We're Going on a Break

In this letter, Precious explains the Editorial’s decision to go on a much needed hiatus while closing the curtain on her time as founding EIC.

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Jul 31, 2024

I am very proud of several things in my life. My grades, my ability to pick up new skills on a whim, and my persistent nature, even when I really shouldn't be. But I'm especially proud of what we've built with the Editorial, and with APSoUL.

I started APSoUL on my own. I drafted story ideas, designed the newsletter's identity, and plotted its trajectory in its first few months. Then, Iyore joined in, along with Sophia, Cherry, and Donald, who handled stories and interviews, and essentially grew the newsletter to its first 100 subscribers.

At the time, we could handle the demands of APSoUL, as we only needed to post once in two weeks, and most of the pieces were pre-manifesto interviews, which took more time editing than writing. But as time passed and your demands for more letters grew, we moved to posting once a week, taking major (multiple) adjustments in our content calendar.

At the same time, we were dealing with staffing issues. My initial set of writers were barely available, and the few who were available were not the most experienced of writers. Luckily, Funke came in at a pivotal time, aiding our efforts to sustain our consistency with the letters. But it still wasn't enough.

I'm proud that in less than a year from its inception, the Editorial has been able to put out over 20 letters, along with our first-ever digital magazine, SPARK. But those are the glossy parts of our work. For those who were in the know, we were struggling. Our consistency faltered sometimes, and when I lost motivation, I ghosted my team members. Our pieces were not as good as I wanted them to be, but they taught me a great lesson from the saying, "Nobody can read your mind." I learned several lessons in delegating, an area I still suck at. And I found that adding several new shiny initiatives without focusing on consolidating what you already have are sure ingredients for an inconsistent recipe.

Now, Funke is your Editor-in-Chief for the next year, and Iyore your Managing Editor. They are battle-tested women, ready for any deadlines, hiccups, and emails that have yet to be responded to. But past them and the rest of the team, the Editorial has yet to have a tangible future. We have no prospects for an associate editor from the current 200-level class (FEARLESS), nor do we have any for the other incredibly vital posts, like the publicist, visual lead, and Editorial secretary. So, we're going on a long, much-needed break.

This is my last letter as your Editor-in-Chief and as an undergraduate. It's also the last letter you'll be getting from APSoUL in a long, long time.

Our hiatus will focus on consolidation. We aim to use the time away from your inboxes to fix the major and minor cracks in our young and shaky establishment. One of those cracks is staffing, as we'll be poring through (and maybe poaching) every APSULite with something to offer the Editorial. Another crack is funding, which we will also be using the time to figure out for the future of the Editorial. And the next crack is our incorporation into the constitution, which is already underway.

We understand how this might be a bit concerning or heartbreaking to some readers, but allow us this time to fix these issues. Only then can the Editorial stand firmly when we have the systems necessary to make this a lasting cause.

That said, we won't be mute the entire time. We've gone through the trouble of setting up an Instagram page (find us @/APS0UL) so you can stay with us while we go through this tasking process. We would also love to call out for writers, designers, social media managers, illustrators, video content creators, and anyone with a portfolio, no matter how little, to join our cause. APSoUL is a fantastic place to work and grow; we are growing in relevance daily.

We are committed to documenting the lived and shared experiences of pharmacology students in the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, and that is what we plan to do during this break.

I have had a wonderful time as your Editor-in-Chief, but it's time to draw that curtain shut and focus on other parts of my life, including being the editorial director for about three months. I'll see you guys some other time, but for now, it's goodnight on this end.

Yours with all the love in my heart,

Ka chi fo,

Precious Umeasalugo

Founding EIC + Editorial Director, NIPSA UNILAG Editorial

Call for Creatives

You’ve heard our side. Now, we want to hear yours. We’re seeking writers, designers, illustrators, podcasters, social media managers, photographers, and every creative with a story to tell to JOIN NIPSA UNILAG Editorial.
Perks of working with us include: an opportunity to expand your portfolio, a supportive team, the chance to have full creative freedom over your work, and the various team bonding activities the Editorial has on its calendar.
If you’d love to join us or just want to understand in more detail what the job needs, please send a message to our managing editor, Iyore (0810 114 6631), or send an email to WorkWithAPSoUL@gmail.com
For more inquiries, find us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/aps0ul)

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