Making Connections

By: Baylor Rodman

As we begin to wind down this trip and pack up top to head back to Elon, one thing that has truly stuck out is all of the connections I have been able to make within the past two weeks. First and foremost, the relationships with my peers has grown exponentially. We have all worked in the same newsroom back at home, and we all knew each other, but working so closely as a collective group for so long opened new doors, created new true friendships and created lasting memories. We even plan to return to Des Moines in four years for a little reunion.

As far as connections go, the best part about it was as the CNN Democratic Debate was being held at Drake University in Des Moines, out hotel basically became the hub for all of American Media. This allowed us to meet high executives and staffers who’s jobs are ones we all strive for. It was just as amazing though to meet all the network campaign imbeds and form relationships with them. Not only were they helpful during the times where it was clear we were the fish out of water, in clear confusion at some points, but they also entertained our true excitement just to be in the room with them and cover the story.

What we found early on is if we wanted a candidate to answer our question, shout “student media” and they’ll come flocking. Why? Because they need audience’s vote in order to win. Every time we told them we were from Elon University in North Carolina, they knew what we were capable of. They knew our institution, our student’s work ethic, and the values of our community within the blink of an eye. Now that’s pretty amazing. From a guy who lives and breathes Elon and even works in Admissions as a University Ambassador, I have never been more proud to wear maroon and gold.