Despite my mom’s insistence to take AP Computer Science in my freshman year I chose to enroll in two TV classes. This small act of rebellion is something I will always be glad about because it exposed me to the world of film and broadcast journalism. Walking into the Conestoga’s TV studio, I was amazed by the large studio spaces and the array of cameras, microphones, and other film equipment. This class quickly became the highlight of my day as I learned how to use different equipment and how to select the most appropriate styles for each scenario. While watching movies with my family, my attention was drawn to the directors’ artistic choices and I was able to identify when editing was used to cover up minor errors. In the class, I worked with more experienced students gaining a strong understanding of the world of film.

 

Interested in learning about journalism I had also joined the Conestoga newspaper, The Spoke. As a reporter, I was most excited to talk to students and community members about topics that interested and impacted them, but I was equally nervous to be a part of The Spoke with the large number of experienced reporters and editors. Over time I gained confidence and particularly enjoyed working on feature stories that highlighted peoples’ passions and accomplishments. Deciding on the story line and the appropriate language and phrasing was initially very challenging, however once editing was completed and the final story was published I felt very proud to see my byline next to my article. 

 

During the editor application process I noticed that there was an opening for the Multimedia (broadcast) Editor position. At that time only the Multimedia Editor would create packages releasing only one package per issue. From my experience in TV and reporting, I was confident that the techniques I learned in TV would be valuable to The Spoke. I carefully crafted my application, detailing my skills and included a news package that I had created.  We all waited anxiously to hear back from the Editors-in-Chief and advisers on who had earned an interview. With only three seniors graduating the odds were low that the positions would be given to freshman reporters. I was ecstatic when I received an email that I made it to the next stage - time to prepare for the perfect interview. I firmly believed that the Spoke needed to increase the number of broadcast packages to improve readership as most students preferred to watch videos than read long articles. In my interview I pitched the idea of creating a multimedia section open to all reporters to learn the skills of journalism through video. I explained how through videos the interviewees’ emotions and body language are expressed which captures their true passion and feelings. Additionally I described how video is more accessible and easier for people to watch. The Editors-in-Chief and advisers loved the idea and I was selected as one of only three freshmen to join the board. 

 

The past year as the Multimedia Editor has been life changing. I enjoyed the high action B-Roll from sports packages, the detailed quotes from features and condensing complicated news stories into a digestible form. I learned to be an effective leader, teaching reporters proper camera techniques and editing skills and have encouraged all reporters to try broadcast journalism. I enjoy teaching myself Adobe Premiere Pro and collaborating with a variety of reporters and editors to create accompanying packages for their articles. As I transition to my Junior year position as T/E Life (features) Editor, I am proud that my work as the Multimedia Editor has had a lasting impact on The Spoke. Through my work several reporters have learned Broadcast Journalism and five packages are produced for each issue to accompany a wide variety of print stories. I also coordinated with the morning news program advocating for my reporters’ packages to be played on the news.  This has boosted The Spoke’s readership significantly. I am proud to be part of something that I am so passionate about and eager to work on. I love The Spoke and all the friendships that I have made. I will be forever grateful for the opportunities it has given me. I am excited to see what is next.