167 MATTIE POWERS POWERS ON HU16 welcomes freshman news anchor Mattie Powers. Freshman Mattie Powers took HU16, Harding’s TV station, by storm as she fulfilled the role of segment reporter, a position rarely filled by a first year student. Powers had experience anchoring at her high school. She provided a demo reel from her previous experience in addition to her audition, which she believed was what secured her the job. “When I joined the school news in high school, I learned that this is something that I really enjoy doing, so I wanted to make it my career path,” Powers said. HU16 producer senior Abigail Rezentes said Powers was a great addition to the staff. Rezentes mentioned there were several new staff members in fall 2020, and their willingness to learn created a great work environment. “I think it kind of works out well to start as a freshman because you’re in that mindset of ‘everything is new and I want to try everything,’ which helps you filter through what you like and don’t,” Rezentes said. “If you have the right attitude and you’re not afraid to jump into the deep end, you’ll fit right in.” COVID-19 guidelines required social distancing, masks and rearranged sets. Two reporters sat six feet apart, and the other reporters sat in a separate room. Because it was a critical time in history, story assignments were also different. “Reporters used to have almost two weeks to put together a story, get interviews and write,” Rezentes said. “Now we assign a reporter something new every day the morning of, and they have until 3 p.m. to get an interview or two and write their story.” Powers said being a reporter in such a well trained position was intimidating at first, but as the shows continued, she became more comfortable. “It is definitely quite the task to be in this position during such a critical time in history, but it has felt rewarding to me because I have been able to inform the public on what’s currently happening in the world,” Powers said. “Everyone is so nice, supportive, welcoming and it is such a blessing to be a part of it all.” HU16 assignment editor senior Morgan Richardson commended Power’s willingness to learn from her mistakes. Richardson said some students let their fear rule them, especially on camera, but Powers’s confidence showed through her hard work. “It is extremely encouraging to see students of all majors and ages step into the HU16 newsroom because we can all learn communication, public speaking and what is going on in the world around us,” Richardson said. “Truly, anyone can learn.” story by Darcy Sanford Freshman Mattie Powers poses in the HU16 TV station. Powers became a segment reporter her freshman year. | photo by Chantel Ceaser
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