Haley Bayne

Hayley Bayne
She/her/hers
Brookline High School ‘17

Time on The Sagamore: three years
Job(s): News Editor as a J2, Co-Editor-in-Chief as a J3

What is your favorite Sagamore memory?
My favorite memory has to be something related to Sagamore bonding! I remember as an end of year bonding activity, we planned a roast (where we all dissed each other in the most loving and endearing way). We had worked so hard that year, so it was really nice to finally have time to hang out, joke around and blow off some steam. I think the fact that we all took the jokes so well proves that we were truly well-connected and bonded as a team. It was so much fun – especially because some saggies created a rap to roast one another, which was absolutely hilarious.

What are you doing now?
I am currently a junior at Northeastern University in the Pre-Med Honors Program. I plan on graduating in December 2020! I have loved my time at Northeastern thus far. I feel extremely lucky to have been able to study abroad (in Iceland and the Netherlands), fulfilling one of my lifelong dreams.

What did you gain from being on The Sagamore?
The Sagamore has had a huge impact on where I am today. I think the Sagamore was one of my most formative experiences in high school. I still reference Sagamore articles and lessons learned to this day (so all my college friends know about the Sag too!) I feel like the Sagamore has enabled me to feel comfortable asking hard hitting questions in daily life and looking deeper into challenging topics. Although I am not pursuing a career in journalism, I feel as if the journalistic morals (ethics, spelling and grammar included) follow me wherever I go.

What was something challenging about being on The Sagamore?
One challenge that I faced during my time on the Sag was executing multi-level investigative pieces. For example, I knew that I wanted to write about teen pregnancy and dress-coding, so I used the Sagamore as a platform to learn more and report on these pertinent issues. However, I found this to be more challenging than initially expected! It was hard to find good contacts. I struggled with numerous ethical dilemmas. I pondered how best to report my findings. I overcame all of these challenges and many more by seeking guidance from others. The advisers to the Sagamore are super helpful and are extremely knowledgeable. I brainstormed with layout staff in order to optimize the print format of the article(s).

What is one of the most important lessons you’ve learned from The Sag?
I have learned that it is important to be understanding and flexible. As an editor, it is crucial that you put yourself into your writer’s shoes. For example, before blaming them and getting upset that they missed a deadline, it is important to ask them what caused the delay. Were they having a hard time getting in touch with people to interview? Did they need help brainstorming how to go about writing the article? Were personal circumstances getting in the way of them finishing off the piece?
As a writer, it is important to understand who it is you are interviewing and to establish a sense of trust between you two. These conversations are very important; they can help you foster deeper connections and help to ensure the integrity of the school newspaper. This can apply to general life as well. In college, it is important to have serious conversations (with group members, roommates, friends, significant others) to figure out what is holding them back, so that you can help them move forward.