WEST LIBERTY, W. Va – On September 18, I sat down with Cecilia Salomone to discuss her life on campus and personal interests. Salomone is an Assistant Professor in the Media and Visual Arts Department and advises the Trumpet—West Liberty University’s student-run newspaper.
What is your role at West Liberty University?
Salomone has been teaching at West Liberty since the fall semester in 2023—she just celebrated her second year. She teaches classes relating to media writing, journalism, and media studies and theories.
Do you have a favorite class or topic?
She enjoys delving into the history of mass media and how people interact with media. Additionally, she finds it important to help students understand and interpret news media.
What are some of your hobbies?
Salomone is a big fan of concerts, reading, and traveling to different places. Regarding concerts, she goes to several each year. Although she does not have a favorite artist, Salomone claims that the best concert she ever attended was by The Hives (a Swedish rock band) during fall of 2024. She went there with her brother and a close friend. Her favorite authors are Kurt Vonnegut and Stephen King.
Out of all the places you travelled to, is there one that stood out to you the most?
Salomone expressed that, although she has been to a lot of beautiful places, there is not one that she would consider “the best.” However, she put extra emphasis on New Orleans, which she has visited twice and loved both times. Salomone said she enjoyed the detailed history, music, and vibrant culture that the city contains.
What is something you accomplished that you are proud of?
Salomone’s greatest accomplishment was receiving her PhD from her hard work at Penn State University before she started teaching at West Liberty. She started her degree in the fall of 2019. She appreciates the support she received from her peers—classmates and professors alike. During the interview, she commented on how it was difficult learning and teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic over Zoom calls.
What is your favorite thing about teaching at West Liberty University?
Although she noted that what she said was “cliche,” Salomone said that the students are the best part about teaching at West Liberty University. She likes being able to get to know each individual more through small classes.
What is a takeaway from your teachings that you hope your students will remember upon graduating?
Regardless of your major, Salomone believes in the importance of finding reliable sources and critiquing media. “No matter what they end up doing after they graduate, they will always be consuming media,” Salomone said.
What advice do you have for incoming college freshmen?
Salomone says freshmen should keep an open mind in their academic and personal life while also being excited to meet new people.
Why do you enjoy overseeing the Trumpet?
Salomone expresses her appreciation for the staff and how diligent they are. She is happy that she can give students the opportunities to write pieces for publication to “potentially benefit their careers.”
What advice would you give to someone is considering journalism or some kind of media writing majoring in media?
Salomone explains that the skills learned in those majors, having consistent writing and communications skills and strong media literacy, are fundamental parts of everyday life regardless of your major. She adds that students who pursue these majors, whether they commit to them in the end or not, can rely on these skills regardless of what they choose in the end. She says students in these majors will be learning valuable skills for employers and won’t become “pidgeonholed.”
