Synopsis
This semester, I learned how to structure a professional, publishable long-form story from the ground up. Before taking this course, I was a novice in digital media, but the class allowed me to build a strong foundation in visual and multimedia storytelling. I gained hands-on experience integrating multiple forms of media—such as interviews, video, B-roll, graphics, and written narrative—into one cohesive piece.
Developing the Story
One journalistic and ethical guideline I followed when working on my story was ensuring that I did not film any children directly or reveal any identifying information about them. When capturing B-roll at youth fields, I was intentional about avoiding clear shots of faces or visible last names on jerseys to protect minors’ privacy.
One of the main challenges I faced during this project was producing the social media/YouTube component. I had never used CapCut before, so there was a noticeable learning curve as I explored the editing tools, transitions, and audio settings.
The fact-gathering process offered several meaningful opportunities, especially when interviewing professionals in their respective fields. Speaking with a Little League president and a professional strength and conditioning coach gave me firsthand insight into youth sports issues from very different perspectives.
Digital Media Experience
This experience has given me a clearer and more practical understanding of digital journalism, especially through the various applications and tools we used throughout the semester. Working with multiple forms of media showed me how each element can enhance a story uniquely. I learned how these tools make a piece more dynamic and interactive for the audience, transforming a simple report into an engaging digital experience.
In my story, I didn't have to compile data or utilize Google Sheets. However, in our class activities, using Sheets to compile data and find the sums, averages, and differences is an extremely valuable tool. In the future, where I may be crunching numbers for MLB players, these skills may come into play and make my life significantly easier.
Watching my website come together was one of the most satisfying parts of the whole project, especially adding the colors to the background and changing the headers. For my story, getting the chance to "get on the ground" and shoot video was the most exciting part. This aspect of the project, to me, was extremely valuable for my future. I intend to make short-form content later on, so this was great practice for when I am creating MLB content.