“The biggest takeaway and the biggest thing that I learned and the most important lesson from working at Rocky Mountain Student Media is the importance of community journalism,” said Forrest Czarnecki, 2019-20 Collegian editor-in-chief and graduating senior. 

Czarnecki is a photojournalist graduating from Colorado State University in May 2020 with a bachelor’s in journalism and media communication. He has worked for The Collegian since his first day of freshman year. Within his four years, he has worked as a staff photographer, the 2018-19 photo editor and ultimately as the 2019-20 editor in chief of The Collegian. 

Below, Czarnecki talks about his time at The Collegian.

Forrest has been a great coworker, an amazing photographer and an awesome Editor In Chief for The Collegian. He has always been a great resource for whenever I had questions on just about anything and was always a great teacher for anything photo related. Forrest’s photography and photojournalism work stands out from any other photographer I know. His skills and guidance will be greatly missed, and I know he will go on to do great things.” -Matt Tackett, 2019-20 photo director

Forrest is an inspiring photojournalist, leader and all-around person. His passion for photojournalism is contagious, and it shows in the work he produces. As a leader, he sets high expectations and pushes me to be a better photographer. He is a force to be reckoned with, and I’m proud to know him.” -Anna von Pechmann, 2019-20 photo editor