Who am I, and what do I hope to discover this semester?

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Entering Professor Patton’s class, I expected to learn the technical fundamentals of multimedia storytelling. Although I expected to enter this new world filled with curiosity, I did not anticipate how much the course would challenge my perception of storytelling itself. While sitting in class, I sometimes find myself surprised by how quickly the time passes. Between discussions, visual examples, and the exploration of multimedia techniques, I have begun to understand that storytelling extends far beyond the written word.

Over the first few weeks, I have learned the fundamentals of multimedia storytelling, including photo composition, different forms of multimedia, and the influence of social media on journalism. However, the most significant lesson has been understanding the power of storytelling. During our initial class, Professor Patton played a short video created by a former student. The video was emotionally moving and demonstrated how effectively multimedia can communicate human experiences. It reminded me of the countless stories waiting to be told and the impact they can have on an audience emotionally.

One of my greatest takeaways has been learning to approach storytelling with intention. Before this class, I had a more narrow understanding of how multimedia could be used to communicate a story. As the class continues, I begin to think more like a journalist, pondering insightful questions behind each simple observation. Professor Patton also exposed us to the world of sensory and control. The course centers appealing to the senses of readers. 

The most effective method to ensure this is asking the following questions: What should the audience see first? What should they hear? What emotions might the sequence of images produce? Where should they pause, and what will keep them engaged? These questions have encouraged me to think beyond simply presenting information and instead consider how an audience experiences it.

I have also begun to understand the importance of structure and detail in crafting a compelling story. Identifying a central question, establishing the human experience at its center, and reporting through multiple perspectives are essential parts of the process. Each medium serves a distinct purpose. Photography captures a moment, video reveals movement and change, audio preserves voice and emotion, and data visualizations communicate patterns and disparities. Learning how these elements work together has shown me that multimedia storytelling requires both creativity and careful analysis.

Equally important is the attention to detail required to produce meaningful work. Lighting, framing, sound, and even the placement of two images beside one another can influence how a story is interpreted. Editing is more than just removing unnecessary material. It can form a symphony between the elements of a story and how those relationships shape meaning.

The most meaningful shift in my thinking has been recognizing that multimedia storytelling is not limited to journalism. I now see its relevance across industries, backgrounds, and professional fields. Through the combination of sound, visuals, and thoughtful writing, multimedia has the ability to evoke emotion, communicate complex ideas, and connect people through shared experiences.

As I continue through Professor Patton’s class, I anticipate a journey defined by challenge, creativity, and growth. I am beginning to think more intentionally as a writer, storyteller, and aspiring professional. More than learning a new set of technical skills, I am discovering new ways to see, interpret, and communicate the world around me.

STORIES. STYLE. POLITICS.

AISHAWURIE.COM