About Kayla Goodman

Kayla Goodman is The Prairie Editor. Her job is to edit stories, manage the magazine's content, and make sure the reporters get stuff in (not always easy!). She is a Senior Ad/PR major. You can contact her by e-mail.

Letter from the Editor – Graduation

Posted on April 21, 2010 by Kayla Goodman

Dear Students and Faculty:

Well, it’s that time of year again when everyone moves on due to graduation. I am one of those people, and therefore, this is my last issue here at WT. It’s kind of a bittersweet feeling to be honest. I have had a great time being editor of the new Prairie magazine, and I have learned so much being a part of this publication.

My main goal this year was to first of all, change the format from newspaper to magazine, which I believe I honestly succeeded in doing. I also wanted to bring new outlooks to life, school, and accomplishments. I also believe I achieved that through many of our stories this year, especially our opinion column. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this University, as it has taught me so many things about life and my future career.

I want to thank all of you for supporting this new magazine, and I hope you all continue to read The Prairie next year!

Sincerely,
Kayla Goodman

Letter from the Editor: Editor Mad-Libs

Posted on April 8, 2010 by Kayla Goodman

PHOTO | COURTESY OF JENNA KAMINSKY, FLICKR

This week we are focusing on multiple organizations. I guess you could call this issue [noun].

We are highlighting organizations such as FCA, SI, Study Abroad, Spanish Conversation hour and [adjective] more. With this [noun] coming to an end, we want to give you some [noun] to think about all summer. Not only are we focusing on organizations, but we are focusing on [noun] fashion; what to wear and what not to [verb].

Also for those of you who don’t know the campus as well as [noun], or if you haven’t been in all the buildings around campus, we have a picture tour to [verb] you through the campus. We hope you [verb] this issue, and keep reading because we only have one more [noun] this year!

From the Editor – Now Hiring!

Posted on March 25, 2010 by Kayla Goodman

Kayla Goodman

This week we have a myriad of stories that will have something for everyone, I’m sure of it! We have everything from an update on the Turkey trip during Spring Break to a name change of a local football team. You won’t be disappointed with this issue.

We only have two more issues for this school year, so make sure you get your fill of The Prairie these next few weeks. If you have any suggestions, or you just want to see something in these last issues, make sure to write in at theprairiemail@yahoo.com. Also, it is that time of year again when The Prairie is losing some staff members due to graduation. That means there are spots available for the 2010-2011 school year. We are currently accepting applications, and you can fill them out here.

We hope that you consider this job opportunity! We want to thank you for your continued support, and we hope that you think about joining our team for the next school year!

Letter from the Editor: Spring Break!

Posted on March 4, 2010 by Kayla Goodman

Have a Fun and Safe Spring Break! - The Prairie Staff

It’s March, and guess what that means? It means fun built in for the whole month.

This issue highlights all the fun happening this month. I’m sure all of you are ready for Spring Break, just like us, and we have made sure that you are completely ready. We have safe tips and guidlines for you to follow (even though you are probably thinking you’re in college and don’t need someone telling you how to have fun).But trust me, after a few Spring Breaks of my own, you should take this advice.

We also have given you great insight on March Madness. Everyone knows it’s about basketball, but do you really know what all it entails? I didn’t either, until I read this issue about March Madness for Dummies. It makes it confusingly clear! There is also a chance for WT’s own bracket if there is enough competitors. So email us attheprairiemail@yahoo.com and let us know if you are interested! We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we do!

Letter from the Editor – WT’s Future

Posted on February 18, 2010 by Kayla Goodman

Kayla Goodman

This week’s issue highlights mainly what is happening now and in the future for the campus of West Texas A&M University. New changes will arise in the upcoming months to better the campus and to provide new places for the WT students (that’s you). With all these changes happening, WT will look like a brand new University.

Not only are there changes at WT, but also in the neighboring city, Amarillo.

Amarillo has become nationally recognized as a MMA leader. When you read our story about Shark Fights, you will see why this has caused so much attention.

We hope you enjoy this fun, but informative, issue. We had a lot of fun as a staff putting it together! And remember, if you have anything you would like to share or see in the next issue, email us at theprairiemail.com.

Web Editor’s Note: You can also contact us via Facebook and Twitterw.

Letter from the Editor – Valentine’s/Super Bowl

Posted on February 4, 2010 by Kayla Goodman

Kayla Goodman.

This issue is a little different because we made one side for the guys and one for the girls.We know that guys don’t like to talk about Valentine’s Day, and we know that girls don’t like to talk about football.

So, we made you both happy and gave you 2 in 1!

We hope you all enjoy this special issue, and continue to read the Prairie!

Letters from the Editor – The Prairie Going Bi-Weekly

Posted on January 21, 2010 by Kayla Goodman

Kayla Goodman

Well, the break was nice, but it’s back to work for us here at the Prairie for yet another semester.

Just like changes were made last semester, we made more for the Spring. We aren’t making drastic changes like formats again, but the publications will be less. We are changing to a bi-weekly magazine instead of every week publications. We want to provide you with more in-depth stories and more overall content.

The magazine will be longer and more detailed. We want to do different visual aspects and get a little out of our comfort zone and try new, exciting illustrations. Our first shot at this will be (not next week, remember, but the next) – February 4. We want to really entice you in with elements never done before here on this campus. We hope you enjoy the new “look” of the magazine, starting in two weeks.

We would love to hear your feedback on this decision, and we encourage you to write in with any suggestions or different things you would like to see in the upcoming issues at theprairiemail@yahoo.com. We appreciate your support!

Web Editor’s Note: Feel free to leave us feedback in the comments, on our Facebook Page, or tweet us (@The_Prairie).

Letter From the Editor: Merry Christmas!

Posted on December 3, 2009 by Kayla Goodman

We hope you have had a great semester here at WTAMU, and have also enjoyed the new changes of the Prairie. This is the last issue this year, and we wanted to go out with a BANG!

This Christmas issue will definitely put you in the holiday spirit. Also, you will learn quite a bit about some teachers and athletes here on campus and what they like to do during the holidays. You will also get an inside glimpse of the Prairie staff and what they like about Christmas.

We hope you join us again Spring 2010, and continue reading this great magazine. Have a safe and happy holiday! Merry Christmas!

Staff Picks: Best Holiday Flicks

Posted on December 3, 2009 by Sam Carter

Official Movie Poster.

It’s a Wonderful Life
Beka Rutledge (Assistant Editor)

The movie that I must watch every Christmas is, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” It is such a great story about second chances and the true love you get from family. Although the film is in black and white, I think that aspect makes it even more beautiful. It captures all the magic of Christmas. Even though there are some low, slightly depressing portions of the movie, the magic of the giving season still shines through. I am in such a great mood after it has ended. It has a great romance in it between George and Mary. One of the famous lines is, “I’ll give you the moon Mary.” It is a very well told story; the plot flows so well. If you haven’t had the chance to see it, I encourage you to catch it on TV or go rent it. It will be well worth it. And don’t forget, “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.

Official Movie Poster.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Sam Carter (Opinion Writer)

I’m talking about the original – the cartoon. Not that over-done, high-budget Ron Howard remake. Though I did like Jim Carrey in it, it doesn’t hold a candle to the original cartoon. The scene of the Grinch slithering like a snake under the tree as he steals all the Christmas presents and decorations, stands out when I think of Christmas programming. It only comes on once a year like “It’s a Wonderful Life,” so it is a special event that I plan my night around every year. It embodies the Christmas spirit and helps put me in it every time.

Official Movie Poster.

A Christmas Story
Tammy Luksich (Sports Editor)

My favorite Christmas movie is “A Christmas Story.” It tops my list because I love all of the characters, especially Ralphie. Watching the movie has been a big family tradition since I was 6-years-old. My dad taught me to shoot a rifle when I was about that age, so I understand the nagging Ralphie felt when his parents continuously told him that he would shoot his eye out. There’s nothing better than sitting at home during the holidays and enjoying a cup of hot cider and watching “A Christmas Story” with my family.

Official Movie Poster.

Home Alone
Jonas Rios (Staff Writer)

I look forward to watching “Home Alone” every Christmas season. It really is an entertaining, funny movie. The robbers crack me up when they are up to no good, and of course the movie has an overall good point of Christmas and family.

Official Movie Poster.

The Grinch
Allie Renya (Photographer)

My absolute favorite Christmas time movie is “The Grinch!” Jim Carrey does an amazing job as the Grinch, and my absolute favorite part is when they show the Grinch as a child and is being taunted by all the other children. This is the one movie that continuously plays over and over during the holidays that I will not get sick of. I think it is a very creative portrayal of the original cartoon that the whole family will enjoy.

Official Movie Poster.

Elf
Kayla Goodman (Editor)

My favorite movie around Christmas is none other than the infamous “Elf!” I love this movie because, well, I love Will Ferrell. He is one of the funniest actors I have seen, and he makes me laugh all the time. My favorite line is, “Buddy the Elf, what’s your favorite color?” Hahaha. If you haven’t seen this movie yet (even though it’s been out for like 10 years) you should! It will make your holiday season complete! No more Mr. Scrooge this Christmas!

Official Movie Poster

Home Alone 2
Georgia Romig (Web Editor)

I’m not sure when it started, but my family started watching “Home Alone 2” for the holidays. It’s not really my kind of movie, but it grew on me over the years… maybe ‘cause I used to be kind of a brat like Macaulay Culkin. Now, it really puts me in a holiday mood. For a comedy, it’s got some really touching moments, especially when the kid gets lost in the Big Apple and reunites with his family. Plus, it’s funny in a corny kind of way.

Official Movie Poster.

Jack Frost
Maria Molina (Staff Writer)

My favorite Christmas movie is Jack Frost because I remember watching it many times when I was a kid. I remember how it made me appreciate my family, especially my dad. It is a very touching story for me because my dad and I are very close, so it made me think about how horrible it would be to lose him. It also made me appreciate him more and made me realize that the times I was mad at him were just a waste of time we could have been together. It also made me think of the days when I was very busy and how I should always have time for him because one never knows what can happen

Official Movie Poster.

The Polar Express
Megan Gerber (Sports Writer)

When I think Christmas movie, I think the Polar Express. It’s the perfect holiday story for every age, and I have to admit that I still get choked up at the end of the film. The animation is great, and who doesn’t love Tom Hanks? I find myself humming the songs from this musical throughout the holidays. This movie gives me the urge to curl up by the fireplace with a big cup of hot chocolate. It definitely will give you the inspiration to believe.

Letter from the Editor – Thanksgiving

Posted on November 19, 2009 by Kayla Goodman

Kayla Goodman

This week is our Thanksgiving issue, and we wanted to have fun! We have everything from A Christmas

This issue will most definitely put you in the holiday spirit!

What are your Thanksgiving traditions? Do you wake up early to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade while your mom cooks, making a pleasing aroma all throughout the house? Or do you travel to spend Thanksgiving with friends and family elsewhere?

Whatever it is, we hope you have a great Thanksgiving break and think about what you are truly grateful for this season.

Avatars by Sterling Adventures