland Castillo.

On the other hand, Abeshima first started out as a rookie for Na Manao Poina Ole during her junior year and upon joining this year she was given the opportunity to be EIC of the yearbook staff. “(Journalism adviser Christopher Sato) just chose our positions and he believed that I could be (EIC). So, I decided to take on that responsibility,” said Abeshima.

Just as it is for Barbour, being EIC is something new and different for Abeshima. “I don’t necessarily know how to be (EIC) and Mr. Sato knows that I’m not the best designer or best writer, but he believes that I can be a leader,” Abeshima said, “I’m just trying to take things step by step and I’m slowly learning in the process.”

Although it is a new experience for Abeshima, the yearbook staff have made it part of their job to help her every step of the way. “I have a lot of faith in her because she’s a very nice person so she has good people skills and she’s very smart. I’ve known her since we were both freshmen and she’s a hard worker and she’ll get the work done and I know that she’s very all-around so I know that she can handle this,” Senior Sydney Ro said.

Both Barbour and Abeshima agree that being EIC is going to be a hard task, but they, as well as their team, are determined to work to the best of their ability and make this year one to remember.