Meet Flyer News’ Opinions Editor

Readers,

My name is Lacy Armstrong, and I am honored to continue serving as the Opinions Editor for Flyer News during the 2026-27 school year.

Whenever I sit down to write, I find myself returning to the same thought. The conversations that resonate with us the longest are usually sparked by a sense of curiosity. Whether my focus is on politics, philosophy, or campus life, I have always believed that the willingness to ask meaningful questions is just as important as having meaningful answers. Since this is my opportunity to introduce myself, I thought it would be best to begin by sharing some of the experiences and interests that have shaped who I am today.

I am entering my third year at the University of Dayton, where I am pursuing a degree in philosophy and political science, complemented by a minor in human rights studies. I am originally from Dayton, Ohio, and although I have lived here my entire life, I have always loved exploring new places and learning about the people and histories that have shaped them.

One place that will always capture my attention is New York City. Ever since I was young, I have dreamed of living in the Lower East Side, my favorite neighborhood. I love that it still carries the essence of old New York while continuing to evolve through new communities, artists, and cultures. Everywhere you walk, history exists alongside something new, and I believe that balance is part of what makes the neighborhood so fascinating. It reminds me that every place holds countless stories waiting to be discovered if we are willing to look a little closer. This sense of curiosity has influenced nearly every aspect of my life.

From a very young age, my mom encouraged me to explore the world beyond my personal experiences. Through a variety of documentaries, books, and many conversations, she introduced me to social issues, human rights, and the daily realities faced by many. More importantly, she taught me that effective advocacy begins with understanding. Before we can change the world around us, we must first be willing to learn about it, ask difficult questions, and genuinely listen to those whose experiences differ from our own.

Those discussions made it clear to me that I wanted to become an attorney. However, as time progressed, another goal began to take shape. While attending the University of Dayton, I have had the privilege of learning from professors whose passion for their subjects has been impossible to ignore. Watching them teach has shown to me that education itself can serve as a form of advocacy. Their enthusiasm helped me realize that I wanted to build a career centered on scholarship. Rather than viewing learning as something that ends after law school, I hope to spend my future studying the law through continual reading, research, and writing while helping students develop that same sense of curiosity in the classroom.

Although much of my academic research focuses on human rights, I have also developed a deep appreciation for ancient philosophy. Some of the questions I enjoy exploring most involve the relationship between ancient philosophical thought and modern legal systems. I find it fascinating that many of the questions philosophers debated thousands of years ago continue to shape conversations about justice, rights and government today. Understanding where those ideas originated helps us better understand why our legal systems look the way they do and how they might continue to evolve in the future.

Looking back now, it seems almost inevitable that I would find my way to journalism. I have loved writing for as long as I can remember, as it has consistently provided a means for me to organize my thoughts. Writing allows me to slow down, reflect thoughtfully, and explore questions from various perspectives before reaching a conclusion. I have always enjoyed looking beyond the surface of an issue, paying attention to details that might otherwise be overlooked and considering perspectives that deserve more attention. Journalism has offered these interests a place to grow, while also allowing me to participate in conversations taking place within my community.

That is what first brought me to Flyer News during my sophomore year, and I have been grateful ever since. As the Opinions Editor, I have had the opportunity to combine so many of the things I enjoy most, including writing, research, and meaningful dialogue. Most importantly, it has led me to an amazing group of students who genuinely care about producing meaningful work for our campus community.

One of my favorite experiences from this past year was the trip to New York City with the Flyer News staff for the College Media National Convention. We attended sessions led by journalists from across the country, toured media organizations, and spent time exploring the city together during our free time. This experience was truly remarkable, not only for the insights I gained about journalism, but also for the reminder of how fortunate I am to be a member of such a supportive and encouraging staff.

In addition to my role at Flyer News, I am a member of the Honors Student Advisory Council, the Dayton Civics Scholars cohort, and serve as the Humanities Academic Representative in Student Government. I also had the privilege of participating in the 2026 Women’s Leadership Immersion Cohort and spent this past summer in Washington, D.C., as a DC Flyers intern. Although each experience has been different, they have all strengthened my commitment to leadership, public service and civic engagement.

Outside of academics, I love spending time with my friends and family, exploring new cities, visiting museums, discovering local restaurants, learning about fashion and its history, and reading Vogue. What began as a magazine subscription has become one of my favorite ways to learn about the history of fashion, emerging designers, and the ways fashion reflects culture and society.

As Opinions Editor this year, I hope to create a section that encourages thoughtful discussion. I have always believed that opinions are at their best when they are grounded in careful research, thoughtful reasoning and a willingness to engage with perspectives different from our own. While opinions are often associated with disagreement, I believe respectful disagreement is one of the most valuable parts of learning. The goal of an opinion piece should not simply be to persuade someone to agree. Sometimes its greatest value lies in encouraging readers to think about an issue in a way they had not considered before. Whether readers agree with every article or hold opposing views, I hope each piece leaves them with a deeper understanding of both the issue itself and the people whose perspectives shape the conversation.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue serving as Opinions Editor, and I am excited to spend another year writing, learning and growing alongside the Flyer News staff and the University of Dayton community.

Warmly,

Lacy Armstrong