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For graduating senior Andrew Benoit ’25, the college experience has extended far beyond lectures and late-night study sessions. A sociology and anthropology major with a minor in history—and a member of the Honors Program—Benoit has juggled the demands of university life while also dedicating countless hours to leading The Trail, the ��������’s student-run newspaper. He credits a dedicated team of student journalists for consistently delivering the monthly edition, which features university news, events, advice, and even satire.

As his time at Puget Sound nears its end, Benoit reflects on his journey as editor. In this Q&A, he shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of student journalism and the lessons he’ll carry beyond campus.

Looking back on your time as editor, what are you most proud of?

I couldn’t be more proud of the team that we have built over the past several years. While the nature of news means that individual stories come and go, I have been able to see our team develop over the past four years. Watching staff members develop as writers and as people over the span of years has been incredible. Our team is made up of some of the coolest people on campus and getting the chance to work and succeed with them has been the highlight of my time at the university.

What’s one story or investigative piece that left a lasting impact on you, and how did it shape your perspective?

There have been so many stories that I’ve been part of—both as a writer and as an editor—that have made a big impact on me. I think The Trail’s coverage of the 2024 Pierce Lecture incident and the wider debates that took place on campus over financial ties to Israel, free speech, and the role of protests was especially formative for me. Balancing the perspectives of different parties while maintaining our dedication to truth was both difficult and incredibly rewarding. The Trail was able to provide important, timely information to our community that gave them context for important events happening around them. It was a great lesson in the power and responsibility of the news media. The work it took has really informed the openness with which I try to approach stories and sources.

Were there any unexpected challenges you faced as editor? How did you navigate them?

There have been so many challenges. Making the news isn’t easy! I don’t think I expected how hesitant people would be to take a public stand on issues. People are increasingly scared of speaking out, of telling their own stories. Finding sources willing to be honest and vulnerable about stories that matter in their community is one of the most important jobs of a journalist and it's only getting harder thanks to the nationwide crackdown on free speech. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and bringing your own vulnerability to the table to help sources feel comfortable telling their stories.

How do you think The Trail has evolved during your time here, and what changes do you hope future editors and writers will continue to pursue?

The Trail has evolved more than I could have imagined from when we got restarted my freshman year. What began as just five or six people desperately trying to get anything published has morphed into a team of upwards of 20 people who consistently produce an amazing newspaper. Beyond our growth, I think our publication has found its distinctive voice and editorial personality. Not many other newspapers our size can boast a robust satire section, a sex and sexuality section, along with a high-quality news section. I hope that our team continues to push boundaries in the stories we tell and the way we tell them. While we haven’t had the capacity during my time with the organization, I think there are major multimedia possibilities in the very near future.

As a Sociology and Anthropology major with a History minor, how have your academic interests influenced the way you approach storytelling and reporting?

I think my academic interests have given me a deeper insight into the people that I am covering. I’m more able to understand people in the context of the sociocultural and political structures that inform their actions and value systems. This helps me avoid snap judgments or black and white categorizations. Beyond that, I think that my academic interests give me a wider background from which to approach my sources and the stories that I tell.

What advice would you give to future student journalists who will take the reins after you?

The news, and truth more broadly, is under attack from some of the most powerful people in the world. So be fearless and tell the truth in a way that does service to the communities you serve. Student journalism has never been more important than it is right now, so take your role seriously. That being said, keep in mind that you are a student journalist. Not only are you a full-time student, but you’re also learning the craft of journalism in real time. So give yourself grace and plenty of time to rest. I know you’ll do great.

What’s next for you after graduation, and do you see journalism or media playing a role in your future?

I don’t think I will ever stop telling stories about the world. I am a deep believer in the affective power of storytelling—in any medium—to move us. I have a lot of avenues open for me, and I’m excited to see where I go next.