Scrolling through Instagram might seem like just another daily habit, but for College of the Sequoias student Rheanna Gallegos, it’s apart of her creative routine. As the Campus Journal’s social media graphics editor, she runs the page that keeps students informed and engaged. For Gallegos, Instagram is a space to share stories, promote creativity, and connect with the campus community in a visual way.
“Every day we scroll through Instagram,” she explains. “It’s how a lot of people check for updates. Having a graphic pop up catches people’s attention.” Students usually interact by liking, reposting, or sharing posts with friends, which helps the content reach an even wider audience.
Gallegos, a communication major entering her fourth year, balances her academic workload with managing the Campus Journal’s Instagram account. She plans posts, creates graphics using Canva, and makes sure every post visually represents the stories being featured. Her interest in the role began last semester in the Media Practicum course, where she was inspired by the previous social media manager. That influence shaped the layout and style of the current semester’s Instagram page. Before this role, Gallegos managed the Student Senate’s Instagram page and currently supports the Visalia Community Enhancement Foundation with their social media platforms. In the future, she hopes to work in promotional media, creating Instagram pages, posters, flyers, and even billboards.
Creating a graphic for the Journal’s social media page is a detailed process. Gallegos carefully selects images submitted by writers, taken on campus, or sourced from stock photos that best represent each story. Every post features the Campus Journal logo, designed by editor-in-chief Clare Carlson. Although it can only take up to five to ten minutes to make a single graphic, Gallegos says the hardest part of her role is keeping up with a schedule that aims for five posts a week.
Collaboration is a major part of her job. She works closely with fellow editors and writers to decide what content to post and when. Despite the challenges, Gallegos enjoys the work. Her favorite post so far was her first one, especially seeing it catch the attention of the campus community. For her, the job is more than just creating visuals, it’s about helping students stay informed, engaged, and connected.
From quick Canva edits to collaborations with the editorial team, Gallegos brings a creative spark to the Journal’s online presence. Her work reminds students that social media isn’t just for scrolling, it’s also a space where stories, community, and creativity come together.
