Meet Nicole Biagioni, a senior Journalism major who shares how her time in the department helped develop her self-awareness and strengthen her skills and abilities to maximize her potential.
How has the UMass Journalism Department shaped you into the journalist you are today and helped prepare you for your future career?
The UMass Journalism Department definitely taught me to be resilient. I've always lived my life by the Marine Corps motto: Improvise, Adapt, Overcome. When faced with a situation, whether it be trying to get a story idea, interviewing a tough subject, or figuring out a problem in Adobe Premiere, I get through the situation by trying to problem-solve (Improvise) and get through it (Adapt) and move forward (Overcome).
What have been your most impactful journalism classes or professors, and why?
Any class with Greeley Kyle. He pushed me to my fullest potential. His classes are a lot of work, and he's a hard grader, but he's only there to make you a better editor, storyteller, broadcaster, etc. He told me the truth that I needed to hear, and it allowed me to improve where needed.
Which student media organizations or university clubs were you a part of, and how have you been involved?
While I dipped my toes in everything from opinion writing for the Daily Collegian and radio news for WMUA, I had "THE" wedding dress feeling with the Amherst Wire. I worked to help develop the video team at the Wire and was also the news and broadcast editor. I focused on presenting a diverse set of multimedia projects that were more than just printed stories with stock images.
What are your points of pride, accomplishments, or the skills you developed that you are proud of most?
I'm most proud of being able to know and operate nearly everything in the broadcast studio. I consider myself a "Jack-of-all-trades." Even though I want to be on-air talent, that shouldn't mean I just read off the prompter and call it day. I would make me feel useless if I didn't develop more skills. I'm more than a pretty face because I know how to focus and shoot cameras, edit video, use the touch screen, create a meaningful package, and create my own greenscreen graphics. If you name it, I've done it, and that makes me proud.
What are your most memorable UMass experiences as a journalism student?
It was a memorable moment when John Anderson came to my Journal 495BP class. When I tell you I freaked out, I FREAKED OUT! I could not keep my inner fangirl from saying, "OMG you are John Anderson from Wipe Out!" He gave my class great tips, critiqued us live during our newscasts and helped us become better broadcasters.
What advice would you give to the next class of journalism students?
Don't let anyone tell you that you made a mistake. I had people judge me for picking the "cheaper option" compared to Pennsylvania State University or Boston University. When I chose UMass Journalism, I found a small community of professors that will fight tooth and nail to help its students succeed. The department might be small, but it's mighty!
What are your plans after graduation?
I'm attending Mississippi State University for their Broadcast & Operational Meteorology Program (BOMP) this fall! In the meantime, I am working with a Hazmat Company (CDW Consultants) as their multimedia intern, taking air samples at hazmat and construction sites and documenting the clean-up along the way. I'll also be working on Boston's Clean Water Project, where I'll be cataloging and documenting bedrock from natural aqueducts going to the Quabbin Reservoir across Massachusetts.
What is your dream job?
My dream job is to be a TV Meteorologist in the Boston Market.