Mavrie Durham

The Power of Student Journalism on Campus

For Mavrie Durham, lead editor of Highline’s student newspaper, the ThunderWord, working in journalism allows her to investigate issues that impact people’s lives. When she’s not heading up the ThunderWord, the Highline student is pursuing an Associate of Arts—Direct Transfer Agreement (AA-DTA) with a concentration in journalism.

Durham described how important it is for student journalists to ask college leaders to explain decisions that affect the school community. “So much of our day-to-day life is guided by the decisions made by people in power: our class schedules, how much we pay, accessibility,” she said.

“I’m the one in the room with them—holding them accountable and asking questions,” she continued.

The 24-year-old Federal Way resident works with reporters and editors across the six sections of the paper—Campus, Community, Sports, Arts, Science & Technology, and Opinion. She networks throughout campus to generate interest and find resources for the ThunderWord, and represents the ThunderWord at board and committee meetings. Being connected to the Highline community is one of her favorite parts of her role.

Durham said the ThunderWord is not only a newsroom but also a classroom, where students learn on the job by bringing their own ideas to the table. Every story goes through a constructive editing process within a team of editors to ensure quality control and to give writers confidence that their work is ready to share online.

Born in Virginia, Durham grew up in North Georgia in the foothills of Appalachia. She graduated from high school after her junior year, and in 2019 headed to Florida where she attended film school for production and scriptwriting. In 2023, she moved to Washington state. “My brother lived here, and my nephew was born right before I moved here, and I wanted to be in his life,” she said.

Durham said that while looking for a college to attend in this region, choosing to enroll at Highline was an easy decision.

“Many people revered Highline College for its quality and diversity. I come from a very minimally-diverse area, and I appreciated the different cultures and ideas that came with the Highline campus,” Durham said.

Durham, who graduates after this spring quarter, will be transferring to University of Washington and enrolling in their Journalism and Public Interest Communications (JPIC) program. 

As far as communications goes, Durham said the ThunderWord has become “a force to be reckoned with in the last two years. Administrators are now very aware that the ThunderWord is a voice on campus that ensures students are being heard.”

Durham encourages Highline students who are interested in getting involved with the ThunderWord to reach out. “Everyone has a unique perspective, everyone has a voice, and sharing that is one of the most powerful things you can do,” she noted.

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