Starting might be hard, but as you Keep writing and editing, you will get better- Omodele Goodness, QEIIHP Outgoing Health Editor

As part of the finalists’ spotlight edition, QEIIHP had an exclusive interview with Miss Omodele Goodness, the Health Editor of the Press Organization for close to three years. In this conversation, Goodness shared her experience as a Health Editor right from the unofficial days up until she was officially made the Health Editor. 

QEIIHP: What has your experience been like serving as the Health Editor of Queen Elizabeth II Hall Press? 

Miss Omodele: I've carried out the role of the Health Editor since 200 level before I officially became the Health Editor in 300 level till now. And if there's one word to describe my experience, I would say growth. I never intended to focus on writing health articles when I joined at first, and I remember writing articles with so much fear and uncertainty but when I compare the articles I wrote when I started, till now, I'm surprised how far I've grown.

QEIIHP: How did you balance academic work with the responsibilities that come with leading a desk? 

Miss Omodele: Well, finding balance would have been hard in my earlier days but one thing that helped me was giving myself deadlines to write or edit an article. And when I'm ready to do so, I stay off any social media for hours and utilize my favourite hours of the day or night.

QEIIHP: Have there been times when the workload felt overwhelming, and how did you manage those moments? 

Miss Omodele: Yessss, several times. I either delegate to regain my physical and mental strength or tell myself that no one is coming to do my job for me. Even if I don't want to, I just have to because one thing I appreciate is orderliness and reasonable structure, I wouldn't be proud of any fault from my end, so I just work it out and reward myself.

QEIIHP: What would you say are the key challenges and rewards of covering health-related stories in a campus setting? 

Miss Omodele: Challenges, writers block. I might or might not know what relevant topic to write on, and building the content of the story in an engaging format is also another thing I worry about. Rewards, personally, I find reward and pleasure in knowing my write up is relevant and helpful. Also, I do learn from what I write so it's a double win for me.

QEIIHP: As you prepare to hand over, what advice would you give your successor? 

Miss Omodele: Starting might be hard, but as you keep writing and editing, you will get better. Also, no matter how tasking a role is, find joy in it. Find something positive in it to drive you. It is quite okay to delegate tasks, ensuring not to be the only person writing on the health desk. Lastly, talk with people. Because take it from me, it is hard and lonely to work in a place where you don't relate with the people.

QEIIHP: We wish you well going forward and will miss having you around!