The Greatest Gift of Graduate School

Graduate school comes with a lot of gifts. For me, a few stand out: becoming a published writer, scoring an internship, getting an on-campus writing job. But one gift has been the greatest joy of my entire graduate school experience: friendship.  

I came into my program only knowing one person. When the summer semester started, I realized that conquering the course load of class assignments was not the only important aspect of graduate school; it was equally as important and formative to meet other people and build community with my fellows.  

Being in such a small cohort — the Goldring Arts, Style and Culture Journalism program, with only six students — the process of getting to know people was swift. Though I had some fears about making friends at first, the great thing about grad school at Newhouse is that each individual student has worked hard to be where they are, so everyone shares a common passion and work ethic. There was never a dull moment in our classes: everyone had an opinion on the latest entertainment news, the latest co-star drama, the new music releases — so we all got to know each other seamlessly.  

For others in my cohort, making new friends has been an experience that has benefitted the way in which they move through grad school. Sara Atencio-Gonzales, a New Mexico native, had never been to New York before coming to Syracuse University. Not only did she know nothing about the area, but she also did not know a single person. Then she met Mathilde Refloch, a former film student from Paris, France. For Atencio-Gonzales, Refloch has positively affected her grad school experience. 

“Being able to bounce ideas off of each other, working to help edit each other’s pieces, and talking through things with people who are also going through the same stuff you are is very nice,” said Atencio-Gonzales.  

Atencio-Gonzales notes how her and Refloch’s paths would never have crossed had it not been for Newhouse — but since they did, she has discovered a lifelong friend, who shares her passion and excitement for film. In Refloch’s words: “We can nerd out on the same exact thing, because she will always know what I’m referencing.” 

As arts journalists, they frequently exchange recommendations: Refloch shares her favorite French films and Atencio-Gonzales shares her top horror movie picks.  

“We have the same base of culture, and when one of us doesn’t know something, we will look it up. Because if she likes it, I know I will also,” said Refloch.

In their first few times hanging out, Atencio-Gonzales recommended “Serial Mom,” a 1994 film that she loves for its funny script and “campy” aesthetic. Refloch watched it the night Atencio-Gonzales told her about it and absolutely loved it. Refloch now claims “Serial Mom” as one of the funniest American films she’s watched all year.

“And I have a very complicated sense of humor,” Refloch added. 

While graduate school has been challenging for the both of them, they feel extremely lucky to have each other. And while Atencio-Gonzales and Refloch have also received the gift of being published authors and employed with on-campus positions, they agree with my initial statement: friendship is the best gift of grad school.  

Choosing the Goldring Program: A Spotlight on Arts, Style and Culture Journalism 

Following undergrad, I knew I wanted to advance my studies and pursue a master’s degree, but I was not quite sure which field I wanted to specialize in. With a bachelor’s degree in creative writing, I knew there were numerous options that would refine my writing and editing skills, but navigating the right choice felt labyrinthine.  

Then I found the Goldring Arts, Style and Culture Journalism program (formerly Arts Journalism and Communications), offered by Newhouse. It was as if my computer screen scintillated when I stumbled upon this program; I had truly hit the goldmine of all grad school web searches. Not only would this program provide learning opportunities for me to enhance my writing skills, but allow me to build expertise in a specific area of interest. 

The arts — theater, film, music and fashion — have always pulled at my heartstrings. What the Goldring program did was combine my appreciation for the arts with my passion for writing. Though I had no prior experience in journalism, the six-week intensive summer “bootcamp” really helped lay down a foundation of news and magazine writing before I began the fall semester.  

A significant part of the Goldring program is deciding on a focus that you can center your work around throughout the year. Our mighty cohort of six vary in our interests, which makes our discussions all the more interesting: three members of my cohort focus on film, one focuses on music and cultural criticism, one focuses on food and beverage, and I focus on fashion. In the past, there have also been “Goldringers” who have focused on architecture, museums, opera — really, any form of art imaginable.  

Beyond the tight-knit cohort and our lively class discussions about all things culture, a standout aspect of the program is the immersive opportunities in the curriculum. One of our courses, Goldring Colloquium, entails weekly field trips, guest speakers and dinners with industry professionals. A few weeks ago, we had an hour-long discussion with Theo Cateforis, a professor of art and music histories, about what qualifies as “bad music.” The week prior, we had dinner with Emily Nussbaum, a Pulitzer prize-winning television critic for The New Yorker.  

In the 2025 semester alone, the Goldring program has traveled to New York City and met with teams of writers from The New York Times and Vulture, we have seen four theater productions—Broadway’s “Oh, Mary” and “Gypsy,” Tony award-winning play “Stereophonic” and Syracuse Stage’s “Primary Trust”—and we have learned about (and attempted to play) the Hendricks Chapel’s organ. Last year, we got to attend the Glimmerglass Festival and travel to Canada for the Toronto International Film Festival.  

This summer, we will make our way to Charleston, South Carolina, to cover Spoleto Festival USA.  

The Goldring program truly does it all: packed into three semesters (that have flown by), the program has been full of opportunities, rigorously helpful with writing and networking and has created some of the most beautiful memories I have had in my entire academic career. 

Hidden Gems of Syracuse 

Let’s take a trip around downtown Syracuse. Between homework and classes, you may find time to embrace the creativity and fun outside of campus life. Downtown Syracuse offers a treasure trove of unique experiences for those seeking creative inspiration and community connection. Let’s explore four distinctive local gems that showcase the city’s artistic spirit and entrepreneurial energy. 

Camp Candle Bar: Ignite Your Happy Place 

At 191 Walton Street, Camp Candle Bar invites you to create personal scent experiences through the art of candle-making. Open from 3 to 7 p.m., this interactive boutique offers a hands-on creative escape. 

The concept is beautifully simple: scent has the power to connect people more deeply. By pre-booking a reservation, you will join fellow guests for a guided candle-pouring session led by the knowledgeable CAMP team. Throughout the process, their fragrance experts help you select from seasonal scents and design a custom blend that speaks to your personal preferences. 

Whether you are looking to unwind after classes or seeking a unique outing with friends, Camp Candle Bar provides a sensory experience that soothes the soul while fostering local connections. 

Wildflowers Armory: Where Local Creativity Blossoms 

Nestled at 217 S Salina Street, Wildflowers Armory is more than just a store—it celebrates regional artistry. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., this multi-vendor marketplace provides a platform for local makers, artists and creators to blossom. 

The mission behind Wildflowers extends beyond retail. While you can browse and purchase regionally crafted artwork, Syracuse-inspired apparel and eclectic treasures, the space also serves as a community hub. Available for rent, it hosts workshops, intimate performances and curated gallery exhibitions, creating a dynamic atmosphere that nurtures creativity. As their inspiring motto reminds us: “Like Wildflowers, you must allow yourself to grow in all the places people never thought you would.” 

Across the Hall Cafe: A Morning Sanctuary 

For early risers needing caffeine and calm before the day begins, Across the Hall Cafe at 258 E Water Street offers a welcoming refuge. Open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., this local cafe provides the perfect setting to enjoy a quality brew, eat good food or simply watch the city come alive. 

The Curd Nerd: A Cheesy Adventure 

Venture slightly beyond downtown to James Street and discover The Curd Nerd at 2800 James Street. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., this specialty shop celebrates all things cheese with expert knowledge and passion. 

Beyond their impressive selection, The Curd Nerd shares inspired recipes on their website, helping customers transform their purchases into culinary masterpieces. For food enthusiasts and curious beginners alike, this shop offers a delicious introduction to artisanal cheese culture. 

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Downtown Syracuse pulses with creative energy waiting to be discovered. Whether you are crafting a custom candle, browsing local art, enjoying a morning coffee or expanding your cheese horizons, these local businesses invite students to engage with the community beyond campus.  

Forging Your Way 

I have come to understand that success is not just about achieving goals; it is about the person you become while pursuing your goals. On the road to earning my master’s degree in public relations, I have learned the importance of remaining persistent and present even in moments when you don’t see immediate results, because if you do not, you can miss out on the lessons and skills that are essential for both your career and personal development. While in pursuit, knowing that at times I have to make things happen and not wait for them to happen, has gotten me far in this journey. 

I am a first-generation college student and alumna of Syracuse University, who graduated in spring 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in political science. I am now completing my fifth consecutive year here, only this time as a public relations graduate student at the Newhouse School.  

The lessons I have learned have shaped my mindset and how I approach my work as a photographer and a graduate student. Through the Newhouse graduate program, I have been a contributing photographer to the Newhouse Sports Media Center and The NewsHouse, shooting sporting events on and off campus. Many of my photography opportunities have come from me proactively seeking out available opportunities or creating them myself when they didn’t already exist. 

For the past two years, I have hosted a solo photography exhibition titled “Now It’s My Turn,” showcasing over 20 of my best images each year. These events have been about more than just photos—they are celebrations of Black expression, Black talent, resistance and women’s empowerment. They remind attendees that they, too, can act and create opportunities for themselves, rather than waiting for the world to open doors—a message that ties directly into the 2024 event theme, “You Miss 100% of the Shots You Don’t Take.” This is just the beginning; I am committed to continuing this journey with my largest showcase yet planned for 2025 in New York City. This event will feature not only my work but also submissions from emerging artists and photographers, giving them a platform to showcase their own talents. 

My experiences as a student athletic engagement intern with Syracuse Athletics have equally reinforced these recurring lessons. This semester, I have had the privilege of helping student-athletes prepare for life beyond sports and aiding in their personal development, whether by assisting with financial literacy workshops, supporting events like the Syracuse Men’s Basketball Business Etiquette Dinner, or launching “SAE’ It,” our office’s new podcast, as the assistant executive producer. Ultimately, we are aiming to give athletes and coaches a platform to tell their stories. I have also had the opportunity to help grow our social media presence and coordinate exciting upcoming spring events. I have gained transferable skills, mentorship and leadership opportunities through this role. 

The opportunities I have pursued, whether through photography or my work with the Syracuse Athletic Department, have taught me that success is a journey that requires adaptability, endurance and initiative. Choosing to spend another year at Syracuse to complete the Newhouse master’s program has allowed me to build meaningful relationships and gain the wisdom, knowledge, skills and support necessary to push toward my goals. I look forward to continuing to learn, grow and create opportunities—not just for myself but for others as well. 

Balancing Act: When to Trust Your Gut 

As graduate students at Newhouse, we navigate a constant tension between what we think we should do and what we want to do. The pressure to make the “right” career moves can be overwhelming, with professors, peers and industry professionals all offering their versions of the ideal path forward. Yet sometimes, the most powerful guidance comes from within. 

The Science Behind Gut Feelings 

What we call “gut feelings” aren’t just random hunches. As journalist Bianca Nogrady writes in “Go with your gut: the science and psychology behind our sense of intuition” for The Guardian, research shows that our intuition is actually our brain processing years of accumulated experiences and patterns at lightning speed. When something feels “off” about a job opportunity or “right” about a creative direction, that’s your neural network making connections you might not consciously recognize, applying past learnings to inform present decisions, she writes.

My Experience 

I experienced this firsthand when considering law school. Everything looked perfect on paper – I took the LSAT, applied to schools and got accepted. Then something inside me shut down. It wasn’t nerves or fear; I had simply sold myself a version of myself as a lawyer that didn’t align with my reality. While I haven’t abandoned that dream entirely, my current program allows me to attend law classes while pursuing a path that feels authentically mine. This experience taught me to trust myself and trust what my body is telling me (it’s really smart!).  

Inexplicable Inner Imperative 

I found validation for this intuitive approach in Bill Watterson’s 1990 Kenyon College commencement speech, “Some Thoughts on the Real World by One Who Glimpsed It and Fled.” He described painting Michelangelo’s “Creation of Adam” on his dorm room ceiling, saying, “The painting lent an air of cosmic grandeur to my room, and it seemed to put life into a larger perspective.”

Despite its apparent futility, this project, born from an “inexplicable inner imperative,” became one of his fondest memories. Like Watterson’s pull to paint on his dorm room wall, we often receive inner guidance that defies immediate logical explanation. 

Finding Your Balance 

The real challenge isn’t choosing between ambition and intuition – it’s harmonizing them. This might mean accepting a prestigious internship but approaching it in alignment with your values or choosing a less conventional opportunity and finding ways to make it serve your larger goals. 

For me, the journey required humility. I dreaded telling everyone that I was deviating from my long-declared path. But here’s what I discovered: no one cared as much as I feared. Now I feel both freer and more grounded in my choices. 

Moving Forward 

As you navigate your choices at Newhouse and beyond, remember that your gut isn’t trying to sabotage your success – it’s trying to help you define what success means for you. Sometimes the most ambitious thing you can do is trust yourself enough to forge your own path. 

The next time you’re faced with a difficult decision, try this: write down all the logical pros and cons, then sit quietly and notice how each option feels in your body. Does one create tension while the other brings relief? Does excitement outweigh anxiety, or vice versa? These physical sensations are data, too – different from but no less valid than the metrics on a spreadsheet. 

Your time at Newhouse is about more than just building your resume. It’s about developing the wisdom to know when to push forward with determination and when to pause and listen to that quiet voice within. And remember, you are doing the best you can.  

Study and Unwind: Bookstores and Libraries Worth Checking Out

I will be honest: campus libraries are not for me. While there are quiet corners to hide away in when I want to focus or be undisturbed otherwise, finding said corners empty is almost impossible.  

If you face the same problem, here are three bookstores or libraries outside of campus that I like to duck out to for refuge: 

Parthenon Books (333-335 S. Salina St.) 

Located in downtown Syracuse, Parthenon Books is an independently owned bookstore that is a favorite among students and locals alike. The cool layout, warm ambiance and carefully curated selection make it an ideal spot to browse for new reads or settle in with a laptop. As if that was not enough, this charming bookstore has an in-house cafe with the most delicious selection of baked goods and coffee. 

Parthenon also regularly hosts author events, book signings and discussions that offer students an opportunity to engage beyond their coursework. The seating areas are comfortable, and the relaxed environment makes it a great place for study sessions with a bit of leisurely reading sprinkled in (because who can resist a good book?!).  

Onondaga County Public Libraries: Central Library (447 S. Salina St.) 

With its award-winning local history department, the Central Library is a hidden gem. The collection includes a wide range of books, research materials and digital resources, making it an important resource for students needing access to additional academic materials.

This library is in the Galleries of Syracuse, a downtown complex that also houses a food court, DVDs, CDs and a peaceful ambiance that can be a welcome escape from campus life. With its glass exteriors, ample natural lighting and open seating, the Central Library makes for an inviting place to study and offers a quieter alternative for those who prefer it to be so. 

Petit Branch Library (105 Victoria Pl.) 

For those who find inspiration in artsy and/or community-oriented settings, the Petit Branch Library in the Westcott neighborhood is a must-visit. Part of the Onondaga County Public Library system, it offers a peaceful environment for focused studying or quiet reading. 

There are computers and wireless printing available, and the library’s collection provides a wide range of materials in multiple formats. Petit also supports local artists, whose works are displayed on the walls of the library in featured exhibits each month. With comfortable seating and quiet corners for distraction-free study sessions, the library’s accessibility makes it an excellent alternative to university spaces. 

Exploring such local libraries has not only enhanced my student experience but also revealed to me the city’s literary and artistic community. Students seeking a different environment for studying or relaxing will find that these independent bookstores and libraries offer unique atmospheres beyond campus life.   

From Rural to Urban: My Experience Moving to Syracuse

I keep forgetting to turn my headlights on. This was not a problem before I moved out to Syracuse because I have never lived in an area where there are streetlights on every road. I am not used to being able to see so clearly down the street at night or all of the details of the road before I even start my car. So, I will not realize my lights are not on until I look down to check my dashboard and the speedometer is not lit up.  

Moving to Syracuse was a huge transition for me. First, because I had never been to the East Coast before. And second, because this is my first time living in what could be considered an actual city. I grew up in eastern Oregon, and it is the part of the state no one knows about that’s currently petitioning to become “Greater Idaho.” My hometown rests at just around 1,500 people. The Newhouse School alone has a higher population. I grew up driving hours in any direction in order to get to a Costco or a Walmart.  

For my undergraduate degree I studied at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana. This was a big leap for me with a whopping population of about 50,000 permanent residents. Bozeman’s main draw is its university, and I was afforded luxuries I had never had before; like a Target less than 20 minutes away.  

After completing my bachelor’s degree, I moved back with my family to the small town of approximately 3,000 people in McCall, Idaho. Then, I decided to attend Syracuse University for my graduate degree.  

I know some people may fight me on the idea of Syracuse being an actual city. Because, no, it is not a metropolitan area like New York or Philadelphia or Chicago, but I have never been somewhere where there are so many people stacked on top of each other. And it is the little things that make being in a city like this exciting. I have never been somewhere where there is a public transit system that covers as much of the city as Centro does. I cannot explain how exciting it is to have shops open after 7 p.m. And there are professional sports teams based in the city; that is something I have never been able to experience.  

It has taken some adjusting to live here. City traffic really is as bad as people have said and I do miss the quiet nights out in the country. And while Syracuse is not a huge city, it is probably a great starter city for someone like me experiencing all of this for the first time.

Streamline: What Everyone’s Watching, All in One Place

It’s incredibly frustrating, isn’t it? I’m constantly running into the same problem. I know I want to watch that one show everyone’s talking about, but then the real challenge begins: where is it? Is it on Hulu? Maybe Netflix? Or is it one of those Max Originals? I’ll open one app, search, come up empty and then repeat the process with another, and another. It’s a complete waste of time. And even when you do finally find it, you’ve already burned through a good chunk of your evening just trying to locate it. I mean, aren’t you tired of endlessly scrolling through streaming platforms, hoping you’ll stumble across something you want to watch? It’s supposed to be entertainment, but the search process itself has become so stressful. There has got to be a better way to navigate. 

Recently, I started working with a company whose goal is to make your life easier when it comes to streaming your favorite shows, movies and sports. Streamline is a new, free mobile app designed to rescue you from the streaming chaos. It acts as a central hub, connecting you with your favorite sports, shows and movies across over 200 different streaming services. Instead of jumping between apps, Streamline lets you discover new content through personalized, AI-powered recommendations and playlists.  

You can even connect with friends to share and discuss what you’re watching, and now, that connection is even stronger with the brand-new group chat feature! Think about it: how many times have you finished an episode and immediately wanted to talk about it with someone? Now, those conversations happen right within the app. It’s incredibly convenient and makes the whole streaming experience much more engaging. Share your reactions in real-time, get recommendations and connect with your friends over the content you love.  

Streamline is also very helpful for sports fans, making it easy to find where and when your favorite teams are playing. This scheduling feature eliminates the frustration of searching across multiple sports channels and apps. Essentially, Streamline‘s goal is to minimize your search time and maximize your viewing time with the addition of group chats. It’s becoming a true community for streaming enthusiasts and the app is available now on the Apple App Store, with a Google Play store release coming soon. 

Don Pawlowski, Brandon Wetzel and Ryan Schreiber co-founded Streamline to solve the challenge of finding content that is spread across numerous streaming platforms.

Schreiber’s inspiration for Streamline stemmed from his frustration with the growing number of streaming platforms, he said. As he explained in a recent interview with Lay Of The Land, he wanted to create a single destination where users could easily find anything they wanted to watch, regardless of which service it was on. He wanted a platform that would not only simplify content discovery but also foster a sense of community around shared viewing experiences.

According to an Axios article, Schreiber’s ambition for Streamline goes beyond just streamlining searches; he wants it to become a central hub for TV conversation, a place where people can discuss and connect over their favorite shows. He thinks Streamline will become “Good Reads for TV.” 

So what are you waiting for? Isn’t your time valuable? Don’t you want your life to be just a little bit easier? We all know how hectic things can get here at Newhouse. Between school, work, family, social commitments and everything else life throws our way, your schedule is probably packed enough as it is. You don’t need to be wasting any more precious time endlessly searching and scrolling through a dozen different streaming platforms, trying to find that one show everyone’s talking about or figure out where your favorite team is even playing. That’s valuable time you could be spending relaxing and enjoying the content you love. Join Streamline today and reclaim those lost hours! Imagine: no more frustrating searches, no more jumping between apps, just easy access to all your favorite entertainment in one convenient place.

Download Streamline now and start spending less time searching and more time watching!

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Do you ever feel as though everything you do will never be enough?  

Feelings of self-doubt linger in many minds when embarking on the prodigious expedition that is graduate school. Prodigious (which means huge) is just one of the many SAT words I have heard from a peer while studying at Syracuse University. For some, a lack of understanding of such terms can lead to self-doubt and questioning their worthiness of being in a graduate program. While this may seem like an exaggerated reaction to a single word, it is a very common feeling relating to something called “imposter syndrome.” 

Let us explore the journey that many individuals undertake in overcoming this persistent and prevalent challenge. 

What is imposter syndrome? 

According to Psychology Today, imposter syndrome is a “psychological pattern experienced by many high-achieving individuals.” Despite their successes, these people often feel like they are not as competent or intelligent as others perceive them to be. They doubt their abilities and fear being exposed as frauds, even though they have earned their achievements through hard work and talent. They believe their accomplishments are undeserved and that they’re fooling everyone. 

A study done in 2020 by the National Cancer Institute evaluated the prevalence of imposter syndrome, showing 56% to 82% in graduate students, college students, nurses, medical students and other professions.

“For many graduate students, imposter syndrome manifests itself in negative comparisons to other students, a sense that they aren’t cut out for graduate coursework or don’t belong in the academy, or that they only got into graduate school by luck and don’t deserve to be there,” states an article on imposter syndrome from Arizona State University’s (ASU) Graduate College. Imposter syndrome may be a persistent issue for many, but providing appropriate support can help students and trainees navigate its challenges. 

How can it affect you? 

Imposter syndrome can significantly impact your well-being, going beyond feelings of guilt or discomfort. It often coexists with depression and anxiety, intensifying these conditions.

For graduate students, persistent self-doubt can lead to “avoiding opportunities and challenges, fear submitting work for review, participating in team projects, and failing to initiate for fear of being judged or found out,” writes Steven. R Shaw in Psychology Today. Shaw is an associate professor in the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology at McGill University.

Imposter syndrome thrives in an academic setting because of the constant assumption that graduate students are expected to be super genius know-it-alls. The common myths and misconceptions about how to be successful and the unfair treatment of some students can make it hard for them to feel good about their abilities. 

Strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome 

While reading the article from ASU, I kept coming across the word “resilience.” This means “the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.” As a graduate student, you are faced with many adversities that you are forced to overcome. By weathering these challenges, you are developing resilience to help you in your future career. To help you overcome the inevitable setbacks of imposter syndrome, here are three strategies I practice that have eased my nerves significantly:   

1. After reading a blog from a former Newhouse student Emily Newman, I realized talking to trusted peers and mentors, or seeking professional counseling, can help you realize that these feelings are common and can provide validation to help you through it.  

2. Creating a list of accomplishments and areas for improvement can help individuals focus on their positive attributes and identify areas for growth. 

3. Setting realistic expectations and avoiding perfectionism is another important strategy by recognizing that progress is often incremental, individuals can reduce the pressure to be flawless and focus on continuous learning 

Conclusion 

Conquering imposter syndrome requires a combination of self-awareness, support and intentional strategies. By acknowledging how common these feelings are, seeking support from peers and mentors, recognizing your strengths and setting realistic expectations, you can challenge the self-doubt that causes your imposter syndrome. Remember, your journey in graduate school is a testament to your abilities and potential.  

My Experience in a Student-Run Sports Production 

One of the best things about going to school at Newhouse is the opportunity for hands-on experiences. While many different sporting events are produced through the Dick Clark Studios in Newhouse 2, most sports like football and basketball are usually produced by professional teams, or a mixture of students and professionals. However, the Syracuse women’s ice hockey (WICE) games are produced entirely by students.  

From top to bottom, each production has all positions filled by undergraduate and graduate students. This includes the replay, graphics, audio, technical director, director and producer. Students also fill the roles of on-air announcers and camera operators; this is where I found myself when working on my first game for WICE.  

There is no experience required in order to work on these games. When I showed up and our supervisors asked if I had ever handled a camera, I said no. Unfazed, all they asked was which camera I would prefer to operate. I chose a handheld camera to be as close to the ice as possible, much to the chagrin of my back and arms. These cameras are not terribly heavy; they are nearly identical to those you can check out at The Cage. However, carrying one on your shoulder for a couple of hours straight will make you sore.   

It was a lot of trial and error. If you have ever had a hard time following a hockey puck while watching a game, try doing that while looking through a tiny eyepiece. There were a lot of missed opportunities. I had to learn in real time where I should be, who I should be following with my camera, how to get better angles when players are up against the boards and to never, ever move your camera if the director wants to use your camera angle.  

The next time I worked on a WICE game, instead of standing rink-side with a camera, I was back in the studio in one of the replay positions. Your work in this position intersects with nearly everyone else. You are reliant on the camera operators to get you the best looks, you are rewinding and preparing a replay for the director to take, and you might be clipping moments of the broadcast for the producer of the show to use later on.  

Like any live broadcast, cuts are fast, and information comes faster. This can be intense, but it also gives you a lot of opportunities. You cannot stew on a possible mistake you made, because the game is still going, the next play is happening, and you have to follow that.  

WICE has been a great place to start making those mistakes and then learning from them. And, it is incredible to be able to power through an entire broadcast controlled by the students.