My audio slideshow explores what it’s like to be a student employee at the University of Denver, focusing on one student equipment manager in the hockey program. My slideshow shows the daily life in the equipment room, at practices, and in behind-the-scenes moments that most students and fans don’t get to see. Through photos of the locker room, laundry area, equipment prep, practices, and staff interactions, I wanted to highlight the responsibility and teamwork involved, as well as the friendships and culture that come with the job. I wanted to show that student employment is more than just a job. For many students, especially those in athletics, it becomes a community and a big part of their college life. The audio from Cooper Kilpatrick supported this idea because he talked openly about balancing school and work, relying on coworkers, and how the job helped him get ready for life after college.

I picked these photos because they show both the work and the relationships that come with it. Some pictures focus on tasks like organizing gear or getting equipment ready before practice, while others capture relaxed moments like laundry. I wanted the slideshow to feel personal and real, not too formal. I arranged the slides to follow a typical day in the hockey program, starting with setup, moving through practices and team time, and ending with reflections on how the job affects students in the long run. The audio interview with Cooper was key because it gave the slideshow a real voice instead of just visuals. His thoughts on flexibility, teamwork, earning money, and preparing for future jobs made the story more honest and relatable. I kept text on the screen to a minimum so the photos and audio could tell the story naturally.

Making the slideshow taught me how important pacing, order, and good audio are in telling a story with visuals. Using real interview audio instead of a script made the project feel more natural and conversational. The photos worked well together because they showed both action and emotion, not just tasks. One challenge was choosing which photos to use since there were so many good moments, but too many would have made it repetitive. Another challenge was matching the audio levels and slide timing with Cooper’s answers. If I did this project again, I’d try to get more behind-the-scenes audio from different student employees to show a broader view of student work. I also learned that the best stories come from small details and real moments, not from overproducing. Overall, this project helped me see how photography, audio, and editing all work together to tell a story about college life and student jobs.