Old-school newspapering

This photo of myself and classmate Megan remains on Southeast Missouri State University's Department of Mass Media website. It was taken in 2003 (ish?), but that is no excuse for my appearance. My hair was such a disaster that even the Red Cross wouldn't give it coffee.

The caption: "Two students gain hands-on experience in the journalism major. These students are preparing layout for the student newspaper, the Arrow."

The reality: The photo was completely set up by the photographer. "Pretend you're working on the paper," we were instructed, which explains the pica pole and plastic cropping tool — both completely obsolete even at that time.

Oh, academia.