Entering multimedia production, I couldn’t have expected to reach such a diverse set of skills. At most, I had hoped to learn about photography and social media. Ultimately, I was lucky enough to learn the skills necessary to create a diverse portfolio online, one which includes an array of different platforms of delivering news and media. I had never expected to learn how to cut sound before, and this class pushed me into it. I was able to make my first little podcast clip, which reminded me about my passion for radio. I also learned many tools for photography. I will forever use the simple methods of creating more appealing photographs. In the future, I plan to incorporate photojournalism much more in my projects.
On top of the technical skills I’ve learned, I have built on many life skills through this semester. Multimedia production taught me how to juggle multiple projects at once with ease. This became even more important as COVID-19 pushed our class online, making me entirely responsible for keeping track of my deadlines and lessons. I have also learned how to become a better writer through gaining perspective on the stories I create. I have worked hard to incorporate many point of views in the articles I write for this class, which has helped me create a more thorough and clear story. Most importantly, this class has rekindled my love for journalism and production. It is so satisfying to work on something and send it out into the world, no matter how many people may see it.
This class has prepared me for my future career by giving me experience in such a diverse set of skills. I will be more equipped to gain skills in radio and podcast production, if I am lucky enough to someday work for Public Radio. I have also more fully grasped what is necessary for telling a good story, and the many aspects that can hold a reader.
The most meaningful assignment for me was most certainly my article on the new president selection. The entire time I was working on it, I felt a drive. I knew that it was the sort of thing I wanted to do with my life. Every hurdle I faced, such as certain trustees declining interviews, pushed me to work even harder. This hard work paid off when I was lucky enough to interview one of the trustees and get great information from her. This article pushed me into directions I wouldn’t have expected, and it taught me how to think on my feet when reporting. On top of this assignment being the most meaningful, it was certainly the most challenging for me. I started the project looking at a different story but it began to seem like that idea wouldn’t work. Right as I was realizing a new story was necessary, an interview enlightened me to the bigger picture of the university at the time. I hit so many hurdles in creating the article, but it turned out completely worth it, giving me something I was extremely proud of.
If I could have given myself advice walking into this class, I would have told myself to remember to keep moving forward and give each assignment my all. This class gave me the opportunity to learn and develop so much, and I’m sure I could have learned even more if I had pushed myself even a little harder. At the beginning, I don’t think I realized just how fun this class would be, and how valuable it would be. I wish I could have realized that just a little sooner.
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