How to make Whipped Coffee at home.

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Digital journalism is fascinating to me. You have some many different tools, programs and platforms to choose from and create something unique. When this assignment was announced, I was excited and nervous at the same time. I was excited because I knew I could show off the skills I have learned and produce a great story. I was nervous because I couldn’t think of a story to do right away. I spent a lot of time thinking before an idea came to me.  

I decided to film my sister making whipped coffee. It is a step-by-step, “how to” video for viewers to follow. My sister has been making this coffee almost every morning since the stay-at-home order was placed. She found this recipe from a TikTok video.

I spent one day watching her make it to understand the process. Then, I brainstormed ways I could film the process. This helped me prepare myself before shooting the video. Also, I found the editing stage to be a lot easier since the process was filmed in order. I used Adobe Premiere Pro.

Overall, I am very happy with how my video turned out. Due to the pandemic, I am limited to where I can go and what I can do. I am used to working in groups and having a professor or faculty member around. This project was out of my comfort zone, but I learned to adapt rather well. This is the first time I have went through all stages of production on my own. This was a learning experience and an opportunity to strengthen my skills. I am proud of myself and look forward to what I produce next!    

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), coffee shops and other restaurants have been temporarily closed. SVSU sophomore, Lexi Madak, misses her daily coffee runs to Starbucks, but she found a way to make great tasting coffee at home. Using a few kitchen ingredients, Lexi can make a cup of whipped coffee in less than 5 minutes. Find out where she got this idea from and how to make it in the video below. 

JRN 340: Video Exercise

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Creating a video is not as easy as some people make it seem. It involves a lot of time and energy. Some stages (pre-production, production and post-production) take longer than others. It all depends on your skill level and how well prepared you are.

I enrolled in a couple video production classes in college and it helped me strengthen my skills a lot. I wouldn’t consider myself an expert, but I am familiar with the equipment and editing programs. For my digital journalism class, our class was assigned a video shooting exercise. Basically, it was an opportunity for us to get creative and shoot a variety of shots.

Due to the pandemic, I didn’t have a lot of places and environments to explore. With that said, I worked around I worked around my house and in my backyard. My sister, Lexi Madak, agreed to be in some of the shots.

I used my mom’s digital camera to film. It is an older camera and does not have some of the uniques capabilities like a new camera does. With that said, I struggled with the narrow depth of field and the great depth of field shot. My camera does not have the lens capable of achieving those shots.

Overall, this assignment went very well. I enjoyed going outside and hanging out with my sister. I discovered new camera shots that I can use towards my advertising and marketing career.

Boost your knowledge in the NASCAR world.

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About 72 years ago, racing became a sport. The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) isn’t for everyone, but it holds national races for fans in 48 US states and international races for fans in Canada, Mexico and Europe. Believe it or not, NASCAR is huge and it is easy to get familiar with. If you are looking for boost your knowledge in the auto and stock car racing sport, understanding the history and some of all-time greatest drivers is a good start.

Source: NASCAR’s Twitter
Source: ALTHON Sports

Source: Travel Channel

SVSU Sophomore adjusts to the new “normal”

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Lexi Madak, 19, is a sophomore at Saginaw Valley State University. Due to the coronavirus, her time spent on campus has come to an end. She has temporarily moved back into her parents house in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Similar to others, the coronavirus has affected her personal, school and work life.

For this Feature Photo Story Exercise, I decided to watch and photograph my sister, Lexi Madak. My goal was to demonstrate her new “normal” everyday life. For someone who was constantly out and about, this is a big adjustment. Lexi’s new life consists of sleeping, eating, doing homework and scrolling through social media. I am very happy with these candid moments because I am able to tell a story through photography.

All photos were taken on Tuesday, March 24, in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

#StayAtHome.
Lexi Madak stays connected with friends and family through various social media platforms.
Pizza? Say no more.
Jet’s Pizza is offering curbside pickup for people, like Lexi Madak, to enjoy a slice!
Taking a break from technology.
Lexi Madak makes time out of her day for a family game night. Lexi Madak says, “We don’t have as many games night as we did when I was younger. With everyone at home, we can play games like Trouble and Monopoly again.”
School comes first.
Lexi Madak is studying nursing at Saginaw Valley State University in hopes to one day work at a hospital.

The coronavirus has affected everyone’s life and people are adjusting as needed. For now, this is the new normal. These photos do not tell you everything about Lexi Madak, but they give viewers an idea as to how she is social distancing. Lexi Madak will continue to take precaution when leaving the house and self-quarantine until further notice.

Meet SVSU Sophomore Lexi Madak

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For this headshot photo exercise, I decided to photograph my sister, Lexi. I used my digital camera and found a spot with a neutral background and natural light. I knew she would be a great subject to work with because she has such a big smile!

Lexi Madak, 19, of Sterling Heights, Michigan is currently a sophomore at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU). Lexi is studying nursing in hopes to one day work at a hospital. Aside from her studies, Lexi is a member of the sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha and a tour guide for SVSU’s Admissions department.

Two female CMU students produce ‘The Bucket List’ podcast

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Central Michigan University students Amanda Madak and Marissa Dunn recently created a traveling podcast called “The Bucket List.” The purpose of this podcast is to discuss traveling experiences and educate listeners on a variety of locations. In the first episode, Madak and Dunn discuss study abroad programs to Italy. 

Sound: Total Happy Up And Sunny by Sascha Ende

Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/555-total-happy-up-and-sunny

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 

Get to know Amanda Madak

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Amanda Madak

Hello friends! My name is Amanda Madak and welcome to my blog. I am a senior at Central Michigan University (CMU) completing a bachelor’s degree in advertising with a minor in multimedia design and marketing. I will be graduating in May.

In summer of 2019, I managed to work two internships in two different cities. I accepted a summer agency internship with All Seasons Communications in Romeo, Michigan and a marketing specialist position with Automation Alley in Troy, Michigan. Both roles have taught me how to develop content for social media, communicate with clients, promote events, generate sales and more. After completing two internships, I am now searching for a full-time job in the advertising and marketing industry.

I created this blog for my JRN 340: Introduction to Digital Journalism class. The purpose of this blog is to display my writing skills, organize my thoughts and keep my creative juices flowing. In addition, my blog is a great link for potential employers to see some of my work and understand what I am capable of doing. I am looking forward to developing great stories and relating each to advertising or marketing.  

Additional information about my past experiences can be found on the About Me page. Thank you for taking the time to read and show interest in my blog!