My time at The Hilltop has been a beautiful journey. I was always interested in audio production and multimedia projects, so I knew that working as an audio editor on “The HillTalks” podcast would be something I’d enjoy.
I’ve always admired podcasts and audio storytelling. I love the way you can be completely immersed in a story solely by the sound of someone’s voice. When I started working for The Hilltop, the love I had for audio work was just a small bud and I never could have imagined how much it could grow.
I was introduced to “The HillTalks” podcast through former variety editor of The Hilltop, Afia Barrie. She told me that Madison Belo, former audio editor of “The HillTalks” podcast, needed more audio producers to help with the podcast. During that time, my love for audio work was already budding, so I knew that it would be the perfect role for me. Once I was onboarded to the podcast, I fell in love with audio work even more. Being able to tell the stories of my Howard University community brought me so much joy and happiness — I knew that I wanted to continue working with The Hilltop.
Once I became editor, I wanted to expand our reach and shift the format of the podcast. I wanted to try something different. The original “The HillTalks” podcast format consisted of The Hilltop reporters discussing the stories that they worked on that week. This year, I wanted to dive deeper and tell original, audio-only stories for the podcast’s audience. This way, listeners could not only experience written storytelling, but also the power of oral narrative and become immersed in “The HillTalks” unique style of storytelling.
This school year, “The HillTalks” team produced a multitude of stories focusing on the future of artificial intelligence at Howard University, the lack of food options on Howard University’s campus and HBCU visibility. I spoke to dozens of people from across the country, broadening our reach and amplifying our storytelling. Expanding the way we tell stories at “The HillTalks” podcast allowed my love for audio production and storytelling to fully blossom.
Before working with The Hilltop, I understood the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on an audience, but I never understood how much my love could grow from working as an audio editor. Telling stories that matter to the Howard University community helped me understand the capacity of my love for audio production and storytelling. I’m so honored to have worked for The Hilltop and I can’t wait to see where I go because of it.
Sincerely,
Zion Williams
Copy edited by D’Nyah Jefferson – Philmore