My time with the Digital Communication Crew at GMercyU?
Far from just another class or extracurricular, it’s been a vibrant, winding road marked by both triumphs and stumbles.
Looking back, I realize it was in navigating those very ups and downs that the true significance of digital communication, through the lens of our classroom, our world really clicked. It wasn’t solely Professor Rakus’s insightful guidance, but also the daily interactions with my classmates, the shared “aha!” moments and collaborative problem-solving, that truly shaped my understanding.
DigComCrew wasn’t just about dissecting videos and pinpointing areas for improvement. It was about forging connections, building friendships that extended beyond the editing suite. It was in the sometimes frustrating, often enlightening process of identifying my own recurring mistakes (some habits, I’ll admit, I’m still working on!) that I began to truly grasp the power of visual storytelling. That journey of constant learning and refinement has undeniably molded me into the communicator I am today. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to both the past and present members of DigComCrew, each interaction adding a layer to my understanding of not just video production, but also of myself.
Behind the Lens: Crafting Stories and Overcoming Hurdles
The “behind the scenes” of bringing my stories to life was an adventure in itself. The senior spotlights on Tim Dirusso and Damon Dunn were projects close to my heart from the outset. DigComCrew, while always a dynamic group, wouldn’t have been the same without their dedication and hard work. While I cherish the memories of past crews, these two individuals stand out as incredibly driven. Sharing the graduation stage with them will be a proud moment, and I wanted to capture not just their contributions to DigCom, but also the unique journeys that have defined them as successful seniors. Each of us has walked a different path to reach this milestone, and their stories deserved to be told.
The internship behind-the-scenes video, however, presented a unique set of challenges. While the GMercyU community is full of students gaining invaluable real-world experience, pinning down individuals with the time and willingness to be interviewed proved to be a significant hurdle. It was a testament to the busy schedules and commitments of my peers.
In contrast, the sports symposium behind-the-scenes video was a more collaborative effort. The guidance of Dr. Maddie Herman and the enthusiastic participation of the students were instrumental in identifying compelling interviewees. Although it became my longest video project to date, the diverse perspectives and engaging conversations made it a resounding success. Ultimately, despite the inevitable bumps along the road, each video became a chapter in a larger narrative, a story waiting to be told.
Why Our Stories Echo Through the GMercyU Community
The stories I’ve shared through my videos the senior spotlights on Damon and Tim, the glimpses into student internships, and the coverage of the sports symposium are more than just content; they are reflections of the vibrant heart of the GMercyU community. They shine a light on the talent, dedication, and diverse paths that make our university so special.
Damon and Tim’s senior spotlights serve not only as a celebration of their achievements but also as a source of inspiration for underclassmen, demonstrating the potential that lies within their GMercyU journey. Highlighting student internships bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, underscoring the tangible value of a GMercyU education. And the sports symposium, by bringing together athletes, professionals, and students, reinforces our university’s commitment to excellence in all arenas, both academic and athletic.
Collectively, these stories cultivate a sense of pride, foster deeper connections among students, faculty, and staff, and nurture a strong sense of belonging within the GMercyU family. They are a testament to the experiences that shape us and the community that supports us.
A Conversation That Resonated: My Favorite Interview
Looking back, one interview truly stands out: my coverage of the Sports Symposium. The energy of bringing together students, seasoned professionals, and dedicated faculty created an atmosphere of inspiration and dynamic exchange. It was a privilege to witness and capture the intersection of academic learning, career aspirations, and a shared passion for sports.
My conversation with Dr. Maddie Herman was particularly insightful. Her perspective on leadership and the importance of student engagement left a lasting impression. Interviewing panelist Kevin Johnston, with his wealth of real-world experience in the sports industry, provided invaluable insights into the practicalities of building a successful career after graduation.
What truly elevated this project was the opportunity to conduct vox pops with students from across campus. Hearing their authentic thoughts, reactions, and questions injected a vibrant personality into the story, making it relatable and engaging for the wider university community. It transformed a formal event into a shared campus experience, amplifying student voices and celebrating their perspectives. Through this coverage, I felt like I was building bridges connecting students with professionals, showcasing the richness of our campus events, and highlighting the immense value of engaging in learning beyond the traditional classroom. It was a powerful reminder of the strength and interconnectedness of the GMercyU network.
My Final Bow: A Senior’s Heartfelt Farewell
It feels surreal to think that next weekend, I’ll be walking across that stage, hearing my name called. Through all the twists and turns, the moments of doubt and the surges of accomplishment,
I can finally whisper to myself, “You did it.”
I can tell that wide-eyed kid from the city of Philadelphia, the one with dreams and a fierce desire to make his family proud, that his aspirations are coming true.
Honestly, as I write this, a wave of emotion washes over me. There were times I never imagined reaching this point, never truly believed this day would come. To finally say I’m going to graduate… it’s a profound and humbling feeling. I’m filled with anticipation for what the future holds, eager to embark on the journey of finding a career where I can leverage my Communications degree to make a meaningful impact, to help others like me believe in their own potential for success. It hasn’t been a swift or easy path, but that very journey has forged a resilience within me.
I’ve always held onto the mantra: “Keep betting on yourself.” Because ultimately, we are our own greatest advocates. No one else can fully champion our dreams and push us towards our goals. That inner belief, that unwavering self-reliance, is what propels us forward.
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Margaret Rakus, whose support and belief in my potential pushed me to strive for excellence. And soon, I’ll have the immense joy of hugging my mother and telling her those long-awaited words: “Your son is going to be a 2025 graduate!”
To the future students of Digital Communications, as I take my final bow as a senior, I leave you with this: always bet on yourself. Strive to become the very best version of who you are meant to be. Your stories are waiting to be told.
