Words can’t explain my overall experience at MediaZone. It has had its up and downs. When first arriving to MediaZone I was happy, until I heard we will have very intensive training for one whole week. At that moment, I felt the pressure was on. I was a little intimidated because I didn’t know a lot of camera terminology. The only thought that was running through my mind was they are going to think American students are uneducated. In reality MediaZone was my first practical course outside of group projects.
As time passed, I began to gain more confidence about learning and being comfortable with using a camera. Do I feel like I know everything there is about a camera? No, but I feel confident that I know enough that will help me to be ahead in my classes back in the United States.
A highlight moment for me was when I did interviews at Zena Palace for Cyprus Film Days – Film Festival. I learned that one must remain focused at all times. I saw people come and go. I asked many people for interviews, but they refused. This wasn’t going to stop me from the mission I was sent on. After getting rejected time after time, I had to take a deep breath, evaluate the problem, and try harder. After this method, I was able to achieve more than the task that was given to me.
At Zena Palace I experienced everything that I love, being front of the camera. I got to ask questions, make new connections, interview different people from different walks of life, and be myself. Despite all this, the interviews were not going exactly how I expected, so I worked around it, and it was a success.
Now as I get ready to end this semester, I reflect on how much of a good time I have had. MediaZone welcomed me with open arms. I made good friends with several of the staff members, and I can refer others to MediaZone. With this being said I will take everything I have learned at MediaZone back to the United States and use it to the best of my ability.
Tiffany Cannon – Global Semesters Program – US studying abroad COMM student / Mediazone TV Studio Lab Assistant / Volunteer
