Contessa Hussong took one journalism class in high school and hated it.
Now, a senior, she is co-editor in chief of The Echo.
“I definitely caught the journalism bug, as (Professor Alan) Blanchard would say,” Hussong said.
Still, this gradual appreciation for journalism wasn’t the only thing that was unexpected about her three years at Taylor.
As a freshman, Hussong started out with The Echo in 2022 under Features editor Marissa Muljat (’24). Her only goals with joining the Echo were to get published and receive a paycheck — yet the experience became something edifying.
“I discovered a new form of writing that I had never played with before, and I really enjoyed the challenge of it,” she said. “I (loved) that it was unlike anything I had ever done before.”
The first story Hussong was assigned was to interview the student body president and vice president.
Like many incoming freshmen, navigating this newness did wonders for her confidence.
Hussong was soon promoted to be the section editor for Life and Times, and this year, she serves alongside junior Makenna McCord as co-editor in chief.
This position requires a lot: dedication, flexibility and time management. These are all things she’s learned inherently through the study of journalism itself.
Stepping into leadership this year has only enhanced these soft skills.
“I’ve had to do a lot of learning how to let go at the end of the day, and show up as a fiancé, as a friend, as a sister,” Hussong said. “And that’s been very, very valuable.”
Whether she’s participating in one-on-ones with Echo staff members, leading the weekly Monday budget meetings or engaging in conversation with a friend outside of her job, relationships have marked Hussong’s journey at Taylor.
Some of her favorite memories made have been over the dinner table with friends. She’s also grateful for the impact the faculty and students within the Communication Department have had on her growth.
“I found brothers and sisters here that I wasn’t expecting, and I have definitely made friends that I hope to carry with me for the rest of my life,” Hussong said. “I met my husband-to-be, which is wild … I’ve met just a lot of people who have been willing to challenge me, and I think that’s what I needed most.”
There have been many challenges Hussong’s learned to navigate throughout the past three years, both within and outside of her journalism experience.
Though she used to be afraid of interviews and cold calls, now she’s talked to them all — politicians, city managers, mayors. People aren’t as scary as we think they are, she said.
“Journalism has taught me what it means to be honest,” Hussong said. “I realized that I’m a good storyteller, but sometimes in order to tell an honest story, you have to be honest with yourself.”
Looking back on the innumerous bylines she’s contributed to, a standout story that Hussong has written was one she published freshman year.
The story was a feature on Laura Stevenson, assistant professor of art, who created an art exhibit inspired by her experience with miscarriage.
“That was the first time that I told a story, and I saw that journalism mattered,” Hussong said.
Looking forward to life after graduation, Hussong is excited about the chance to be married, continue learning and slow down.
Ultimately, as she considers what the past three years have held, it is not just the words that she’s written that have shaped her, but the people behind them.
“At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter that you covered, you know, the construction of the bridge,” Hussong said. “No, what matters is you gave someone back dignity, and you gave someone honor and you showed them that their life mattered in some way. And for me, that’s what it’s all about.”
