The transition from the academic classroom to the fast-paced professional world often presents a significant challenge for students, but a recent collaboration provided a unique opportunity for a select group to bridge that gap in a high-stakes environment. A team of ten students from the Rochester Institute of Technology’s School of Communication was entrusted with the role of the official media team for the New York State School Counselors Association conference, a major event held at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. This immersive experience not only allowed them to apply their developing skills in a real-world setting but also offered hundreds of education professionals a direct glimpse into the capabilities of the next generation of communication experts. The partnership underscored the immense value of hands-on learning, demonstrating how student-led initiatives can deliver professional-grade results while providing unparalleled educational benefits. The students managed all communications support, from content creation to on-the-ground reporting, showcasing a level of competence that left a lasting impression on conference attendees and organizers alike.
A Symbiotic Partnership in Professional Communication
Bridging Academia and Industry
The students’ responsibilities at the conference were comprehensive and demanding, mirroring the duties of a seasoned corporate communications team. They were tasked with conducting in-depth interviews with keynote speakers and attendees, recording pivotal sessions for archival and promotional purposes, and drafting compelling stories that captured the essence of the event. This hands-on work provided a practical application of the theoretical knowledge gained in their Communication BS, Communication with Journalism BS, and Advertising and Public Relations BS programs. Communication Program Director Keri Barone praised their performance, noting that the students “worked tirelessly throughout the conference” and represented RIT with “confidence, professionalism and creativity.” This immersive project went beyond a typical internship, plunging them directly into the pressures of live event coverage where deadlines are firm and the expectation for quality is high. Their success in this environment served as a powerful testament to their training and their ability to adapt and excel under professional pressure.
The benefits of this arrangement extended far beyond the student team. For the educators and school counselors attending the conference, the students’ presence offered a compelling, real-time demonstration of the talent emerging from RIT’s communication programs. Rather than reading about student capabilities in a brochure, these professionals witnessed their skills firsthand as they were interviewed, saw them orchestrating video shoots, and read the timely articles they produced. This created a powerful and authentic showcase, reinforcing the university’s reputation for producing career-ready graduates. The initiative effectively transformed the conference into a living portfolio for the students and their school, fostering a dynamic interaction between academia and the professional community. It highlighted a modern educational model where students are not just passive learners but active contributors to significant professional events, proving their value long before they officially enter the workforce.
The Faces of Future Media Professionals
The media team was a thoughtfully assembled group of ten students, reflecting a rich diversity of experience and academic focus that contributed to their collective success. The team included Marissa Hura, a sophomore in Advertising and Public Relations; Alexis Gutierrez, a first-year student pursuing a double major in Communication and Advertising and Public Relations; Bella Pellittere, a sophomore in Advertising and Public Relations; Liam Conroe, a junior in Journalism; Vi Monsees, a sophomore in Advertising and Public Relations; Leah Flood, a senior in Communication; Janya Wysinger, a senior in Journalism; Laz Rascusin, a sophomore in Advertising and Public Relations; Lex Paull, a first-year student in Communication with a Journalism option; and Melissa Xie, a junior in Advertising and Public Relations. This blend of underclassmen and upperclassmen created a unique dynamic, fostering mentorship and collaboration across different stages of their academic journeys, ensuring a well-rounded and energetic approach to the media coverage.
The strategic mix of students from various academic years and specializations proved to be a significant asset in covering the multifaceted conference. First-year students like Alexis Gutierrez and Lex Paull worked alongside seasoned seniors such as Leah Flood and Janya Wysinger, creating an environment ripe for peer-to-peer learning and mentorship. The different perspectives brought by students focusing on journalism, advertising, public relations, and general communication allowed the team to approach their tasks with a holistic strategy. For instance, journalism majors could focus on crafting objective news stories and conducting insightful interviews, while advertising and public relations students could ensure the messaging was consistent and effectively promoted the conference’s key themes. This interdisciplinary collaboration not only enriched the final media products but also mirrored the integrated team structures found in modern communication agencies, providing all ten students with a realistic and invaluable preview of their future careers.
The Broader Context of Educational Excellence
Fostering Youth Development on a National Scale
The conference was managed by the National Center for Youth Issues (NCYI), an organization with a long and impactful history of supporting the well-being of young people. Since its founding in 1981, NCYI has been dedicated to providing educators with the tools and training necessary to foster the healthy development of children and youth. The organization’s reach is substantial, having supplied materials to over 40,000 schools across the nation and trained more than 100,000 educators. This extensive network underscores the significance of the New York State School Counselors Association conference, positioning it as a critical event for professionals in the field. The students were not merely covering a local meeting but were documenting a gathering of experts dedicated to addressing some of the most pressing issues facing young people today, including bullying prevention, mental health awareness, and internet safety. Their involvement placed them at the heart of a national conversation, adding a profound sense of purpose to their work.
Held at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, the three-day event was a hub of professional development and collaborative learning for school counselors and educators. The schedule was packed with workshops and resource-sharing sessions designed to equip attendees with the latest strategies and information to support their students. Highlighting the conference were insightful keynote addresses from John W. Hodge and Ali Truwit, both renowned figures in their respective fields. The RIT student media team was responsible for capturing the essence of these high-profile talks and the collaborative spirit of the breakout sessions. Their ability to operate seamlessly within such a large-scale, professional setting further demonstrated their readiness for the industry. They navigated the bustling convention center with purpose, ensuring that the valuable knowledge shared during the event was documented and disseminated effectively, thereby amplifying the conference’s impact beyond its physical attendees.
A Commitment to Comprehensive Communication Education
The successful execution of this media partnership was a direct reflection of the robust educational framework at RIT’s School of Communication. The institution’s curriculum is clearly designed not only to impart theoretical knowledge but also to cultivate practical, real-world skills through opportunities like this conference. Beyond its undergraduate offerings, the school provides a comprehensive suite of programs, including a master’s degree and numerous minors, allowing students to tailor their education to specific career aspirations. This breadth of academic options ensures that students are exposed to a wide range of communication disciplines. Furthermore, the school is home to the Expressive Communication Center, a dedicated resource that helps students hone their public speaking and presentation skills—competencies that were undoubtedly on full display as the media team interacted with conference speakers and attendees. This holistic approach to education proved instrumental in preparing students who could confidently step into a professional role and deliver exceptional results, solidifying the school’s reputation for producing industry leaders.
