Brooklyn Biel, a communication major with an emphasis in broadcast journalism, discusses her Eastern Experience. Photos by David Aguirre.

What made you choose the Department of Communication at ENMU?

I’m a talker; I love to talk and write. What’s better than going to a department where you can get a grade for your talking and writing skills? Also, the professors genuinely want to help you succeed in whatever path you choose.

While studying at ENMU, what are some of the experiences you have had?

I am one of the lucky students who has gotten to be a part of the KENW news crew, so I’ve had some great experiences. I really do think that the best part of this department is the friends that I’ve made. In this field, you have to be able to work well with people, and I’ve been very blessed that I get to work with the best.

If you had to choose your favorite memory at ENMU, what would it be?

When it comes to volleyball, my favorite memory is beating Angelo State University in 2016, at this time they were number one in the LSC, in the top 10 in the NCAA and undefeated in our conference. The feeling that I got from winning that game is something I will never forget.

What are some examples of things you have learned studying broadcast journalism?

I’ve learned countless things! For example, when the teleprompter stops working you just have to keep going. When your microphone falls off during a live broadcast, you have to just casually pick it up from the ground and keep going. If this truly is the field you want to go into it, it’s possible. But success in broadcasting does not come easily; only the people who work day in and day out will be on the Today Show.

What are your plans after graduation?

I am actually going to be leaving the broadcast journalism realm and go into education. Eastern has a great program in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Education that will allow me to teach high school language arts next year as long as I’m on track to get my master’s degree in education. In three years, I will be able to test and attain my alternative teaching license from the state of New Mexico.

What made you decide to pursue a master’s degree in education?

I’ve always known that I wanted to impact the younger generation, and it wasn’t until I realized that I would be graduating in less than a year, that I knew I needed to take this leap of faith. I don’t come from a family of educators, and I haven’t spent the last four years in the education department, but I’m a quick learner, and I know that want to impact our youth in a positive way.

How does the Department of Communication work with you around your sports schedule?

Allan Crawford and Lonnie Berry are so great with my sports schedule. They understand that a lot of the time, the live broadcasts will interfere with practice time. That one day when I am available, they make sure that I get my spot. I’ve learned that when it comes to them if you work hard and really commit yourself to your craft, they will bend over backward to help you.

How has the broadcast program helped you in other areas of life?

The broadcast program has really helped me learn to speak better, and I don’t mean like better grammar. What I mean is that it has taught me to be able to go into a room and own it. There are times where I would be expected to look into a  camera and deliver a story on the side of the road, with every car slowing down to see what’s going on. If that doesn’t boost your confidence, I don’t know what will.

In your opinion, what are the biggest advantages of earning a degree at ENMU?

The biggest advantage to me here is the hands-on experience we get. It has helped me in immeasurable ways. Someone could read 100 books on how to take good B-Roll shots, but until you actually get out there and do it, you will not fully understand.

(Written by Samantha Smith)

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