Mediazone is the central hub for all things audio-visual at the University of Nicosia, powered by the dedication and hard work of its Studio Assistants. These individuals are not only responsible for maintaining equipment and assisting students but also for fostering a creative and collaborative environment. Becoming a Studio Assistant is not about taking on a job, it is about embracing responsibility, growing as a professional in communications, and evolving as an individual.
But is that all it entails? Before diving deeper, let me introduce myself. My name is Aria, and I am one of the most introverted people you will ever meet. Socializing, working in teams, and meeting new people have never been easy for me. When I joined Mediazone, I quickly realized one thing: communication was unavoidable. At first, this caught me off guard. You might find it ironic, given that Mediazone is at the heart of the Communications department, but I genuinely did not expect to interact with people as much as I did. By the time I realized how vital communication was here, it was already too late, so here we are!
If you think most interactions happen between Studio Assistants and the students who borrow equipment, you would be mistaken. To keep Mediazone running smoothly, foster a positive environment, and ensure everything works seamlessly, collaboration between Studio Assistants is essential.
When I attended my first Mediazone meeting, I noticed that many of my colleagues already seemed to know one another, whether from their classes or previous semesters at Mediazone. It made me anxious, and I wondered if I would ever fit in. Initially, it was challenging to feel connected to others, and I convinced myself that I could just focus on my work without worrying about making friends. Little did I know that I would end up forming many meaningful friendships here.
As time went by, we got to know each other better. We supported one another through every challenge, gradually growing closer as a team. One memory that stands out is the first time we all gathered on a weekend in the hall of the University Residence to try out the gimbal. None of us had a clue what we were doing, and this mysterious device, officially called the “Zhiyun Gimbal Stabilizer”, only added to our confusion. Despite our initial struggles, we found guidance in our Senior Studio Assistant at the time. We must have driven him crazy with our endless questions (and still do), but he always responded with patience, taking the time to explain everything clearly. His willingness to help made an enormous difference and left an impression on all of us.
At the start of every semester, Mediazone meetings include unique team-building activities that serve as fantastic icebreakers. I have had the chance to become the unofficial Jenga champion, lie down on the ground right outside the University (yes, really!), and even take part in a marathon. These activities helped us bond as a team, breaking the ice and turning strangers into friends.
Beyond the fun, we worked on countless projects and filmed numerous events together, navigating challenges and celebrating successes. Along the way, we never forgot to enjoy ourselves, making teamwork not just productive but genuinely fun. I vividly remember sitting in Mediazone during one of my shifts last year, overhearing the new volunteers during their training. They were learning how to use some of the equipment, just as we had once done. Listening to their conversations, I could not help but smile as it brought back memories of myself in their position a couple of years ago. That is when it hit me: ‘So, this is what it feels like to be a ‘Senior?’
Now, as I prepare to graduate and say goodbye to university, my time with Mediazone is ending. But I will never forget the incredible people I met here or the experiences we shared. I am grateful for the meaningful connections I have built. Even as we go our separate ways and settle in different corners of the world, I know that somewhere out there are people I can count on—friends who were once strangers, now a cherished part of my journey.
– Aria Kozhukhar
If you are a student in the Communications, or Design and Multimedia Departments and want to become part of the Mediazone team, apply today!
Apply Now! Don’t miss this chance to make an impact in the audiovisual world and your future.
** Apply Here! **
Fall dates: Applications open-> First week of August until the last week of November of every year.
Spring dates: Applications open-> First week of January until late-June of every year.
