Storytelling is the social and cultural activity of sharing stories in order to impact social change or evoke emotion.
Here at West Virginia University, we think that storytelling is important, and that's why we offer a dynamic and multifaceted graduate program in Journalism. We talked with Emily, a WVU student enrolled in the M.S. in Journalism program, and asked some questions about how WVU has allowed her to explore the power of storytelling in her field.
Tell me a little bit about yourself. What’s your name? Where did you grow up?
My name is Emily Pelland; I grew up outside of Baltimore, Maryland in the suburbs.
Tell me about your experience in WVU’s M.S. in Journalism program. I understand that you’re interested in the power of storytelling.
One of the most important aspects of WVU’s Journalism program is the faculty. They embrace failure as a potential result in experimenting with new forms of storytelling, like with virtual reality.
My main objective as a storyteller is to question norms and stereotypes, while allowing the subject (people) to express their perceptions of reality.
Note: Did you know that you can pursue an advanced journalism degree without a related bachelor's? That means that the journalism field is perfect for those seeking a career change!
What is AR/VR storytelling?
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are tools to create and share stories. A user can look through a VR headset to experience a sense of place or view a video overlayed on actual reality. At this time, the technology is not the best quality visually, but it is slowly improving and becoming more accessible. Mixed Reality (MR) or Crossed Reality (XR) are also terms that creators are using.
What kind of social issues do you hope to bring light to?
I hope to uncover and thoroughly investigate complex social issues, but thus far, I’m sharing stories to provide a different narrative for underrepresented people.
For instance, I worked on a Google Expedition project about the African American experience in Chicago during World War I.
What do you hope to do upon graduation?
I will be continuing to create multimedia stories. I don’t have set plans yet, but I’m constantly working on projects.
What advice would you give to an aspiring Journalism student hoping to study at WVU?
The best thing a young journalist can do is to embrace opportunities available and to ask about others' experiences.
I benefited a great deal from being active and staying connected with professors. It’s how I was asked to work on the Muslim in Appalachia project with Professor Dana Coester and Professor David Smith. It also helps to have an idea of which classes to take and what to expect from those projects.
How has WVU sharpened your skills and advanced your knowledge?
In addition to honing my research and investigative skills, the program allowed me to explore Strategic Communications.
I did not expect to be doing PR videos at all, but I enjoy and appreciate the experiences!
What’s your favorite thing about WVU?
My favorite thing about WVU is the faculty at the Reed College of Media and the wonderful friends I’ve made there.
At WVU, we want you to be exceptional.
Here at West Virginia University, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your personal, professional, and academic goals. Whether you're considering graduate school online, stressing about GRE test prep or financing graduate school, or getting excited about a career change, the WVU Admissions team is here to help you succeed.
We invite you to request more info today!
Are you making plans to switch careers but need some guidance and inspiration? Check out our digital resource — Make the Change: A Comprehensive Guide to Graduate Programs for Career Changers — and let us help you as you navigate the process of changing career fields!
