By Megan Rowe
As the fall semester comes to an end, we are excited to add new faces to the Falcon Media alumni family.
Drake Hartlett is in the Visual Communication Technology (VCT) program and works as a sports photographer for the Falcon Media website and the BG News.
“Falcon Media has really expanded my horizons with my photography skills and given me an opportunity to take a lead role,” says Hartlett.
When Drake first began his journey with Falcon Media, he was interested in design but had some prior experience with photography. When Falcon Media was in need of a photographer, Drake stepped up and took the role.
One of Drake’s most memorable experiences from his time at Falcon Media was the Battle of the I-75 last year in Toledo. He explains how great it was to be there and capture BGSU’s win over the University of Toledo and the Falcons who showed up to support.
“I think Falcon Media has really set me up for my future because of the hands-on experience I got with covering D1 sports teams,” says Hartlett.
Kerrigan Stark, a criminal justice and journalism double major and executive producer of BG24, plans to start her career in Columbus after graduation.
“I would say the most valuable skill from Falcon Media is learning how to talk to people. Because that was something that I wasn’t super comfortable with. I’m an extrovert so I was okay with it, but there is definitely a proper way to talk to people to get information but at the same time, keep them comfortable,” says Stark.
Kerrigan explains the most memorable and impactful project she worked on at Falcon Media was Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April. Throughout the month, she spent her time making various news packages about the psychology behind sexual assault survivors and the therapy offered to them. She had the opportunity to interview someone from The Cocoon, a nonprofit in Bowling Green that supports survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, sex trafficking, etc., and a Bowling Green police officer to learn more about such a sensitive topic.
“It was a super cool experience. After doing it for a whole month, I felt drained so it taught me a lot about burnout but ultimately, I saw that I do have a voice and I feel like that I’m decent enough at what I do so people will listen and that’s really cool,” says Stark.
Kerrigan’s biggest piece of advice to those hoping to pursue a career in the media field is to get out there and create pieces of work that showcase creativity.
“Something that I would stress the most is that you have to have stuff [work] that you’ve done if you want to get a job when you graduate that’s in your field,” says Stark.
Drake and Kerrigan’s passion, creativity, and dedication for storytelling has made big contributions to Falcon Media. Congratulations Drake and Kerrigan and good luck in your future endeavors.