Author: Marija Vasilevska

Engaging in extracurricular and volunteer activities is of immense importance for the development of students as well-educated young individuals, aware and sensitive to the needs of the environment and the society. It represents a collective, humane, and creative contribution to the common good. The ability to effect positive change and leave a mark at both institutional and societal levels provides a gratifying sense of belonging and usefulness, serving as a motivation for continual personal and professional growth.

As a result of collaboration between students from the Faculty of Philology “Blaže Koneski” and the Faculty of Law “Justinian the First” (journalism department), a journalism club was established at the Faculty of Philology, supported by the project “Alumni Supporting Volunteer and Extracurricular Activities”. The primary goal of the club is to generate journalistic content through the exchange and sharing of knowledge and expertise among students from both faculties. This involves collaborative efforts in establishing or revitalizing student magazines at the faculties, as well as active participation in the University radio by recording podcasts and hosting various radio shows on topics of interest to students. The club was established under the coordination of Zorica Trajkova Strezovska, our alumna and president of the Association.

Several meetings and three official workshops were held with renowned successful journalists, including Snežana Lupevska-Sozen, Igor Petrovski, and Ognen Janeski. During these sessions, students were acquainted with fundamental ethical principles of the journalism profession, the intricacies of writing texts in various genres, as well as honing skills in public speaking, recording podcasts, and conducting video/audio interviews.

The first project of the journalism club is the revival of the magazine 'In Medias Res' at the Faculty of Philology 'Blaže Koneski,' Skopje. It was electronically published in December 2024 on the patron day of the Faculty of Philology, in collaboration with and support from the Dean's Office and the Dean of the faculty, Prof. Dr. Vladimir Martinovski.

The editorial board consists of students from various departments of the Faculty of Philology. The magazine serves as a platform for students to publish their personal creative work, share impressions, provide reviews and critiques of books, movies, music albums, and events. It allows them to express their views on various topics related to student life, address challenges they face, recommend literary works, music, movies, events, and promote socially beneficial volunteer activities.

“In Medias Res is the cornerstone of the journalism club, opening a window for students to a wide range of possibilities, enlightening and expanding the mind to art, literature, culture, fostering creativity, and contributing to the local and global context. The Macedonian-American Alumni Association will continue to support the work of the journalism club and all such student associations and activities that contribute to the advancement of higher education in our country”, says Zorica Trajkova Strezovska, the club's coordinator.