Natalie Holbrook discovered her career path after announcing a basketball game at school
GNADENHUTTEN − Natalie Holbrook discovered her love for media, communications and photography during her four years at Indian Valley High School, where she is currently a senior. These experiences prompted her to major in digital media production at the main campus of Kent State University this fall.“I was first asked to start announcing girls basketball games my freshman year. A teacher at the time, James Herman, taught me how to announce and after hearing me broadcast my first game, he encouraged me to join Braves Nation Communication team. At the time Braves Nation Communication was not involved much because of COVID, but I still met with the director, Aaron Davis, of the Braves Nation Communications team, and I was put in motion on the sidelines taking pictures the following year for football which was my sophomore year.
"Everything else has fallen into place since that time, and I have been involved with most of the sports programs at I.V. announcing or photographing. I have had several mentors along the way, but the people I particularly would like to mention are Casey Claxon of Claxon Communications and Sarah Dursik of Photographs by Sarah another business I collaborate with. They are the reason that I am where I am and have had the opportunities afforded to me in testing the waters for this career field."Casey has pushed Natalie to be the best version of herself, and, in an industry where things are extremely competitive, Sarah has never left my side, she added.
Being a part of Braves Nation Communications has allowed Natalie to take advantage of opportunities she wouldn't have had otherwise.
"At the beginning I was only a part of Braves Nation Communications, strictly volunteering for the school. My junior year I was given the opportunity to work for Claxon Communications but also continued participating in Braves Nation Communications. After working with Claxon Communications, I realized that this is what I want to pursue in college."At first her parents were hesitant to the idea of the added responsibilities of being employed through her high school years, as they were worried she would not have time for herself of her family. "about me working all the time and not having time for myself or for my family. "However, after a little while, they came around to the idea because they realized how much I genuinely enjoy what I do, and are supporting me 100 percent."
Natalie has been very active in sports as well. She was part of the varsity girls golf team and letter all four years as a member of the track team. 'Everyone at Indian Valley High school has been incredibly supportive in my endeavors and affording me the opportunity to follow my dreams in the communications industry while opening up doors to further explore so many facets in my desired career," she said.Two of her biggest supporters from school are Aaron David, director of Braves Nation Communication, and teacher Blair Emler. "Two specific people who I can vividly think of as being my biggest supporters from Indian Valley are Aaron Davis director of Braves Nation Communication and teacher, Blair Emler" she said."They have done nothing but encourage me and help me strive to be the person I am today."
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Volunteer work helped Natalie Holbrook discover her career path
