Kayla Diee: Upcoming Editor-in-Chief of The Cyclone Chronicle

Centenary University’s newly re-established newspaper, The Cyclone Chronicle, has had its rightful popularity since it was reintroduced. 

The Cyclone Chronicle showcases colorful pages on the website, well written articles meticulously edited to perfection, and student-interests-based purpose. 

It was a united effort amongst all writers of the newspaper, coming together to restore what was nearly lost in history. We should thank every past and present member of The Chronicle for their contributions. 

However, one individual stands out for her exceptional dedication to providing feedback on articles, her diligent work both within and outside the club, and her independent recognition as a writer and journalistic teacher: Kayla Diee, who I had the honor of interviewing.

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Have you always lived in Hackettstown?

I have lived in Wantage, NJ my entire life. It’s a cozy, “cow country” town. When I first arrived in Hackettstown, I thought I was in a big city since there’s a Target right down the road from campus!

What’s your Major?

I am a double major in English and Writing with a minor in Paralegal Studies.

I understand you’re a writing skills teacher at a correctional facility. How did that come to be?

I have had a driving passion for correctional education and literacy education accessibility since my sophomore year of high school. After attending a specialty criminal justice program at Stockton University the summer of that year, I knew I wanted to immerse myself in the field. 

I began a correctional literacy initiative called the Next Chapter Project, through which I collect books and donate them to jails and prisons in New Jersey. This past fall, I held a book drive on campus for Warren County Correctional Center. 

During this process, I learned that the facility had not had any teachers come in since the start of COVID. I told the facility’s social worker that I was interested in teaching a writing skills course there and prepared a full curriculum and business proposal for WCC’s administration. They accepted my program, and I’ve been teaching since January. I absolutely love it.

Do you find your education useful for the path you’re planning to go down in the future?

Education is everything for my career! It makes a drastic difference in people’s esteems and presents so many valuable opportunities. My plan is to work in correctional education administration so I can provide incarcerated Americans with the opportunities and knowledge they need to build a new life. 

Would you say Centenary University helped you get to where you are today?

Centenary is what you make it. There are so many great staff members, professors, and students who are excited to help you get projects off the ground, especially when you’re supporting and enriching the local community. 

On a purely academic note, Centenary gave me the tools and experience I need to grow as a confident writer while giving back to the community.

Are there any projects outside of Centenary that you’re proud of and would like to share? Do these projects relate to your major, and are you considering pursuing similar endeavors in the future?

My chief project outside of school is the Next Chapter Project, through which I host all of my book drives and conduct my classes. 

I am also a photojournalism editor for the Prison Journalism Project, an online magazine that publishes the work of incarcerated writers. I create original illustrations for writers’ work, and have been able to use this connection to help my students get published!

I also frequently host open mic nights on campus. It’s a fantastic collective of creatives, and generates a welcoming environment to share original work and passions.

How long have you been a part of the Cyclone Chronicle?

I have been part of the student newspaper staff since its inception. I was one of the nine original students who founded The Cyclone Chronicle!

What ideas and hopes do you have for the newspaper going forward?

I’m looking forward to using my position as the editor-in-chief next semester to expand the reach of The Chronicle. I foresee it becoming integrated in Centenary’s culture, and want it to be a means to celebrate our students and faculty, and all of the inspiring and exciting work being done on campus!

Is there anything special you want to include about yourself? Personal projects? Ideas? Opinions?

I’m an amateur playwright! I’m currently working on a piece that is several years in the making. I’m hoping to have completed a “ready for publishers” draft by the time I graduate in December.