irst and foremost, I must strictly address that without attempting to be too political on the matter, this will only be a reflection on my experience participating in preparation for the event and nothing more. I wish not to offend anyone with varied thoughts and opinions on said event as I only want to show my gratitude toward those who gave me this wonderful opportunity. With that out of the way, all right. Let's get started!
In retrospective, it's almost funny. I almost had no idea that the first 2016 presidential debate would even be at my school, Hofstra University, until I randomly opened my email one day. I was on vacation in Cyprus, just visiting family and enjoying the sun, not really stressing about the vast approaching new semester. When I noticed an email asking if any student would be willing to help volunteer for the days leading up to the event. My parents agreed that I should do it as I would benefit from gaining experience and I thought, "Why not? It could be fun.", so, I applied.
Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.
– Pele
I RETURNED, READY FOR A NEW YEAR!
It was now September. The new year has started as I now am a sophomore in college. The event was almost upon us, and everyone was getting ready. I was designated a general volunteer who would help with odd jobs here and there. I used this to moment to present myself with the upmost professionalism and demeanor.
I first was provided access to almost every section that the school was accommodating the press and media except for during the actual debate time. Then, I was told to arrive at the debate hall to where I met one of the producers for the Commission on Presidential Debates, John Callahan. I got to work alongside him as a production runner, assisting him with a variety of tasks ranging from organizing equipment and paperwork for the crew, helping set-up the debate hall, relaying messages to staff and other general administrative functions for days leading up to the debate.
Working up close and personal with the team that was putting together the entire stage, the lighting, the sound-work, and much more was incredible. Near my last day, I even saw one of my fellow colleagues up there, Joe Burch, up on the stage posing and testing out the lighting and sound for the debate, which was cool. September 26th had now come and on that day I reported to Ms. Kaitlin Vickery, who worked under NBC News Specials where I assisted in coordinating the distribution of NBC credentials and prepared breakfast for the morning news shows coverage the debate and the protests from various students on the candidates and their views. I got to meet tons of people who worked at NBC such as Chuck Todd, who funny enough, I didn't know sat behind me for half of the time I was there since he never came up to me for his credentials. I just didn't notice until I turned to look for an electrical outlet to give my phone a needed good charge.
Closing off, I am once gain very grateful for Hofstra and everyone involved in the preparation of the debate and for giving me this educational opportunity to have an up-close perspective and hands-on approach with how this entire event is put together. I couldn't be happier to be a part of it.
For more information, here is an article written by Micheal Sciannamea discussing my thoughts while working on-site of the production.