From the graphics to the editing - and even podcast hosting! - our digital editor Lauren Suchanek has done it all for three years, and all credits go to her for growing our social media presence to where it is today. It's been such a pleasure having Lauren on our team and we can't wait to see her move on to greater things. We're all so sad to see her go, but now's the chance to get to know her and hear all about her experiences with KRNL in this special (and final!) alumni edition of "Behind KRNL!"
Introduce yourself!
Hi! My name is Lauren and I was the digital editor AKA the "Radio Rebel" of KRNL (Debby Ryan stans only). I managed all of the social media platforms, the website and the YouTube channel. I wore many hats in this role from content creation to graphic design to video production. In addition, I also co-hosted the podcast “KRNL Talks.” I just graduated in May, and I continued to work for KRNL for the summer to complete my internship credit.
How did you first get involved with KRNL?
I had always seen the magazine around campus but didn’t think I was “cool” or “talented” enough to join. At the beginning of my sophomore year, I decided to be "the girl who decided to go for it” (so corny but it WORKED) and I interviewed for a position for Kentucky Panhellenic Sororities. During my time with Panhellenic, I gained confidence both in my digital skills and as a leader and used this experience to get the role for KRNL. When I joined KRNL, the magazine had a pretty small digital presence and focused mainly on the print issues. I was hired to conceive a new digital strategy for the magazine across all social media platforms and the website. It was my goal to make KRNL’s social platforms not only a vehicle to promote the print issues, but a place for our audience to go for fun, interesting content specifically created for social media.
What's your favorite part about getting involved with KRNL?
I have met the coolest, kindest, most talented people through the podcast and the staff I work with. It is refreshing to be surrounded by so many like-minded people who are passionate about the same things as I am, and I have made the most special friendships through this magazine.
Do you have a favorite memory during your time with KRNL that stands out to you?
Last issue’s "Fruit Shoot" was so much fun. The energy was electric and I just felt so lucky to be able to be working with so many of my closest friends. I remember looking around and just not being able to stop smiling. I felt so lucky to be doing my dream job while still in college and felt an overwhelming sense of pride for the staff and the magic we were creating.
What other interests/hobbies do you have outside of KRNL?
My motto is to go on little adventures every day (I’m a Sagitarrius obvi.) I love to travel, but am also a believer in exploring your hometown. I love to explore and take photos, and if the weather is warm there is a 95% chance I am outside. I also love to read and I have to watch "Sex and the City," "Gilmore Girls," and "Friends" all the way through at least once every year.
What is your favorite place you've ever traveled to?
Cinque Terre in Italy.
Who are some of your fashion/lifestyle inspirations? In other words, who do you look up to?
Tracee Ellis Ross and Reese Witherspoon. Not only do I admire Tracee’s fashion (the woman doesn’t miss), but I think she is just a wonderful person all-around. She has the most magnetic, positive energy that just exudes out of her and she makes me want to be a better person. Reese Witherspoon is a boss, and has been such a force for females in media. She shows that you can be feminine, kind and soft, but that does not take away any of your ability to be a powerful boss and a strong leader.
What have you learned during your time at KRNL? Do you have any advice for our next digital editor?
Because I wore so many hats for KRNL from graphic designer to podcast host to social media manager to website designer to video producer, I don’t think I will have this amount of work on my plate for any job I will ever have in the future. But I did all of this work because I truly was passionate about what I was doing and wanted to take advantage of the blessing I was given.
Whenever I would get overwhelmed, I would remember how LUCKY I was to not only be in college receiving an education but to be able to work for such a wonderful publication where I could be creative and work with wonderful people.
I would also remind myself that the work I was doing was building my portfolio and solidifying my skills to land my dream job post-grad. I would think of past me and how proud she would be of the woman I have become.
Plug your socials!
Instagram: @laurenmsuchanek
TikTok: @jeezlepeets
(and of course, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest @krnl_lf)