The Argosy is Mount Allison’s independent student journal providing students with news, arts, culture, opinions, and humour since 1872. It is one of Canada’s oldest student publications and one of the few independent printed student newspapers in Atlantic Canada.  

Tedi Buffett and Jacob Farrell are the Co-Editors-in-Chief who were both looking for a fun way to get involved in the University community.  

“I am a fourth-year English major with minors in sociology and visual and material culture studies (VMCS)," says Buffett who joined The Argosy in their second year. "I started as arts, culture, & creative co-editor and have been Co-Editor-in-Chief for the past two years.” 

Farrell, also a fourth-year student, majors in classics and commerce and is also working towards a Certificate in Theatre Arts. “I started at The Argosy as arts, culture, & creative co-editor in my third year and became Co-Editor-in-Chief this year.” 

Buffett applied to the position in the summer after their first year looking for a campus activity that connected to their studies.  Buffett says that The Argosy has become like a second home.  

“It is the place on campus where I feel the safest, most inspired, and creatively challenged. What a lot of people don’t know is The Argosy is entirely student–run and independent from the University and MASU. This allows for a community that centres the student experience and values youth voices.” 

Farrell says becoming the arts, culture, and creative co-editor in third year allowed them to engage deeply with the University community.  

“I knew working with The Argosy would allow me to enact positivity and change and thus, from there, I became Co-Editor-in-Chief. I have loved every minute of working for The Argosy.” 

As Co-Editors-in-Chief, they encourage student journalists to challenge traditional ideas of what is considered newsworthy and to write stories that are thought-provoking and spark curiosity. Their aim is to include a diverse range of topics in every issue. 

The Argosy publishes 22 issues per academic year, 11 of which are printed. Typically, their week starts off methodically with a pitch meeting where editors assign stories. Throughout the week the team focuses on writing, illustrating, and photographing content.     

The Argosy’s connection with the student body is key to its relevance. 

“Luckily The Argosy is entirely student-run so the content in the paper reflects the interests and passions of our staff,” says Buffett. “We also have great connections with other student and community organizations. When individuals or organizations reach out to us about something they feel should be covered in the paper, we like to honour those requests.” 

Both editors say their involvement in the student journal has prepared them well in many ways for life after graduation.

“The Argosy has taught me skills in business, management, writing and editing that have prepared me for the workforce,” Buffett says. “Beyond technical skills, The Argosy has been an enriching personal experience, teaching me how to build community and to work towards a common goal/purpose.” 

Farrell echoes these sentiments, “Not only did The Argosy help me develop key writing and editing skills, I also have been able to say that I currently manage a team of over 30 people, putting what I have learned from my commerce courses into play. The Argosy has been an extraordinary experiential learning opportunity for me and I will carry it with me for the rest of my life.” 

Both Farrell and Buffett recently received the Crake-Sawdon Award in Print Journalism at the 11th annual Last Lecture. This award recognizes graduating students who have significantly contributed to print journalism at The Argosy. 

For students interested in joining The Argosy in the future or pursuing a career in journalism, their advice is to take the leap and get involved, whether by joining The Argosy team or submitting work for publication. Submissions can include anything from articles to visual arts. 

Follow The Argosy on social media (Instagram: @theargosypod and TikTok: @theargosy). You can also listen to The Argosy After Hours, the official companion podcast on Saturdays at 6 p.m. on CHMA. Questions? Email argosy@mta.ca.