Students act as news media during Detroit Auto Show

By: Grant Goetcheus & Leah Palm
Twitter: @goetcheusg & @_palmegranate
Email: goetcheusg@Findlay.edu & Palml@findlay.edu

With press passes in hand, Findlay Media Media Network, the student media group at the University of Findlay, traveled to the 2017 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), one of the largest auto shows in North America. In traveling to Detroit, Mi. for the show, the group got to simulate being the press at a world-renowned convention.
During the week of Jan. 14-18, students attended the Auto Show to practice their interviewing and video skills while discussing the new technology the cars had to offer.
UFTV Adviser Andrew du Fresne explains his role in making this opportunity possible for the students.
“My goal is to provide students with real world opportunities in the context of whether they aspire to be a writer, journalist or videographer,” said du Fresne. “Essentially, I ask for press passes to events I think the student will find cool, educational and worthy of their time.”
Alexis Mitchell, a junior journalism and digital media major, appreciates the opportunity to expand her knowledge on what she already learned in the classroom. She says it’s helpful to be able to apply these techniques and skills in real life situations.
“Going to this auto show, just like any experience, helps me become a stronger journalist. It was exciting to not only practice my journalism skills, but I learned a lot about cars I didn’t know before,” said Mitchell. “I’m grateful for the University of Findlay for granting me opportunities like the Detroit auto show to add experiences to my resume.”
du Fresne explains that these kinds of trips are not just for the people on the inside, but also for those on the outside.
“It also helps with recruiting new student on and off campus to show them what we are doing to give them the opportunity they deserve. Most importantly, you need to take risks by asking” explained du Fresne. “If you fail, you persist. If you succeed, you give back. Lead by example. Learning is a lifelong pursuit.”
With the rest of the semester still ahead, the students involved in all areas of the Findlay Media Network (FMN) look forward to new experiences and new opportunities to learn beyond the classroom.
“Part of the goal is obviously education through experiential learning, perhaps the students will find interest in the job and pursue it further, or completely change their mind. The important thing is providing a plethora of options so they can decide,” said du Fresne.
To find out more about the FMN or how you can get involved, visit https://www.findlay.edu/liberal-arts/communication/Findlay-Media-Network