Communiqué
WOUB Senior Spotlight: Alison Patton
< < Back toBy: Annabelle Dilts
ATHENS, OH – Alison Patton’s journey to Ohio University and WOUB took a few twists and turns, but the senior journalism news and information major is ready for what’s next after being able to explore all kinds of multimedia journalism in Athens.
Patton came to Athens from Zanesville, Ohio, but lived in North Carolina and Virginia before moving to Pataskala, Ohio and finally Zanesville. Her college story began at Penn State before she decided to transfer to Ohio University. Patton began working at WOUB as a news reporter soon after her transfer.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to leave or figure out where I wanted to go next, but I’m very grateful I chose to be a Bobcat,” said Patton. “At WOUB, I was able to create stories for TV, web and radio. So, it’s truly a multimedia job. I talk to people who have a story and then I take that information and combine video, sound and images to make a compelling story about people in Athens and the surrounding communities.”
Patton says she’s not only learned how to be a multimedia journalist, but she’s also learned a great deal about southeast Ohio and the people who live here.
“I have gotten to talk to so many cool people who have shown me some really interesting things.” Patton describes. “Over my summer internship at WOUB, I got to follow along with a group of mountain bikers who cleared trails for hikers, runners and other bikers. I followed the Athens Bicycle Club and they brought only what they could carry on their bikes, including a chainsaw. We rode on one of the most difficult trails in Athens County, and I’m not a biker, so it was a wild ride for me but definitely worth it.”
Patton describes her involvement with WOUB as a “perfect fit.” She says she’s learned to balance her classes and activities outside of class, so she can maximize all the opportunities available to her to learn and grow.
“When I first got to college I was really stressed about balancing homework, clubs and having a life. Now that I’m in my last semester, I’ve finally chilled out about my classes, and I’m really focusing on having a good semester,” said Patton. “Sometimes that means I do have to say no to someone so I can study but everything will work out.”