A Path of Light

The easiest way for me to describe my time in Europe could be through the path of lights I left behind me. I mean this both literally, with all of the candles I lit for my family in every church I visited, and figuratively. This trip has shed a light on the world of communications that I had never experienced. As a performing arts major my job is to tell a story. Communications takes that story, but places it in reality.

I think the most important aspect of this trip was how important visuals are in communications. I remember seeing a photo from the Topography of Terror Museum that our tour guide explained how we can learn a story from a single photograph. How propaganda was a tool that thrived with visuals, as the photographer can frame their subject so in a specific light without the audience knowing. This trip made me rethink how I look at media, and where it is coming from. Such as the idea of filming up at someone to show they are important and viseversa that Leni Riefenstahl created. I learned a lot about the other side of the camera, that I had (embarrassingly) never thought of before.

I came on this trip knowing almost nothing about communications, but loving European history. Paris started like in a theater, everything was dark and I waited with bated breath for the curtain to rise. The show that followed taught me a lot about myself, other people, and human connections. I’ve seen firsthand how important media is by showing the world global news, such as with the numerous protests we did/almost encountered. Thanks to Gutenberg we are able to get news out to the world in an instant. Nazi propaganda makes us rethink that easily accessible information. The Berlin Wall reminds us that history echoes itself.

I think I’ve overall become a much more careful observer. I can look at a picture, or a building, or listen to a speech and pick out different tactics that are being used. I also have become so much more appreciative for the technology that we have today. While it can be a distraction and used for good, it has allowed me to learn, discover new places, and figure out public transportation. I’m really going to miss Europe, and these past three weeks have been a whirlwind.

Signing off,

Katie