Students explore Chicago at storytelling workshop

June 27, 2019

By McKenna Adams

The 24 students learned how to shoot and edit video, worked as DJs on a live radio broadcast, and produced infographics as part of the weeklong program. They also practiced their news anchor desk skills during a session in the TV studio.High school students from across the nation converged on Loyola’s School of Communication June 23-28 to attend the 8^th annual Summer Digital Storytelling workshop.

The students also had a chance to explore the city of Chicago, visiting popular attractions like Navy Pier, Millennium Park, the John Hancock building and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

The storytelling workshop is held each summer at Loyola’s downtown campus in Chicago’s Gold Coast. Students stay in luxury dorms, receive meals and snacks and chaperoned tours of the city.

“It’s cool to talk to professors and get into a classroom setting, to learn from someone who knows so much about what they are talking about,” said workshop participant, Hailey Rose.

The workshop gives students a glimpse of what Loyola has to offer as they begin to think about where they want to continue their education.

“They can learn journalism skills, like how to interview strangers and how to craft a story,” said Genevieve Buthod, SOC Events Coordinator. “They can learn technical skills, like using camera equipment, microphones, and all of the Convergence Studio equipment, which is a unique experience they can only get here at Loyola University Chicago.”

The Digital Storytelling Workshop is a college-level workshop and helps high school students prepare for their transition to college.

“I’m interested in doing digital media, so it’s nice to try it out before I commit four years to it,” said workshop attendee, Isabelle Lynn.

“Living in the dorm, getting prepared for college, it’s really showing me what college is all about,” said high school student, Frank Zawrazki.