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Brenna Dempsey
BY BRENNA DEMPSEY
Executive Producer
To tell you the truth, my graduation has come as somewhat of a shock to me. I always figured I would run away on some grand adventure and live the life of a nomad in some old beat-up van from the 90s that was hastily and cheaply converted into a camper. But to say I am part of the JTAC and Texan News Service (TNS) while graduating with a degree in journalism and broadcasting, along with a minor in film production, is almost more shocking.
Journalism was not something that even crossed my mind, and for the majority of my life before college, I always assumed I would be in a STEM-related major. When I transferred to Tarleton State University, that was, in fact, exactly what I was doing.
I was pursuing a degree in civil engineering because I thought it was a stable path that would make me a good amount of money, and I could find a job pretty easily.
In that major, I actually met our current editor-in-chief, the amazing Caroline Crain, who was also an engineering major, now converted to a journalist. We shared three of my five classes, and we would catch lunch every now and again.
At the time, I thought that was what I was supposed to be doing. However, it was not the path I was being called to go down, and truthfully, I did not last a full semester before I decided to change majors.
I ended up talking to a communications advisor, who set me up with a random digital video production class taught by Mr. Kirk Wise, and the rest is history.
That class really inspired me and was something I wanted to keep doing, so my advisor suggested the journalism program since it had a broadcast aspect to it, and the next semester I was in the famous news gathering and writing course with Mr. Austin Lewter.
Caroline and I ended up sitting next to each other in this class, and we were promptly drafted into the TNS by Mr. Lewter. I was a little on the fence about it at first, but it was probably the best thing that could have happened.
Once I was there, it felt like a second home where I could learn and develop my skills in broadcasting. It was also nice to be able to get involved in something and meet so many wonderful people.
Shout out to Ashtyn Hansard, who taught me how to use the studio equipment and is just a genuinely awesome person. She was a lifesaver, and we got through some pretty crazy technical difficulties in our time.
The time I spent with the TNS was so rewarding and offered me so many amazing opportunities to strengthen my skills in journalism. It gave me a lot of practical experience that just can’t be taught in a classroom.
We were able to go on a trip to the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, where I was able to get hands-on experience. While there, I was sent to a fake crime scene where I got to write a broadcast script based on the events that I saw and interviews I conducted.
Another event I was lucky enough to attend was the College Media Association in New York City, in March of this year. I was able to talk with so many journalists who all had amazing stories to tell. It was an amazing learning experience, even if it was a little bittersweet since it was the last big event I would share with the outstanding TNS crew.
I am not sure if I am prepared for the long nights spent cooped up in the post-production room, glued to Adobe Premiere Pro to fade into memory because, regardless of how tedious it was at times, it was always so rewarding to see our work finally come together and then see it published.
I am sad to be leaving the broadcast studio and production room, but I know they are in great hands with Drew Fleming and Micaela Sullivan, two very talented and quick-witted individuals. I would wish them good luck, but I know they don’t need it.
Thank you, Mr. Lewter and Mr. Wise, for helping me along the way and believing in me.
Truly, I would not be here if it weren't for the amazing people who supported me on this rocky and ever-changing journey. With a list too long to name, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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