The kids are alright!

The Henderson State University Digital Media Department changed my life. That's not just some LinkedIn aggrandizement — it literally changed the course of my life.

When I met Paul Glover, I was studying music education and had just finished my first round of observations. To say it didn't go over well is an understatement. I realized that being a music director wasn't what I wanted.

Paul and I met through a mutual friend and started playing music together. One rehearsal, in between "Mustang Sally" and "Dancing Queen," I told Paul about my struggle. Without hesitation, he asked "Have you ever thought about majoring in multimedia?"

That single question is the reason I am where I am today — I got involved with the TV studio, started shooting content for the YouTube channel and, most importantly, learned how to use Adobe Premiere Pro. That's why I go back every year, hoping that I can have even a fraction of the impact that HSU DMD had on me.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of stepping back into the Arkansas Hall computer lab and leading workshops on motion graphics basics, post-production workflows, and building a media business. Seeing the students' responses to my instruction made me hopeful about the next generation of creative professionals.

Thanks to Paul and Scott for having me back. Now, I've got to find some tissues — someone cried all over my keyboard.

Professionals tap in! Have you volunteered at your alma mater?

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