The first skill that I would like to touch on is the storytelling aspect of this class. To me, that just isn’t one sector, it is everything, it is the whole package. You must get an idea in your head and next write a story that will really express the point you are trying to make. The video and audio must then submerge your audience into the story itself. I think from the beginning of the class to now, I have a better grip on how to better tell the story. I appreciated your constructive criticism throughout the course because I really do want to just keep getting better.
I also learned to become a better storyteller just through better understanding the equipment. At first, I was very lost, but I learned as I went and came out more knowledgeable with each project. Little tips such as carrying a white sheet of paper for the white balance or using a quarter for the tripod plate were lifesavers. I have Eric to thank for those! He is great. Madison was also a complete natural with the cameras and he showed me how to do a lot of things! I’ve come to find that even little things such as hues, lighting, or angles can make such a difference when telling a story!
The second skill I’ve really learned this semester is interviewing. Even as an extroverted person, interviewing people who I didn’t know was a bit nerve-wracking! But, I’ve learned in this class that I enjoy on-camera interviews more than the phone call interviews I made for COMM360. I also worried that finding interviews would be hard, but it was much easier than expected. Once people see you out and about with your camera they are always curious and willing to help. I met some amazing people during our project 2 feature of Cafe 210 West. I thought it would be weird approaching people eating asking if we could film them but we really found some helpful people.
Project 2 was probably my favorite just because of the wonderful folks we got to interview. We took a 5 sequence shot of 2 customers at Cafe 210 and then I showed them the footage on my laptop, they were so excited and happy and that made us feel really good! Meeting the owner himself, J.R Mangan was also an awesome experience and we made a friend through him and future connection. We found out he once too was a communication/journalism major here at Penn State many years ago!
Every interviewee was nice and I enjoyed learning to listen to what community members had to say. Marla Fannin for example was an absolutely knowledgable boss-level woman. She was very professional and proper but even those people with a tough exterior, have their own tender moments. I’ll never forget whenever she got candid with us there in the studio and broke down over the loss of a fellow PennDOT member. I felt so sad for her but at the same time, it showed me a more human side of broadcast journalism that I have come to love and respect.
Another skill that I learned was time management, and in some cases how to really make it work on a time crunch! For our first three projects, it is safe to say that my team did not finish with a lot of time left. There are a few things that I’ve learned from that experience. First, I don’t enjoy being so stressed out so I always think it is safe to start early! For example, our group knew we had a week or 2 until the project was due so we didn’t rush to get it done. But, this semester was chaotic and life in general always throws unexpected curveballs. Start early, save yourself the headache!
But with that being said, I wouldn’t have changed a thing. In the real world, things aren’t always going to be done on time or get to you on time. I liked the fact that we worked in groups because to me it simulated a real-life work environment. Madison, Aziaun, and I once learned that we could make an entire package in about 10-hours. I’m sure we could even get that number down with the more experience we gain. I like knowing that going forward because I realize I am capable of still producing a decent package in a time crunch if I ever need to. Our group dealt with car troubles, housing troubles, sickness, and even hospital trips during the times we were to be filming, but we still got the work done and I am really proud of us.
Speaking of my partners I love this class. I love everyone in this class and I am honored to have spent the entire semester working with such talented peers. Everyone was always so helpful and willing to explain something that wasn’t easily understood. In the beginning, I didn’t really know everyone but by the end of the semester, I think many of us have gotten close and formed friendships. We really have a good bunch here and I am just so grateful.
I’ve gained a lot of knowledge from this class and I am so happy to have finally gotten some hands-on experience with the equipment. I am taking CCR next semester and am eager to continue building upon the basics learned this year. I can confidently say that this class helped earn me a spot with CCR and these 2 courses will have me prepared for graduation. Right now I still am on the fence about what I want to do in life. Either I will go into the journalism field and therefore all of this is very applicable, or I might stay on the path of my current job as a bridal/formalwear consultant. Either way, I’ve learned how to communicate stories through videos, formulate great interview questions, and I’ve become more tech-savvy in the process. These skills will help me no matter where life takes me! Thank you, Dr. Z!