Four years ago, when now-senior Lauren Rendahl decided to attend WSU, she had no expectations in mind for the experiences and friends she would make before leaving Pullman.
Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in multimedia journalism and a minor in health communication, Rendahl decided to join the Daily Evergreen as a news reporter in the fall of 2023, after discovering a penchant for news writing in her COMJOUR 333 class.
“I hired her initially back in the fall of 2023 … she went from being a reporter to being the best reporter, in my opinion,” said Josiah Pike, the former news section editor who initially oversaw Rendahl. “By the end of that semester, (she was) the go-to guy for the important stories we had … she’s a really good writer, she’s smart and accomplished.”
Beginning as a news writer and climbing her way through the ranks to become the Daily Evergreen Copy Chief, Rendahl intends to put her skills to use post-grad with an internship working at the copy desk for the Seattle Times.
“My biggest piece of advice is to join clubs and get involved early because that’s where you meet some of your true friends. It’s really important to get involved in school because connections are so important,” she said.
Having lived in Pullman and attended WSU for four years, Rendahl said her favorite aspect of being a Coug is the small-town community.
“There’s really no place like Pullman,” she said. “You feel so supported and close to your friends at all times.”
During a FaceTime interview, Rendahl said the feeling of graduating in two days hasn’t yet set in.
Pondering the new chapter of life she’s about to embark on, Rendahl expressed nerves, but also an overwhelming sense of excitement.
“Pullman did me so well for the last four years. I’m really happy with the way that my collegiate career happened, but I’m also really excited to start this new chapter of my life post-grad,” she said.
Long-term, Rendahl hopes to work in the field of communications for a while, but has aspirations of eventually working as a public information officer for a politician.
“I think the biggest thing is knowing that everything will work out and be OK. What’s meant for you will be as long as you put in the time and work,” Rendahl said. “Things will work out for you in the best way possible and in the way that they’re supposed to.”
