Hunter Kozik, right, works with graphics manager Brayden Laslo, left, to check the show’s lower thirds before production begins.
This week, we wrapped our third show of the semester for WVU News. Having a show scheduled around spring break had a significant impact on everything leading up to this show. Our normal schedule was completely disrupted, resulting in a week off between our content gathering and production weeks. I think this impacted not only my classmates but also me, in a way that I felt this show was a slight step backward for me.
I think the structure of this class overall helps me with being able to get my work done in a neat and efficient way. Having that routine change so that I was also worried about other classes having extra work and having to go home and work during spring break made it difficult for me when writing the script. The week leading up to break was hectic, and it led to my not being able to give the amount of focus I usually do. As a producer, I feel you must always be at the top of your game and be available to help others. When I’m not, it can quickly snowball into bigger issues that could bring down the entire team.
Despite how rocky I felt the week before break was, I have to say I am really happy with how things went in the studio for this show. While it felt draining to go from the busy week before break into working every day while I was back at home, once I came back to class on Monday, I felt refreshed and ready to get back into producing. It helped me remember the constant action and responsibilities that I was feeling tired of were actually what made me enjoy producing to begin with.
Hunter Kozik, center, works with the production team to prepare for the show.
I know I am always at my best when I am constantly moving and producing fills that need perfectly. While there were some small issues, I think our entire team did amazing this week and are refreshed and ready to get through our last two shows of the semester.
Looking back, this week was a wake-up call in the best way. It showed me exactly where I need to improve, especially when it comes to time management and organization. Moving forward, I want to be more intentional with how I plan my time, making sure I stay consistent even during breaks or slower weeks. Whether that means setting clearer goals for each day or staying ahead on assignments, I know that small changes will make a big difference.
At the end of the day, this experience reinforced an important lesson: Even when it feels like you have taken a step back, you are still moving forward. Growth is not always linear, and sometimes those tougher weeks are the ones that teach you the most. And at the end of the day, you need the rough times to remind you of just how sweet the good times are. I am proud of what our team accomplished, and I am even more motivated to finish the semester stronger than ever.