By: Jordan Smolsky

Throughout this course, I have been able to have several different hands-on activities despite it being an online asynchronous course. This is something that I did not expect as most online asynchronous courses I have taken in the past have failed to keep me engaged as much as a typical in-person course. Through the use of the Sport Journal blogs, I have done things I thought I’d never do when it comes to sport communication.

One of the first assignments of the semester, “Sport Journal,” had us create our own website that would store our assignments for the semester. Creating my own website was something that I had never thought I would do during my time here at ODU. Not only was this a valuable learning experience on how to design and edit a website but it was also a lot of fun. Later on in the semester, during the “Sport Journal Curation,” forced us to find ways to make our website look more presentable. This was an experience I really enjoyed as my website looks much more professional and ready to be looked at by future employers.

Another assignment series that was enjoyable but also valuable to my own aspirational sport and communication career was the “Sport Professional PenPal” assignments. Being able to connect with my Professional PenPal, Dr. Mamo, was impactful for two different reasons. First being, I was able to learn more about a career that I am interested in and may pursue. Another being able to network with a professional in this field. This is a skillset that is very valuable when working in the sport industry.

Overall, the assignments in this class pushed me to develop skills that are essential in the space of sport communication. It also opened my eyes to what is possible in this space and what I could potentially be working with later on in my career. This experience in this course has not just been a few credits towards my degree but a stepping stone to a better career and experience in the sport industry.