Second-Year Communication Student Immerses Herself in Campus Life and Journalism Ambitions

Taylor Blankenship, a full-time second-year student majoring in Media Studies at The University of Akron, is making the most of her college journey both academically and personally. A Smithville, Ohio native, Taylor is set to graduate in 2028. She is currently completing all her classes online, a flexible arrangement that enables her to work as a student assistant in the Wayne College library. This role not only supports her studies but also places her at the heart of campus activity.

Outside of her academic commitments, Taylor enjoys lifting weights in the workout facilities at Wayne and is an enthusiastic participant in campus events. She is a regular at “Loud in the Library” gatherings, joining in on Dungeons and Dragons and Craft Nights and daytime events such as Hallway Karaoke, pumpkin carving and a recent jigsaw puzzle competition. These activities provide a well-rounded college experience, helping Taylor balance her academics with community involvement and personal enrichment.

Taylor decided to apply to The University of Akron because her dad originally attended Wayne College, so while growing up, she heard nothing but great things about the campus. “It’s amazingly close to home and completely affordable,” she explains. “By attending Wayne, I get to enjoy all the fun activities of being a college student while still living with my family and working a job.”

Her professional aspirations are clear: “My main goal has always been to become a journalist, whether as a news anchor or a field reporter.” Taylor is passionate about keeping the public informed and stresses the importance of community engagement. “I knew I wanted a degree in communication and when I found out UA had a media studies option, I knew it was 100% the right choice for me because it checked off every box I would need to succeed in my future career,” she affirms.

Recently, Taylor had the opportunity to job shadow at WKYC Channel 3 news station in Cleveland—a role she secured by proactively reaching out to executive producer Julie Flynn. During her visit, she attended a pre-broadcast editorial meeting, met both on-air and behind-the-scenes team members, and had one-on-one conversations with professionals including Russ Mitchell, Brandon Simmons, and Julie Flynn.

One key takeaway from her experience was learning about the station’s initiative to convert traditional horizontal news videos into vertical formats to expand their social media reach. Taylor was particularly excited about this, as she is currently acquiring these skills in her coursework. Impressively, the team recognized her expertise and solicited her input on formatting best practices. 

Her studio tour provided a comprehensive look at the production process. Taylor was intrigued by the multi-use studio design, where different sets coexist within a single space, and by the use of a voice-activated teleprompter that anchors do not read verbatim. She also had the opportunity to visit the weather green screen set and briefly meet chief meteorologist Betsy Kling.

Following the tour, Taylor observed a live broadcast from the studio control room. She gained valuable insight into the distinct roles of producers—one ensuring the broadcast stayed on schedule and scripts were followed, the other managing camera cues. She witnessed real-time decisions such as microphone checks and on-air adjustments, staying for both the 4 p.m. and part of the 5 p.m. newscasts. “It was inspiring to see so many women on air and to observe the diversity of ages among the newsroom staff,” Taylor remarked.

This immersive experience affirmed Taylor’s commitment to her chosen path. “Watching the newscast, I could honestly envision myself at that desk. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and hope other students can benefit from similar experiences,” she reflects.

Wayne College truly feels like a second home to Taylor. She values the close-knit community, where meaningful connections with both peers and staff are commonplace. Her favorite campus location is the library, not only as her workplace, but also as a quiet retreat for studying and socializing. She also enjoys the dining area and the 3D Lab area, recently cheering on a friend’s success in a Robotics class competition that took place there. “It was fascinating to see each student’s unique robot design and function,” she added.

The University of Akron is equipping Taylor with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary for a successful journalism career. Through her dedication to her studies and her passion for journalism, Taylor is well on her way to achieving her dream of becoming a news anchor. Keep an eye out for her in the future—Taylor is poised to make her mark in the world of news journalism.