Spring commencement is a mere few days away and The Racquet Press is celebrating the graduation of its very first Newspaper Designer, Claire Esser.
Esser became the first to take on the role of newspaper designer since The Racquet resumed its print editions in March 2024. Her major in communications with an emphasis in media studies guides the work she does at The Racquet.
“I am really interested in media in the visual form, whether that is work with publications or videos, social media even, just communicating through visual design,” said Esser.
And communicating through design she has. Esser has led the design of the last five issues of the Racquet, each with a monthly circulation of 500 copies distributed across UWL and the La Crosse community.
Esser identified Dr. Taylor Cole Miller as a mentor of hers and the professor of her favorite class: CST 338 Media and Sexuality.
“You learn about the tropes, stereotypes and the history of LGBTQ+ representation and media. Media is everything, we are consuming it every second of the day.”
In the spring semester of 2024, Esser studied abroad in Spain, an experience she cites as her most impactful to her college career. While in Valencia she took courses including history of Spain through media and arts, Spanish language, Spanish mass media and culture and society of contemporary Spain.
The study abroad experience pulled Esser out of her comfort zone.
“When people say ‘college is a period of growth’ it was times ten during my few months there,” Esser said.
Esser lived with people from universities all over the United States, while meeting people from Spain and improving her Spanish. The experience taught her a lot about what it means to live in America compared to other countries.
In her last semester at UWL she took advantage of the course catalog, adding in a French class for fun.
“I love learning languages,” said Esser. “I am just doing everything I can before graduation.”
Esser didn’t exactly know what her passions were when she first came to UWL and is grateful to have found her “spot.” She explained how a community was built within her communication classes and her involvement in Lambda Pi Eta, the communication studies honor society on campus.
“When I am there I feel like this is where I am meant to be, these are my people,” said Esser.
Another place Esser felt like she found her people was at The Racquet Press.
It was Professor Cole Miller who urged her to apply and upon getting the position and meeting the team her excitement grew.
“I love being around students who I wouldn’t have ever met probably. And everyone on the Racquet thoroughly impresses me with how amazing they are and how good they are at their position,” said Esser. “It’s a very encouraging and supportive environment. I’m just I’m grateful to be here, grateful to have a seat at the table.”
Esser is from Eagan, Minnesota two hours outside of La Crosse and plans to go back post-graduation, but not before another trip to Europe.
Esser is excited for what to come, an era that is up to her to create.
“It’ll be an interesting transition, but I’m kind of excited for a new chapter, one that we really don’t know what it is gonna be.”
