From Idea to Reality... How Multiple Perspectives Can Create Success

I have always had a passion for students. I relish every opportunity I get to speak to students, whether that be in a classroom setting or one-on-one (and in fact try to accommodate these requests every chance I get!). This love extends to my work at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. When I started at the Rock Hall back in January of 2024, I quickly realized that the student journalism population was one that we as an institution were lacking in a way to connect with them. The Rock Hall is one of the biggest hubs of music in the area, and therefore is one of the few major ways these students can write about music and music culture in a significant way. This led to an idea for a new program, one focused solely on up-and-coming music/entertainment journalists.

Rock Hall staff on a panel moderated by my intern, Anthony Scarmack, talking about the blockbuster exhibit "SNL 50: Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of Music"

This summer, I have had the joy of managing my intern, Anthony Scarmack. When I was interviewing him, I brought this idea up as a potential target for his intern project, and he jumped on the opportunity to sink his teeth into this program. While he didn't get to touch this project until after the summer - thank goodness for internship extensions! - he was incredibly dedicated to making this day perfect for all of the attending student journalists.

Admittedly, it is scary to give your project away to someone else! I trust Anthony wholeheartedly, but this has been a dream of mine for almost two years. But, as I am learning, part of being a good leader is understanding where your team's strengths lie. Anthony, as a student with experience in music journalism, had a different and more focused expertise that made him understand how to position this day in ways I simply couldn't, since my experience lies in the marcomm space. While my intentions would have been great, Anthony's education made the program effective and impactful.

A photo of all of our students and panel participants

So, the highlights: we had 75 students from 10 colleges and universities from across the state of Ohio join us for our Student Journalism and Media Leadership Day. This. included 13 student publications and 2 PRSSA chapters. Especially considering this is the first time this program has been held, this is an incredible turnout. Our students all gave us great feedback and had impactful and positive experiences.

My biggest takeaway from this experience has truly been to trust your team. Like I said, Anthony was the right person to do this job and make this day as wonderful as it was. I am so proud of him for all of the work he's put in this summer, and am so grateful that he was able to share my dream and help make it a reality.

If you are one of the students who joined us for this day, THANK YOU! We were all so impressed by your professionalism and the work you all put out there. Come back and visit us anytime!