Media and Affect

Since the beginning of time, humans have told stories.

It is our tendency to share the things that excite, terrify, upset, and uplift us. We are privileged to live in a society with media outlets that share the good, the bad, the ugly.

This article was originally posted in Halcyon Tidings, a newsletter of FPU’s University Scholars Program – August 2026.

Unfortunately, we live in a world where systems, far too often, become corrupt; systems meant to educate and capture the stories that shape community and identity are weaponized. Renowned journalist Scott Pelley says journalism breeds democracy. Although events in the world have made it increasingly difficult to believe in that principle, I remain optimistic.

We can always strive for democracy. FPU certainly does. Although our school isn’t run by students, they are at the core of how leadership decides we should move forward. Students, in great part, are responsible for the flourishing of our community. I’ve sat in a great deal of leadership talks, and the message I have always walked away with is that leadership is embodied in many distinct ways; however, all types of leading require a voice—loud, quiet, gradual, or immediate. God created us with a voice as a tool. He gave us what He used when He spoke the heavens, earth, and sky into existence. I want to apply the same philosophy Rose Horowich, a staff writer at The Atlantic, used in one of her feature pieces: “What [we do] with this inheritance is up to us.” We become what we consume—language, thought, traditions, and trends—and much of what is consumed today, and how it is consumed, comes from media culture. The awesome part is that we get to decide what we consume and how we respond.

At FPU, there are several ways to participate in the discourse surrounding societal and community issues, two of which are specifically student media: in other words, media led and created by students. Fresno Pacific’s literary journal, The Green Light, aims to be an outlet for creative minds in our community and includes short stories, artwork, poetry, etc. The Green Light anxiously awaits all first-time authors and artists and can’t wait to admire the next set of brilliant minds.

The Syrinx, our student magazine, is the voice of the Sunbirds. We encourage all who feel the urge to speak on issues, be it global, national, or local, to render their story in a place where it is welcome. We balance the light and fluffy with the heavy and uncomfortable. We provide a place for the stories of the people, by the people, for the people. It is a place to do what is innate for us—to tell the stories of humanity for humanity.

Side Note:

The interdisciplinary society Alpha Chi (AX) celebrates the top ten percent of students in their major, providing opportunities to make “scholarship effective for good.” Alpha Chi members are invited to attend annual conferences to present research in their area of study. AX scholars are also encouraged to work collaboratively. At the annual conference, groups of AX scholars present their findings on a given topic, applying research relevant to their major. The Trisha Yarbrough Collaborative Research Competition can award up to $2,500 per group! This year’s theme is “Living Healthy in an Online World.” If you are an Alpha Chi scholar or would like to take part and have questions about involvement, please email Judith at jzf135@students.fresno.edu.

Judith Flores Mora

Judith is a senior majoring in English and minoring in History. She serves in the Honors Program as the University Scholars Program assistant. Judith is on the student magazine team, The Syrinx, and the literary journal, The Green Light. She is passionate about playing music, mostly as a drummer in the church’s worship team and as an occasional bass and keyboard player. She is also the "fun aunt" to fourteen nieces and nephews. All in all, she is a servant of Christ and His ministry.