On April 25, 2024, from 1 PM to 3 PM in room M234, the Humanities Department hosted the Pizza with a Professional event. The college hosts events like these, called pathway events, to bring people in from the community involved in specific fields of interest for students. Today’s guest speaker was Armon Sadler, a writer for VIBE Magazine from Englewood, New Jersey. His career specializes in music journalism in the hip-hop scene. The event allowed students in the humanities department to get insight into the field through the lens of Armon Sadler working in communications, journalism, and other creative majors.
Armon completed his studies in communications at Cornell University. During his time at Cornell, he would work with the university’s radio show. His fondness for sports, music, and entertainment has led him to where he is today. Armon has written for The Source Magazine, REVOLT, Hip Hop DX, Pitchfork, Hand Me The Aux, UPROXX, and Music Times just to name a few. Armon Sadler also hosts a podcast called Stay Busy with Armon Sadler. It is a capsule of his passions where he discusses everything sports, music, pop culture, and his undying love for tacos!
This event was a fantastic opportunity for students to ask questions, get worthy advice, and engage in important discussions surrounding the field. Armon Sadler emphasized how excited he was to be a “gateway” for college students and an outlet for their questions and fears:
“I’m honestly more excited to hear from you all, hear your questions– and not just about journalism and media, but college, about life, about mental health, about all of that stuff... So, of course, I am here to talk career. I’m here to give advice, insight, all that good stuff, but if you have any types of questions for a 28-year-old who’s navigating the world and dealing with bills and still paying those student loans and all that, I am happy to give my insight on that.”
Armon provided supportive words for all students and staff in attendance. Some topics discussed during the event include networking, promoting your work online, starting your profession, career burnout, and even conversations on therapy, personal struggles, and self-care.
The Pizza with a Professional event proved to be very successful, with many students and faculty engaged and asking questions while enjoying pizza and refreshments throughout the two-hour gathering. Visions Newspaper’s very own members attended along with advisor Dr. Christine Redman-Waldeyer, gaining valuable knowledge in the journalism field, such as how to create portfolios, gain bylines, separate objective and bias writing, and gather insight on freelance work. Check out some of Armon Sadler’s current work at VIBE Magazine here!