NEWS

OPINION: Meet the Editor — Simply R.J.

by R.J. HUNT
Editor

In the words of Jay-Z, “Allow me to re-introduce myself.” Some of you might already know who I am if you have checked out the bios on The Washtenaw Voice website, but if you haven’t, my name is R.J. Hunt. My real name is Robert Hunt Jr., but sometimes I forget that as no one calls me “Robert,” it’s always been “R.J.” I am the new editor for the Washtenaw Voice, and I feel honored to have such a role. Since you will hear a lot from me, I figured I would tell you, the reader, a little more about myself.

First things first, I am from Ypsilanti, born and raised. Not only have I lived in Ypsi my entire life, but I have lived in the same house and same room. This is my second year at WCC as a broadcast media arts major. Coming to WCC was the best decision I have ever made. Due to the pandemic, I wasn’t very comfortable taking classes while being away from home. I’m so thankful for WCC because now I can take courses from home while letting the pandemic slowly calm down.

When I was asked to take on the role of editor for The Voice, I was both excited and nervous. I have previously held leadership roles and have always wanted to contribute to The Voice, which led to the excitement. On the other hand, I had never accepted a leadership role of this magnitude so the butterflies began. Thanks to The Voice adviser, Judy McGovern, and the rest of our lovely staff, everything has worked out so far. As I started in this new role, I expected to have some hiccups along the way, but my colleagues have helped make my transition smooth. So I thank them for that.

My goal in life is to one day be a sports broadcaster. It doesn’t matter to me if it’s for a local radio station or for a major sports network like ESPN. I just know I want to be in front of a microphone talking about sports. The Voice is the perfect stepping stone for my career goals because I get a chance to perfect my skills, whether it’s writing or conducting an interview. While I am looking forward to perfecting my own skills, I am also looking forward to sharing stories with you, the readers. My job is to make sure students are up to date on the latest news around campus. It is also my goal to make sure it’s not always the bad stories you hear because this world needs more positivity, and I want you to feel that positivity through the work we do at The Voice.

I have other hobbies that keep me entertained when I’m not in class or working at The Voice. As I mentioned before, I want to be a sports broadcaster. Obviously, I love sports! Especially my Detroit teams. My passionate love for them has inspired me to start my own sports-themed podcast, “Buffed Up Sports,” available on major podcasting platforms. Other than that, you will usually find me playing video games, spending time with family, or rewatching old WWE matches.

Hopefully, this brief introduction has provided you additional information about me, who I am, and what I am looking forward to. I genuinely appreciate your time and interest for all of you who have made it this far in reading my column. Now, time for the most essential part; please feel free to contact The Voice if you have any story ideas that you want to share.. You can reach The Voice at 734-677-5125 or thewashtenawvoice@gmail.com. If you wish to contact me directly, please feel free to do so at 734-664-1874 or rchunt@wccnet.edu.