Final Exam

I’m really proud of how this semester of News Media Practicum turned out. I’m getting more out of the class this time around. Last semester I had a medical withdrawal from FSC, which was necessary, but inconvenient. I am still catching up. At first I was frustrated about being behind, but ultimately, I realized that it doesn’t matter when I complete the course, as long as I keep putting forth 100 percent of my effort, because this is a class where you get what you put in. This has been such a great learning and growing process

The first half of the semester was a little rocky. I worried about earning enough hours before break, and I had to go home often because of family obligations. A really good friend of mine passed away, and my dad went through a series of open heart operations. It was tough balancing school, work, and things going on at home, as well as making myself available for projects to gain hours. Ultimately, we survived, and I went home for break with 14 out of the 18 required hours.

After break, things really started to pick up. I got more involved with Wellness TV and Interlachen, and decided that I could take on more responsibilities. It felt good to log a lot of hours every week. It felt even better to be trusted with the cameras, or to be assigned projects. Last year I felt like I was on the outside looking in. Now, I feel more connected.

Some highlights include my step by step editing tutorial with Cynthia. When she explained it, some things just started to click. It was great when I could contribute ideas for packages for Wellness TV as well. Getting assigned my own package has been extremely educational. I think that doing one right before finals was a little ambitious, but it probably won’t be the last time I have to finish a package under pressure. This is practice.

My favorite experience of the semester hands down was shooting the men’s basketball game against USF at The Lakeland Center with Jordan. It was exciting to receive press passes. I’m keeping mine forever. We used two cameras this time because the boys and I were sitting in a media room above the scoreboard, while Anna and Jordan were on the sidelines. The best part of the night was the press conference. Justin and Tony asked the coaches questions. I wasn’t sure what to ask, so I stayed quiet and watched. We got some great sound bites from the USF coach praising the Mocs. Afterwards, we shot Jordan’s standup, and left. That weekend, I was on cloud nine.

While we were shooting at the game, I felt really excited because we were working in an environment that felt like somewhere I could picture myself in the future. My dream of being in broadcasting felt more tangible. I look forward to more opportunities like that. Every project we have in class is like a little stepping stone, so I’ve learned to take them seriously.

My goal for this semester was to go over the required hours. So far, I have 38, and I still need to finish my package. I’m thinking it will be somewhere around 45. Next semester, my goal is to do a package for every show. I want to take advantage of the experience I can gain here, as well as begin some sort of resume. I’m learning how to maximize the potential of this class.