An Alumna’s Journey from Student-Run Horseshoe Magazine to Newsweek

When Amanda Castro ’22 graduated from the University of New Haven, she already had a clear direction for her career in journalism. Fast forward to today, and she’s making her mark as part of Newsweek’s team, including live blogging throughout the 2024 presidential campaign.

For Amanda, this role isn’t just a milestone—it’s a culmination of her passion, hard work, and the foundation laid during her time at the University.

“I was moving on from another job, wanting to expand my horizons,” Amanda shared. “When Newsweek caught my eye, I dived right in. I had experience with live blogging, so it felt like the perfect fit. And with a minor in political science, it’s been exciting to tap into that knowledge while covering the election.”

The role came with its challenges, especially during the height of election season. Amanda’s typical day started at 7 a.m., creating blog posts on trending topics such as polling data, political ads, and key candidates.

“It was intense but rewarding,” she said. “Polling averages and demographic shifts fascinated me, especially understanding what issues mattered most to voters and why.”

For Amanda, one of the most valuable lessons she’s learned is the importance of staying focused on her own journey. “I’ve hammered into my head not to spend time looking over my shoulder to compare myself to others. It’s about focusing on my goals and staying consistent in my work.”

‘The education I received at the University was unmatched’

Amanda credits much of her success to her experiences at the University of New Haven. “My love for journalism was cultivated, nurtured, and cared for by Professor Susan Campbell,” she said. “She helped me grow as a writer and journalist, and I’ll always be grateful for that.”

During her time at the University, Amanda was active with the Charger Bulletin and was its managing editor during her last two years.

“The experience taught me how to lead a team, meet deadlines, and produce quality work,” said Amanda who branched out beyond the Bulletin, creating a student-run magazine.

“Founding the Charger Bulletin Magazine, now called the Horseshoe Magazine, gave me a love for long-form writing,” she said. “It’s ironic because now I do short-form blog posts, but that’s the beauty of journalism—you get to explore every corner of the field.”

Amanda’s time at the University went beyond learning technical skills. It was about discovering her voice and the kind of journalist she wanted to be. “The education I received at the University was unmatched,” she said. It set me up for the diverse opportunities I’ve had in my career so far.”

She encourages current students to take advantage of the resources and co-curriculars available. “Join the school paper, write for any campus publications, and stay active in the field.”

‘Focus on your goals and keep moving forward’

As Amanda looks to the future, she’s focused on growth—both personally and professionally. “I’m a huge advocate for print media, even though it likely won’t last forever,” she says. Journalism is about adapting to changes while staying true to what you love.”

Editing is another area Amanda hopes to expand into. “I love getting into the nitty-gritty of proofreading and giving feedback,” she said. “If I get the chance to focus on editing or even write opinion pieces on entertainment, that would be amazing.”

Reflecting on her journey, Amanda emphasized the importance of finding a supportive community, something she experienced at the University of New Haven. “The professors, the Charger Bulletin, and the connections I made all helped me grow into the journalist I am today. I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything,” she said.

Amanda has one final piece of advice to share with current students: “Focus on your goals and keep moving forward,” she said. “Don’t let setbacks discourage you.”

Her journey is just beginning, Amanda said. “I’ve learned to embrace every part of journalism, from short-form blogs to long-form narratives. Each step has shaped me,” she said. “And I’m excited to see what’s next.”