Interview with Itiwana's Education Officer (and ICA committee member) - Athena Thang

What inspired you to join the ICA Committee?

I had a rewarding experience as a freelance journalist, where I had the opportunity to write about various topics that interested me. Joining the ICA committee has been valuable in enhancing my editorial and organisational skills, as well as allowing me to get in touch with like-minded individuals passionate about writing.

How does the ICA magazine contribute to the association’s goals and represent the field of anthropology to members and non-members alike?

ICA plays a crucial role in facilitating semi-scientific writing – each edition showcases various themes that we, the committee, feel particularly relevant to current events. Members who are interested in specific, detailed academic discourse are sure to appreciate contributions from guest writers who are field experts; non-members and those new to anthropology will be sure to find our student-contributed pieces more accessible and engaging.

What steps does the ICA Committee take to support beginner writers and foster inclusivity in the magazine’s content?

If you have a piece that you find aligns well with the theme of our next editions, submit it! We love hearing from our student body, especially about the topics that they would love to share. Otherwise, we’ll be publishing writing prompts so that you can contribute some of your anecdotes that relate to our current theme.

Can you share some highlights or memorable moments from past ICA publications or projects?

The newest ICA publication was a fantastic read. I have a strong personal interest in video games and digital media preservation, and Nostalgia was a fantastic edition that explored both themes. The media editing and the graphics are gorgeous, and I’m so excited to see how our edition might pan out!

How do you see the ICA magazine evolving in the future, and are there any new ideas you’re excited to implement this year?

I’m excited to see more multimedia elements and interactive features implemented! I think a particularly interesting format I’d love to explore would be video essays and podcasts. This year, I’m particularly excited to explore the theme of ‘labels’ for our next ICA edition; I’ll be talking about the situationship epidemic (lol) and the micro-labels we use.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to contribute to ICA but feels unsure about their writing or ideas?

For anyone hesitant about contributing because you’re uncertain about your writing or your ideas, take the leap! Writing is a skill that improves with practice, and ICA is meant to platform for students who may be intimidated by the high barriers to academic publication. You can start by submitting pieces that resonate with you; I think your unique perspective is what makes your writing special.