For Jose Ramos, storytelling has always been about more than writing articles. It is about creating opportunities for others to share their experiences and ensuring every member of the Southern Nazarene University community has a voice. Now, after serving as lead editor last year, the senior psychology major is stepping into a new role. As the new assistant editor for The Echo, Ramos hopes to continue mentoring student journalists while helping tell meaningful stories across campus.
When it comes to his work with The Echo, Ramos expressed how his love for writing was what kept him motivated to continue his service and leadership within the university’s newspaper. “For me, to write is to express, and to be able to express means to be free,” he stated. Although he loves writing, he also loves being able to give others the same opportunities he was given. “The ability to give others a platform to speak about their passions and experiences here at SNU [is another thing that motivates me],” he continued.
Ramos joined The Echo as a staff writer in 2024, quickly discovering a passion for journalism and the opportunity it provided to highlight the people and stories that make up SNU. His dedication to the publication eventually led former lead editor, Emma Dilbeck, to encourage him to pursue the role.
“Being a part of The Echo has taught me so much about patience and grace,” he said. “After serving as lead editor last year, I learned so much about not only myself, but also the way that my leadership could adapt in different situations with different writers. It was an eye-opening experience.”
Leadership extends far beyond editing stories for Ramos; it has been an opportunity to live out his faith. He believes journalism and Christian values can work hand in hand by encouraging truth, compassion and integrity. “As Christians, we are called to disciple and encourage one another. At the same time, we are also called to pursue truth, integrity and excellence,” he explained.
Those values have shaped the way he approaches difficult conversations. “Rather than avoiding these moments, I lean on my faith to approach them with humility and compassion,” Ramos conveyed. “It reminds me to seek discernment and make decisions that are both honest and respectful.”
Ramos desires to ensure that every story written reflects the people behind it and strengthens the people of SNU. “Whether it is highlighting faculty, departments or the everyday stories of students balancing school, work, faith and life, I want to tell stories that people can relate to,” he mentioned.
When it comes to his favorite memory with The Echo thus far, Ramos mentions last year’s Homecoming print edition. “It was so much fun being able to interview people, take dozens of photos and watch it slowly come together,” he said. “Everyone on staff spread out to hang up posters, set up baskets and fill them with copies. Everyone was telling us the next day that we had created something beautiful; it felt like the perfect ending to all of our hard work.”
As his senior year begins, Ramos hopes to continue telling stories that inform, encourage and connect The Echo’s audience. In his new role as assistant editor, he looks forward to helping this year’s writers grow in their own storytelling while supporting the people he has by his side in leadership.
Photos by: MaK Wilkerson