By Nicole Acevedo, Executive Board
Easthampton local, Alex Lyman, is a two-time Western New England University graduate who went from student to Senior Copywriter.
Lyman graduated from the University with a B.A. in Communications in 2012, and an M.S. in Organizational Leadership in 2016. Since then, she has moved up the editorial ladder from Copywriter to Senior Copywriter, and with all of her hard work and dedication – a new title might be on the way.
Following high school, Lyman decided to leave western Massachusetts and move a couple of hours away to Boston, where she began her collegiate career at Emerson College.
“I had a really wonderful education in Boston,” said Lyman. “I loved Emerson. I had a very challenging course schedule and professors that really made sure that we were working hard, and were getting the most out of our experience. I found a wonderful group of friends there and some activities that I loved, but for Emerson – I think that some of the support systems were perhaps a little lacking.”
As a freshman in college, you learn what it’s like to live on your own for the first time, and that experience doesn’t come without its hardships. Being part of an environment where you feel supported during those transitional periods is vital to your growth and success.
“Here at Western New England [University], you get an advisor right away, and there are so many different people on campus that are here to help you. Whereas at Emerson – at that time anyway – you didn’t get a real advisor, and I had trouble seeking the support that I needed,” she admitted.
After finishing her freshman year at Emerson, Lyman found herself transferring to Western New England University in the hopes of finding the encouragement and opportunities she didn’t have in Boston. Quickly, the Golden Bear family welcomed her with open paws as she bonded with her professors, and was able to fully immerse herself into the communications program.
Lyman jokes that her parents are to blame for her love of journalism.
“When I was a kid growing up, we were very much a news-watching household,” she said. “It was always on during dinner, I was always watching it.”
From day one, Lyman was intrigued by the stories and big name news personalities she grew up watching. Even though she didn’t quite understand what she was hearing, there was something captivating about the storytelling that she couldn’t get enough of. As she got older, Lyman found that she had a natural ability for reading and writing.
“It just was never a question,” she said. “I was never one of those people who was like ‘what do I want to do with my life?’ It was just really obvious to me.”
Lyman recalled a sentimental part of her childhood that she believes influenced her into becoming the person she is today.
“When I was a kid, my mom used to work the night shift at a hospital and she would always miss reading us books to go to sleep at night. So, she would record herself reading the book on tape,” said Lyman. “My sister and I loved it, so we started recording ourselves reading.”
As an adult, Lyman has gained experience in all aspects of the journalism field. Her first internship took place during the summer of her freshman and sophomore year of college with ABC 40 before it became Western Mass News.
“I was obsessed!” she said. “When I wasn’t there [at the station], I would watch every single newscast, I think I knew everyone’s schedule. I even got to work with the legendary Ray Hershel, who’s brilliant and the sweetest man. I learned so much from him.”
From developing the alumni magazine, to working on the University website, Lyman has been utilizing her writing, editing, and production experience at Western New England University for the last 8 years. When the University was forced to plan a virtual commencement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lyman’s production expertise was put to the test. In just 6 weeks, she planned the entire ceremony – wrote the scripts, directed officials on stage, and made sure everything behind the scenes ran smoothly.
And although Lyman is definitely a go-getter in the office, she loves the weekend like anyone else. With her Monday-Friday schedule jam packed on a weekly basis, she likes to find downtime in the simple pleasures.
“I’m a creature of comfort,” she joked. “I love a good T.V. show, I love a good movie.”
During the week, her mind is always busy with what’s next on the to-do list. So, when she has the chance to unwind, whether it be spending time with her family or going for an after-lunch walk, she takes it.
Ultimately, Lyman’s down-to-earth, witty, and passionate spirit is prevalent in every aspect of her life. Always putting her best foot forward, Lyman is a valued asset at Western New England University.
