This is an interview with another of my media coursemates Indi Johnson. I believe she was the first person I began speaking to when I arrived to my first media lecture, so thought it would be interesting to interview her and find out more about her life before NTU.
Brandon: Hey Indi! Just a quick question to start off with then! What’s your full name, age and what do you currently do?
Indi: My name is Indigo Johnson and I am currently a student at Nottingham Trent Unviersity; studying Media with Media Practice.
Brandon: That’s great! Well, a question I like to ask my media friends, is how did you realise you wanted to go into the practical side of media?
Indi: Well, the great thing about the course, is that you are exposed to such a wide range of things in the first year, meaning you can really get to understand what to do, and what things yoy maybe don’t like about media. For me, it was the practice projects that stood out as being the most fun and interesting, but also challenging!
Brandon: Yeah I agree with that! Well, what have been your high points and low points of the course so far?
Indi: Of my course or University Life in general?
Brandon: Well, both! Treat us aha!
Indi: So high points of the course are definitely within the seminars and workshops, as you are able to have big group discussions and learn from eachother. It allows you to also think about ideas and opinions you’d never though about before. In terms of low points, there’s obviously been some bits I haven’t enjoyed as much, but at least that has helped me to rule out something I don’t want to do. Some group work is always hard but if you find the right group, there’s usually no issues at all.
Brandon: Yeah exactly! It’s definitely better to have experienced all the modules so you can easily narrow it down, rather than missing out on topics/classes that you could have potentially enjoyed! And what about University in general then?
Indi: High points of University life is meeting all of the amazing people on my course, accomodation and fencing. Low points is always being broke, but that can’t be helped and I just try to have fun in other ways that doesn’t require spending lots of money.
Brandon: Yeah I can relate about being broke aha! And yes, that’s always the way to overcome that. Well,m for me, I’m thinking of having a ‘sober 2019’ apart from my 21st birthday obviously; but what other things do you get upto if not going out drinking or partying?
Indi: Well, fencing is now a huge part of my Uni life. I compete regularly and train, as well as going on socials with them. So, to anyone thinking about joining University, definitely join a society! I also love cooking and baking, and everyday I look forward to cooking dinner and trying something new as well as experimenting!
Brandon: Awesome! Sounds like you get upto lots of fun then! Going back to your first day of first year at NTU, what was one thing you were looking forward to, and something you were a little nervous about?
Indi: My first day was very mixed. I hated saying goodbye, but the thought of being able to unpack my stuff and decorate my new roomreally excited them! Getting to meet the people in my flat also made me want to move in quicker! And as for my first night out, well, there are some stories about that…that have ruined tequila for me.
Brandon: Aha, well we’ve all got our alcohol stories, let me tell you aha! So, more about you then…Before coming to University, and even whilst being here, I’ve noticed that you’ve taken part in other media projects. What sort of projects did they include, and how do you balance University work with the other non-University related media projects
Indi: So, before University, I didn’t really do much. It’s all been during University mainly. I’ve worked for a few companies, mostly making promotional videos; (all voluntarily!) It’s easy to balance them to be honest because our work demands and contact hours at University are very small!
Brandon: Oh right! Well, it’s great that you’re doing lots of extra work. To be honest, paid or unpaid work is all good experience and always looks good on your CV for when you’re applying to jobs in the future. At NTU, they specialise in sports and promoting it as much as they can and I see you’re part of the fencing team! What’s your specific role within the society and what events do you do; for example, the training and socials that you mentioned before?
Indi: So, I’m the secretary of fencing, and I will be running for president next year. I bascially do lots of planning and organising, emailng and promotion for the club. It’s a lot of work but I love doing it! We have the Lincoln cup coming up in two weeks so we’ll see how we do there!
Both teams are also hoping to win league titles and the conference cup. We’ll see how it goes, but I’ve got high hopes; especially for us girls!
Brandon: Wow! Honestly, when I first heard you did fencing, I just thought you went to some of the training sessions and helped a bit with the social media. I didn’t realise how into the fencing you got, and that you do a lot of the logistics and promoting for the club! I’m hoping you girls do well, just so I can say ‘Woo go Indi’ aha!
So for each course, there are also ‘Course Representatives’. You allied and got the role as rep for Media. Why did you initially apply, and what responsibilities do you have?
Indi: Yeah I do a lot for the club but it’s not a burden! I applied for course rep so I could make a difference to the arts and humanities school, as well as to our course. I also get some inside knowledge!
Brandon: Ooh, so what sort of differences are you planning on making? And have any ideas that were put forward by either yourself or other media students been implemented already? AND CAN YOU SPILL ONE PIECE OF GOSSIP (if you’re allowed)…??
Indi: So, something I put forward the other day, is that in first year we did a lot of photography and sound scape stuff, whereas in second year when you choose the pracitical pathway, there are only film modules. I said that there should be more variety in second year, so that we can continue to develop the skills we initially learnt in first year. And as for gossop, they’re building a new media building in the city that we will be moving to. Not for about five years though…
Brandon: Oh right aha! Well, yeah, I was going to say that most of the content we are preparing for this year has been all film based so far, and was wondering where the photography moduels went! It was definitely a good thing to bring up! I’m guessing there’s still no sign of a swimming pool either aha? But with the media space, is it to be a replacement of the media suites and labs on Clifton, or just extra space?
Indi: Everyone’s obsessed with a pool. There won’t be one whilst we are here! And with regards to the media suites, it’s a whole new building and the whole department will be moving to the city!
Brandon: Oh wow that’s amazing! If only they would have done that five years ago, and I wouldn’t have had to trek all the way to Clifton for lectures. Tut tut tut. Alright well moving onto another question then. When we first started at University, you obviously wanted to try and find your social groups straight away, but I remember you saying to me that I was the first person you spoke to? What were your initial thoughts on me back then, and have your thoughts about me changed since? (Lol, be nice!)
Indi: There’s not a lot we can do! And if they had moved it before, we wouldn’t of had the joy of living in Peverell accomodation! Yeah, so we added each other on snapchat before the media group chat started, and I saw you put a message on your story if any media students wants to meet up. I thought ‘Sure’ why not get to know people, and I thought you were chill. Then eventually I got to know youre real personality…
Brandon: Erm, my ‘real personality’ is chill, it’s just that I can just be a little extra sometimes ahahah! Alright then, one final question I have for you then is simply, do you have any plans for after University or for the future in general?
Indi: My plans are uncertain, I might do into teaching or I might go free lance, making videos for companies. I’m not sure!
Brandon: Ooh well, that’s really interesting stuff! Thanks again for taking part in my little interview, I hope you enjoyed it aha! And just quickly then, for those people who may want to look at some of your work, or check out your socials, where can they find you?
Indi: No worries! And my Instagram is @indi_j_
Brandon: Awesome!
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