The bustling streets of Manhattan were a whirlwind for The Greyhound News team and Loyola’s Journalism Capstone students as they approached the towering structure of The New York Times building. The iconic skyscraper loomed above them, its glass face shimmering in the sunlight and promising a day filled with inspiration, learning, and discovery: a true pilgrimage to the heart of global journalism.
Anna Miller ’25 likened the experience to stepping into a historical landmark.
“I was saying to myself, ‘Oh my god..this is it’. The New York Times is like a landmark for student journalists.”
We were greeted by Peter Blair ’03, editor of the Flexible Editing Desk in The New York Times newsroom. Blair’s passion for journalism was infectious as he guided the students through the building, beginning with a tour of the newsrooms and ending with a museum that chronicled the history of the newspaper. The group explored exhibits showcasing Pulitzer Prize-winning stories, artifacts from major historical moments, and guest books with signatures from iconic historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr.
For Opinions Editor Kate McLaughlin ’26, one artifact stood out.
“The part of our day that I have been continuously thinking about was our time spent in the ‘One-Room Museum.’ Seeing the front-page headline ‘Madam President’, prepared for if Hillary Clinton had won the 2016 election, was eerie,” McLaughlin said. “It was disarming to see history that almost was. . .that room captured both the high moments and the lows, all told through the lens of The New York Times.”
The highlight of the day was the opportunity to engage directly with Blair and other guest speakers during a Q&A session. The students came prepared, eager to learn about the evolving world of journalism. They asked about adapting to digital media, the villainization of journalists, and even the success of the Times’ popular games like Wordle.
“One piece of advice that really stood out to me was not to try and land your dream job at 22,” McLaughlin said. “The editors emphasized gaining experience at smaller or regional outlets, where you’re often given more responsibility. I remember it being something along the lines of, ‘Don’t do coffee runs for the NYT when you could be an integral team member at a place like the Baltimore Banner.’ That lifted a lot of pressure off me.”
Blair also encouraged the students to diversify their portfolios, a suggestion McLaughlin took to heart.
“The bulk of my work has been in the Opinions/Editorial section. In the next year and a half, I’ll be applying this advice to build a broader portfolio so I can demonstrate a variety of skills when I graduate,” McLaughlin said.
For News Editor Jack Barker ’24, the day was a reaffirmation of his passion for journalism.
“This experience broadened my perspective. Peter Blair’s passion for journalism was evident in every word. . .it reminded me that journalism is not just a job—it’s a responsibility and a craft that impacts the world.”
As the students boarded the train back to Baltimore that evening, they carried with them more than just memories. They returned with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of their craft and what is expected of them. The trip was not only a glimpse into their potential futures—it was a tangible sight of the heights they could achieve.
“This is just the beginning,” Miller said with a smile as the train pulled into Baltimore Penn Station.
