Less hustle, more heart: UNT students share what it’s like on campus during the off-season

Key Takeaways:

• Students experience a calmer atmosphere at UNT during the off-season.
• High school journalists created the multimedia project through a specialized program.
• Professor Wendy Moore directed the Emerging Journalists workshop.
• The off-season allows for stronger connections among students.
• The project highlights the impact of mentorship in journalism.

Embracing the Quiet: UNT’s Off-Season Transformation

As summer unfolds and the majority of students leave campus, the University of North Texas (UNT) undergoes a serene transformation. The usual bustle subsides, giving way to peaceful pathways and tranquil study spots. For the students who remain, this period offers a unique perspective on university life.

The Calm Behind the Hustle

“There’s a certain peace that settles over campus during the off-season,” shares a UNT student reflecting on the quieter months. With fewer classmates around, the campus becomes an intimate space where students can forge deeper connections and explore areas often overlooked during the hectic semester.

A Student’s Perspective

Another student notes, “Without the usual crowds, you start to appreciate the little things—the architecture, the quiet corners of the library, the friendliness of the staff. It feels like the campus is truly ours.”

Capturing Campus Life Through Emerging Journalists

This distinctive experience is the focus of a multimedia package produced by high school students participating in the UNT Scripps Howard Fund Emerging Journalists Program at the Mayborn School of Journalism. Guided by Adjunct Professor Wendy Moore, these aspiring journalists delved into the heart of UNT’s off-season.

The Power of Mentorship

“Working with these students has been incredibly rewarding,” says Professor Moore, who served as the workshop director. “Their enthusiasm and fresh perspectives brought new life to the stories of those who experience the campus in a different light.”

Workshop counselors collaborated closely with the participants, fostering an environment of learning and creativity. The program not only honed their journalistic skills but also highlighted the significance of mentorship in education.

Strengthening Community Bonds

The project’s creators, Grace Hu and Jay Vernekar, both Emerging Journalists, aimed to shed light on how the off-season impacts student life. “We wanted to showcase the unnoticed side of campus,” says Hu. “It’s not just about fewer people; it’s about the stronger sense of community that develops.”

Reflecting on the Off-Season’s Impact

Their work underscores the off-season’s role in enhancing student relationships and personal growth. With less hustle, students find more heart—a deeper connection to their surroundings and each other.

A Unique University Experience

The off-season at UNT isn’t merely a quieter time; it’s a period that offers valuable insights into the university’s culture. As the campus slows down, students like Hu and Vernekar seize the opportunity to engage more meaningfully with their environment.

Conclusion

This collaborative effort between emerging journalists and experienced educators highlights the multifaceted nature of campus life. By embracing the off-season’s calm, UNT students discover that sometimes, less hustle truly does bring more heart.