This semester, I am expanding my horizons by becoming a part of the TV world at WTOP.
I have no plans to be in front of the camera – at least anytime soon. Instead, I chose to be a part of the crew, operating a camera for the nightly news.
Joining WTOP is not something that I necessarily need for my career path – at least Public Relations. However, one of my biggest interests revolves around television. I am fascinated in what goes into television programming. From sporting events to ceremonies, to national news programs, to local programming, I love having a look behind the scenes of it all.
So, joining WTOP was something simply for fun. Just because it is for fun however, does not mean I cannot take away anything from the experience.
I look forward to learning what goes into a news program, how a TV team works together, what certain positions entail, and most importantly, how to perform at my best for my assigned position.
Working a camera may seem like nothing, but on the day of my training, I learned there was a whole lot more to it. Learning terms, controls, different cameras, and positions can be intimidating at first.
I tend to get nervous about a lot – pretty much everything, even the simple parts of life. I like to think that is what drives me at times. Jumping into WTOP, I was extremely nervous.
I was nervous about what I could control. I was nervous about what I could not control.
A friend of mine, who is a member of WTOP, got an earful of questions from me the week leading up to my debut behind the camera.
After training, a run through, and the first few weeks of live shows, I feel much more comfortable.
I am still far from perfect.
I have much to learn and I can only get better with practice. As a whole, I feel happy, comfortable, and confident, especially with the team of people around me at WTOP.
I am sure I will be getting a call from NBCUniversal any day now for a job behind the camera.
I am kidding, of course.
But down the road, who knows?