How One 改变maker Learned to Tell Stories That Make a Difference

“When you love what you're doing, 所有的血, 汗水, and tears fade into the background, 你的激情胜利了.”

This is what 阿曼达·阿克曼, Class of 2021, has learned from her time at UE.

The proud Ace decided to attend 英国威廉希尔中文网站 upon discovering she would have opportunities to gain real-world experience with her studies.

“I chose to attend UE because the multimedia program is the best 在该地区. After touring many different schools, I met with Assistant Professor Joe, who told me that in the UE通讯部, we would be building our own website, creating documentaries and short films, and working with real-life clients. I was immediately sold and ready to attend.”

Atkinson delivered on his promise — Ackerman has had several opportunities to cultivate her skills and grow her filmmaking expertise.

Two experiences, in particular, have had a lasting impact.

Making Houses — and a Documentary Film

In the summer of 2018, Ackerman went to Guatemala as part of UE's Habitat for Humanity Club. Not only did she help build houses on this trip, but she also 合作拍摄纪录片 that won a Student Emmy and is a Finalist in the Manchester Lift-Off Film Festival.

This experience was “life-changing” for Ackerman, as she had the opportunity to experience a new culture. She became close to the families she worked with and will “forever hold their stories” in her heart.

“I stand firmly behind Habitat for Humanity's mission of changing the world in a positive way, which is something I would like to continue to be a part of for trips to come.”

On this trip, Ackerman learned the value of hard work and dedication in pursuing one's passion.

“It was exhausting to work out in the sun for extended periods of time doing construction work, and then staying organized and creative when filming different sequences and interviews. 然而, this did not stop me from giving all I had each and every day because this was something I was extremely passionate about.”

Embracing What UE Has to Offer

Another project that has played a significant role for Ackerman is Embrace Marketing and 沟通s, a full-service agency operated by a team of UE students. 在这个机构里, students receive course credit while also earning money working for businesses and other organizations in the community. As the agency's digital and social media specialist, Ackerman has been able to produce work for real clients and develop her professional media creation skills.

“Being a part of Embrace has been the most rewarding project I have been a part of because not only am I working and succeeding with a team, but also our work is going toward real-life clients, which can be seen across the Tri-State. It is so unique to be able to have this type of exposure while still in college.”

Similar to her Habitat for Humanity project, Ackerman has learned that determination and persistence are required when balancing school and work.

“Juggling a business while still maintaining other college classes and everything in between requires a lot of dedication and drive.”

成功的机会

机遇创造 at 英国威廉希尔中文网站 has allowed Ackerman to explore her passion for filmmaking and shape her perspective outside of the classroom.

“UE has given me many different opportunities to succeed and grow my skills with these 机遇创造 projects being two of these opportunities. I am so thankful to have a university where 机遇创造 projects like these are available. I have grown and learned more about myself during these real world experiences than I have anywhere else.”