Midterm

As cliché as this may sound coming from a communications major, the most important thing I have learned so far this semester is that communication is crucial. At the beginning of the school year, knew that being able to communicate with my peers and professors was going to be important. It wasn’t until I got some practical experience in my field that I realized just how vital communication really is.

I have of course learned other things too. Being a member of the Wellness TV staff has taught me a few of the things involved in being a part of a production crew. I have learned about some of the different elements that going into making a segment. For example, there can be main footage and then a b-roll on top of that. I have learned that while reporting on a topic for a segment, its best to get the opinions of both a professional and a participating bystander.  From being on the staff of the Interlachen, I have become familiar with new equipment and cameras. As a result of the ROTC shoot I worked on, I’m now able to arrange large groups in ways to be visually pleasing in pictures. I’ve also learned about some of the different techniques and rules used in a specific writing style. For example, abbreviations should not be used in the first reference to a group, organization or club.

All of these lessons that I have learned are important, but I would not have known any of them if they were not communicated with me. The most obvious means of communication is discussions at meetings. I have attended all of the Wellness TV and Interlachen meetings. Each one was productive because we were able to discuss upcoming events, projects and shoots. The sign-up sheets clearly communicate who is going to what event. The times, dates and locations are clearly stated. There is not any confusion as to what you need to be doing.

I learned that as a freshman, I need to communicate with the upper classman and the editors. They have experience and there’s a lot they can teach me.  I worked with Lauren, who taught me how to work the cameras on shoots. I received a quick workshop from Mandy who taught me a little about yearbook writing. I’ve listened to the way they speak to each other to become familiar with the different terms used.

Another big lesson I’ve learned so far this semester is to communicate when things are going wrong. Instead of worrying or trying to solve problems on my own, I’ve learned to trust the rest of the staff. For a Wellness TV episode, I was supposed to be a part of the healthy eating segment. When I was told that the schedule had to be arranged around the older students’ schedules because I didn’t know how to do anything yet, I thought that was true. As a result I could never help because I always had class or a previously scheduled Interlachen event.  It wasn’t until I talked to someone in charge and let her know what was going on that I was able to start participating. If I didn’t communicate with her, I still would not be involved.

During the remainder of the semester, I already have many shoots scheduled. I’ve been in contact with the leaders of Wellness TV to get information about future episodes. However, I know there is still so much for me to learn. I plan to work hard and gain all the knowledge and experience I can.