The Impact continued to go one more step beyond to prepare for the digital era of journalism on April 19 as reporters roamed the campus with their handy microphones and cameras. Traditional media will never go out of style like James Bond skills, but even the most skilled agent needs new gadgets.

Bluetooth microphones, tripods, and phone stabilizers are all made for influencers but in the hands of a journalist turned into their deadliest weapon. Each new tool was given around one by one.

All I got was a battery change for my trusty borrowed recorder, reloading it so it could be used again. It was part of a set borrowed set of tools and acquired with a press badge and once a brand-new notepad turned dusty.

Everything else I had was on my own with an iPhone camera that was as convenient as watching a 3D movie without glasses. Red, Blue, and shaken but not stirred, it was out of commission.

Fortunately, my Surface Pro 7 had every tool I needed like a Swiss army knife. A laptop with the proper keyboard attachments. While others have mistaken it for an iPad, to be fair it is a hybrid device.

I got my assignment for the week for who to interview to talk about some international films, happy hunting for me.

My task has changed to a personal one, watching The Watchmen and learning some skills or picking up some information.

An interview with Josh, a future graduate and who I consider tech-savvy as a mentor.

When asked about the Phone stabilizer he loved the quality of the material, made of steel which feels more premium than the cheap plastics he uses himself. 

“I had a lot of fun recording the shorts. And I see a lot of potential in Carla as an on-camera talent.” 

“I wish we would’ve done this sooner honestly. It was a great time to work alongside all of you. Want to get a handheld microphone to do more videos like the ones we filmed.”

I asked the cameramen about the optimized setting for my device to have the best quality without breaking my it’s storage or power.

I am leaving this as a memento to all journalists to learn from the previous class and a time capsule for myself.

When you have the chance to do something, as my sticker said. “Make your move.”

Having a fun time outside (Jaime Rivas)