MEJO 121 - Class Reflection

This spring has not only been my first full semester as a member of the Hussman School of Journalism and Media at UNC-Chapel Hill, but also my first semester taking official "MEJO" classes (as they're known around here at UNC).

One of these "MEJO" classes has been MEJO 121: Introduction to Digital Storytelling. The class meets in Carroll Hall every Monday and Wednesday  from 8:00am-9:15 (bright & early), and is taught by professor Art Eddy. 

The main goal of MEJO 121 has been to help students gain both a strong familiarity and firm foundation in basic digital filming, production, and editing skills. For example, students have worked extensively with editing softwares such as Adobe Premiere Pro and iMovie, as well as heard from numerous media professional guest speakers on the various key aspects of telling a good story on camera. 

Toward the end of the semester, the class culminates in one large final project where students conduct their own independently filmed, produced, and edited interview, as well as create a personal website to showcase their interview and other desired class work from the rest of semester. 

Personally, the skills I've taken from class lectures/homework and applied the most to my final project (an interview with optometrist Dr. Elizabeth Gunst) include coming prepared with detailed, personal questions when conducting an interview, "showing and not telling" when filming, and incorporating fitting background music into my editing transitions.

Ultimately, I've learned a lot not only about digital storytelling, but media and marketing as a whole in MEJO 121, and I would definitely recommend the class and professor Eddy to other UNC students!