Projects
Hello! My name is Nikki Haslett and I'm a recent first-generation honors graduate from West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
While obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in English writing and a minor in journalism, I have taken on a variety of thoughtful, interesting, and engaging topics during my college career; I was the first staff member to write on WCU's decision to move to remote instruction during the initial COVID-19 lockdown, interviewed local clothing sellers for a fashion magazine I created in my journalism practicum, and reported on the possible threats to Roe v. Wade and reproductive healthcare resources under SCOTUS Justice Amy Coney Barrett. Aside from my experience in copyediting, research and news writing under ethical standards, I've worked with multimedia tools to tell stories in other ways, such as Photoshop, InDesign, Adobe Audition, Canva and Premiere.
As a result, I gained both in-person and digital newsroom experience, having published 30+ articles under Her Campus and The Quad Student News Service. In 2020, I was nominated for the Keystone Press Award for an article I co-wrote, titled “Local Universities Face Mass Faculty Layoffs,” and received public recognition by the senior editors and executive board of Her Campus at West Chester for my piece on the Farmers' Protest in New Delhi.
I am currently seeking editorial opportunities for digital/print publications. Feel free to email or message me and thank you for taking a chance to read my work!
Projects
A single-issue digital fashion magazine I created for my final semester in my journalism program at WCU. I used Adobe Photoshop and InDesign to create and style each article spread.
An episode of a podcast I created for my Digital Journalism course, taught by Dr. Benjamin Kuebrich. This episode is an interview with my brother TJ Haslett, drummer of the reggae-rock band The Bumpin' Uglies. Intro Music by: Matt Haslett
For college students and professors, it is inevitable that in trying to balance personal responsibilities, academics, work, and a social life, we are bound to burn out and forget about our number one priority: our health.
The Quad Articles
A mix of small-town charm and cosmopolitan living, downtown West Chester is an area nestled behind West Chester University that students eventually find themselves calling their “home away from home.”
Last Sunday on Nov. 28, 2021, Off-White founder/designer and artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection, Virgil Abloh, passed away from a rare form of cancer at only 41 years old.
Have you heard the saying, "one man's trash is another man's treasure?" Well, as Gen-Z and millennials created a surge in popularity of sustainable shopping methods like thrifting and using resale platforms such as Depop, Thredup and Poshmark in recent years, the phrase rings absolutely true.
For the very first time since classes were moved to remote platforms on March 10, 2020, all students of West Chester University convened for in-person classes last Monday, Aug. 30, 2021, commencing the start of the Fall 2021 semester.
Sept. 25, 2021, officially marks West Chester University’s 150th anniversary since its opening in 1871.
In a ranked-choice vote, The Quad news staff officially elected Julien Padillo and Ali Kochik as editor-in-chief and managing editor to serve for the 2021–22 academic year.
A second email letter from West Chester University President Christopher Fiorentino has been sent out this month to the student and faculty body, announcing that leaders of the university are working on plans to open up on-campus, including both traditional and USH residences halls.
In the West Chester borough and university area, community members have access to affordable options when it comes to reproductive health, such as the Planned Parenthood on Wayne Street or the Student Health Services office on South New Street. However, Amy Coney Barrett’s pro-life, anti-abortion views in the Supreme Court leave an incoming threat to clinics as to what sexual and reproductive health services can be provided to clients under federal and state laws.
Thursday at 8:57 a.m., West Chester University President Fiorentino and the governance leadership sent out a letter to the faculty and staff about new changes to the current grading policy.
In early May of 2020, the U.S. Department of Education released new Title IX regulations, which were set to go into effect as of Aug. 14. These regulations have met considerable public backlash and have been criticized for taking away power from the complainant (the alleged victim) and controlling universities’ options when it comes to navigating complaints.
Seven universities across the PASSHE system were sent letters of retrenchment in early September 2020.
Sept. 17, 2020 at 3 p.m., members of WCU’s Center for Trans and Queer Advocacy hosted a virtual presentation about queer and transgender presence in the media, allowing participants to engage in meaningful conversation surrounding LGBTQ+ representation.
West Chester University students and faculty will be moving to online instruction for the upcoming fall semester.
Her Campus Articles
Not too long ago, several Her Campus members and I discussed topics related to career development, such as tips for resume building and utilizing the professional networking site LinkedIn. Although I have only been on the site for less than a year, I was able to share a few key tips that many hadn't heard of before!
In the 21st Century, technology has advanced in so many ways to make life easier for the average person. However, when looking at the seemingly ordinary products we use in our homes daily, the historical and cultural significance behind these inventions and their creators are given zero recognition.
T.W: This article mentions instances of sexual assault and physical abuse. It is no longer a secret that within Hollywood's most elite circles of directors and producers, abuse of all forms runs rampant behind the scenes.
Last Tuesday, international celebrities such as Rihanna and Greta Thunberg made social media headlines after voicing their support on Twitter for the Indian farmers protesting in New Delhi since last year.
What is extremely gratifying about working for Her Campus is that as a community, we can bring normally taboo topics to the forefront and, through both our individual and shared experiences, comfort others in similar situations.
Thanksgiving Day is going to look incredibly different for many families this year. Large family gatherings around the table are not advised by the CDC due to social distancing guidelines. As more than one million cases were reported in the US in a week, restrictions are vital in keeping everyone safe, such as limiting guests, maintaining a six-foot distance from one another, and sanitizing all high-traffic areas and surfaces.
Thanksgiving break seems so close, yet with the chaos of work, jobs, extracurriculars and simply attempting to maintain our relationships with loved ones, that one week of relaxation appears incredibly distant. Not to mention, 2020 being one of the most devastating years for human rights issues has reached its boiling point, an added stressor over what's to come for the rest of 2020.
Let's be honest, the longer we've been in quarantine, the temptation to splurge on clothes has only gotten stronger. I get it-after wearing nothing but t-shirts and sweatpants for months on end, I'm looking for any excuse to dress up, even if I have nowhere to go.
Anyone else feeling like the weeks are flying by more than usual? Now in week 11 of classes, we're so close to Thanksgiving break and, eventually, finals week. As much as I'd like to celebrate making it past the halfway mark and nearing the finish line, there's still so much to do and plan for before getting buried in exams and term papers.
Just a few days, I spent my 22nd birthday at home surrounded by my family and received thoughtful messages from close friends and acquaintances. As much as I would have liked to go out for a night of celebration as I did last year, it is just not possible to do so safely at this time.
Happy October, friends! It's officially that time of year when all things mystical, autumnal, and creepy sweep the shelves of every store, and Freeform plays classic Halloween movies all month long.
Coming from a family of musicians, creativity and artistic expression is pretty much embedded in my DNA. Although I'm not exactly a rockstar on the guitar, I can confidently say that I'm a natural with a sketchpad and pencils.
We are officially winding down towards the end of what has been a horrific year and I can say one thing as far as online schooling: I never want to be on another Zoom call for as long as I live.
As much as I love to watch YouTube beauty influencers trying new products from brands I always wanted to purchase from, such as Fenty Beauty or Huda Beauty, buying new makeup can become a major expense. Just one trip to Sephora can cost major bucks when I've only bought items from the travel section!
If you're a first-generation college student, you know that there are many unique challenges placed upon us in preparation for our career ventures.
When it comes to all things skincare-related, I am like a giddy child on Christmas day.
Whether you've lived in a college dorm or a tiny bedroom, you know that making the most of the given space you have is key to comfortability and peace. As most students have decided to stay home this semester due to COVID-19, the idea of doing an entire school day from bed sounds ever-so tempting but will do you no good in your retention of information.
High anxiety and fear of the unknown run rampant in our society, but 2020 has emphasized the issue now more than ever before. Given the nearly year-long quarantine due to COVID-19, many are left feeling the least bit on solid ground.
A Collection of Poems
A collection of poetry (draft and final edits) from my poetry workshop during my senior year of college.