As Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications, it was one of my responsibilities to coordinate Brebeuf Jesuit’s spring scholarship program under the guidance of the Vice President for Advancement and Enrollment in 2021, 2022, and in a supportive role to the Business Office in 2023.
Read MoreBrebeuf Jesuit Capital Campaign Video Series
Position: Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications, Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
The Final Push to the Capital Campaign Goal
The B-T-S Story
This particular video was multi-purpose:
Fundraising: We needed something warm-and-fuzzy that would tug at the Brebeuf community’s heartstrings (and wallets) at our annual Bistro fundraiser. After all, we had a Capital Campaign goal to reach!
Admissions: We wanted a video we could share with prospective families to communicate what it feels like to be a student at Brebeuf Jesuit, directly from the mouths of current Brebeuf students.
With productions like this, my boss Mike and I usually had a clear concept before we began—for instance, students read letters written to them by their teachers, or we’d hang a giant sheet of paper in the hallway and invite students to write “What Brave Looks Like” to them. This project…was a different story.
Even after a full week of brainstorming, we really didn’t know what this video would turn out to be. We went into filming day with nothing more than a few interview questions for our students and the smallest glimmer of hope that everything would fall into place.
One of our questions was fill-in-the-blank: “To me, Brebeuf is ______.” Without prompting and completely independently from one another, not one, not two, but three of our students responded to this question with, "home." This isn't language we've ever used to describe Brebeuf. Community? Definitely. That students feel "known" here? Absolutely. But "home?” Not even once. So it was absolutely remarkable to us that our students responded this way. How amazing is that?
Please enjoy hearing from Madison, Quin, Malia, Savannah, Max, Abby, Alex, Ahmed, and Ethan about what Brebeuf is to them!
The videos below followed “Brebeuf Is…” in a series of campaign messages we shared with the Brebeuf Jesuit community via email and social media to update them on our progress and to encourage additional giving in pursuit of our $15 million goal.
"You Will Be Known Here" Video Project
Originally published November 24, 2019
Position: Freelance Marketing Consultant
Description: Each school year, it is a tradition at Brebeuf Jesuit for a member of the faculty/staff community to write a personalized, handwritten note to a graduating senior to share words of love, encouragement, and well-wishes for the future. For this video project, the production team captured this special surprise unfold and asked a select number of students to read their letters aloud on camera. Students also answered interview questions that encouraged them to reflect on their high school experience and what it meant to them.
Though I did not yet work full-time at Brebeuf at the time of recording, I had the opportunity to package footage from this special moment into a video for the Admissions Office share with prospective families. As a Brebeuf alumna myself who felt truly known and valued in the warmth of the Brebeuf environment, it was a joy to tell this story and share it with middle school students who were discerning where to spend their next four years. When families are searching for a high school for their children to attend, they want to know what to expect: What does the day-to-day student experience look like? Will my student be cared for here, or will they get lost in the crowd? What is the student-teacher relationship like?
This video is designed to provide answers to precisely these questions and others like it. And who better than graduating Brebeuf students to share what life at Brebeuf is like? It’s a place where you will not only receive a wonderful education - it’s a place where you will feel truly known by students, teachers, and staff, alike.
Views: 2,113 and counting
"What Does Brave Look Like?" Video Project
"What does brave look like?" I was lucky enough to produce this video for Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, where we asked a number of students, faculty, and staff members this question.
Read MoreEmail Communications - Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
General writing responsibilities include composing written materials on an as-needed and ad hoc basis, quickly preparing drafts of interesting news articles, written copy for the website or social media outlets, or other timely communications such as the In-Depth or E-Bulletin newsletters.
Read More"60ish Seconds With..." Social Media and YouTube Series
Position: Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications, Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
The Background
The backstory to these videos makes them even more ridiculous than they already seem on the surface. Especially post-pandemic, students, teachers, and families felt extra tired and drained, and who can blame them? In response, my lovely boss Mike Higginbotham was relentless in trying to come up with some sort of silly, lighthearted video series to re-energize our community. So, we did what only the most logical of marketing professionals would do in this situation: we bought a prize wheel off of Amazon, of course!
First came the prize wheel, then came the questions:
How on Earth does one incorporate a prize wheel into school-related videos in a way that makes sense?
What prizes does one include on a prize wheel?
How does one get the Gaming Commission to approve a prize wheel?
I wish I were joking when I say Mike and I spent months trying to get this project off the ground, but that is precisely why they pay us the big bucks! After weeks of very serious meetings between Mike, me, Mike’s boss Jamie, and Brebeuf’s amazing Controller Chloe - who so graciously worked with the Gaming Commission to get us the green light for our crazy idea - we were ready to go!
The Framing
As we started filming these videos, we framed them as a fun way not only to celebrate Brebeuf’s recent 60th anniversary, but also to see what we could learn about Brebeuf faculty and staff members in about a minute's time. That being said, we didn’t want to be limited by a strict 60-second rule, so we slapped an “ish” onto the end of our timer for added flexibility. Thus, the 60ish Seconds With concept was born!
The Interviews
Our goal was to get to know our faculty and staff beyond the walls of the classroom. With this in mind, interviews involved a series of hard-hitting, journalistic questions, including, but certainly not limited to:
Would you rather fight 100 duck-sized horses, or 1 horse-sized duck?
What is the most ridiculous thing you believed as a child?
What does your perfect sandwich look like?
And as a way for us to thank each of our interviewees for spending time with us, they had the distinct privilege of spinning the world-renowned, state-of-the-art Brebeuf Jesuit Prize Wheel.
The Outcome
We posted these videos across YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, and they turned out to perform best on Instagram reels.
Here’s the interesting part: this series was uniquely effective at engaging an audience that is notoriously difficult to engage: members of the classes of 2017-2022. We routinely received comments and messages from recent graduates sharing how much they loved these videos, how much they missed Brebeuf, and how much they loved Mrs. DeMoss’s or Mr. Mayer’s classes when they were students. It was an unexpected outcome for this series that was really exciting to see!
The Videos
Total views on YouTube + Instagram: 4,927 and counting
Total views on YouTube + Instagram: 7,864 and counting
Total views on YouTube + Instagram: 3,850 and counting
Total views on YouTube + Instagram: 4,336 and counting
Total views on YouTube + Instagram: 4,067 and counting
Total views on YouTube + Instagram: 4,236 and counting
Total views on YouTube + Instagram: 3,688 and counting
Total views on YouTube + Instagram: 2,954 and counting
Total views on YouTube + Instagram: 3,897 and counting
On the Path Health - YouTube Videos
Position: Freelance Marketing Consultant
Description: My dad, Dr. Barry Melbert, has been working hard these last couple years to build a start-up called On the Path Health. Focused on the five pillars of health, the Path Health is a nine-week, science-backed wellness program that provides daily support and creates sustainable change in the lives of its participants. Though the program is still in its trial stages, I’ve been lucky to help my dad produce a number of videos for his audience, including cooking tutorials and educational content for program participants.
Cooking Tutorials
Educational Videos
'Twas Two Weeks Before Christmas...
'Twas two weeks before Christmas...
And all over the land,
People looked for great presents
for their family and friends.
Read MoreCOVID-19 Social Dist-Dance Videos
At the beginning of the pandemic, Brebeuf Jesuit’s marketing department conceptualized two fun, lighthearted videos to share with the wider school community. The goal was to spread some joy in an otherwise scary, uncertain time, and when I worked for Brebeuf in a freelance capacity, I had the privilege of editing these two videos together.
Read More"A Mindful Approach to Education" Article
Original article in Bylines, a magazine published annually by Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
Position: Freelance Marketing Consultant
The lights are dimmed, yoga mats blanket the classroom floor, and soft piano music plays as students take a collective breath, and Brebeuf Jesuit teacher Michelle Martin begins to lead a guided meditation.
“We’re going to take a deep breath in, and slowly let it out...Focus on the space in between your in-breath, and your out-breath...I invite you to imagine a bright light above you that pushes out any tension or stress...and just for a moment, allow your body to sit in this peace.”
Michelle, who has been with Brebeuf for 13 years, boasts an inspiring 26 years as an educator. She currently serves the Brebeuf community as a French teacher, immersion trip coordinator, and most recently, mindfulness teacher.
“My absolute favorite thing about my role at Brebeuf is that my position isn’t limiting,” Michelle shared. “We are encouraged to stretch ourselves professionally.”
The teacher certainly took this encouragement to heart by completing over 200 hours of mindfulness certifications through the International Mindfulness for Teachers Association (IMTA). This rigorous accreditation process involves studies in the history, science, and secularization of mindfulness; cultural competency, i.e., diversity, equity, and inclusion; and contemporary applications of mindfulness in fields such as education, prison, medicine, and business. It also includes personal mindfulness practice, a practicum, training under the supervision of a mentor, and two one-week silent retreats.
All of this hard work informs the mindfulness initiative Michelle has brought to the Brebeuf community. But what is mindfulness?
“There is a misconception that mindfulness entails ridding yourself of all thoughts,” Michelle said. “This is not true. The best definition [of mindfulness] that I have come across is from Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., who is the founding executive director of the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society at the University of Massachusetts. He defines mindfulness as the ‘awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally.’”
Numerous studies have shown that establishing mindful practices may lead to decreased stress and anxiety, better sleep, increased ability to regulate difficult emotions, deeper empathy and understanding of others, higher levels of well-being, and greater appreciation for the interconnectedness of the world. These findings carry important implications for the ways mindfulness may benefit Brebeuf students, especially given the rise of mental health challenges among American teens.
“Teenagers are under a variety of stresses that come not only from physical and cognitive changes, but also the mixed messages they receive through social media, the way they are ‘plugged in’ all the time, and the changes in the current university landscape,” Michelle explained. “Messages insisting [that students] need to do more and be more bombard them every day, and life has become a competition for them. Mindfulness teaches teenagers to set more realistic expectations for themselves, to be patient with themselves, and to feel loved and accepted.”
Michelle’s one-credit, one-semester Mindfulness 1 and Mindfulness 2 elective courses teach students how to be in the present moment and see things from more constructive perspectives. The curriculum employs meditations, games, reflections, and short readings to teach strategies for increased relaxation, improved focus and concentration, and management of difficult emotions. Lessons include “Mindful or Mind Full Living,” “Eating Meditation,” “Mindful Messaging and Social Media Use,” “Meeting and Navigating Difficult Emotions,” “Dial up the Gratitude,” and “Self-love and Appreciation.”
When asked why they love Michelle’s class so much, her Mindfulness 2 students were quick to describe her as “an advocate,” “an angel,” and “the nicest person you will ever meet in your entire life.” Many shared that her classes help them feel calmer in stressful situations and happier in their daily lives. They described a newfound ability to de-stress before tests, drown out background noise, and tune more deeply into their five senses through mindfulness. Whether it means taking three deep breaths before a presentation, practicing gratitude, or becoming aware of the way they respond to certain social situations, Michelle’s students can use these mindful practices throughout their lives to be more present, listen more actively, and manage everyday challenges with greater ease.
Not only has mindfulness impacted the lives of Brebeuf students, but it also continues to play an important role in Michelle’s own life, as it helps her to be authentically herself.
“I find that when I am being mindful, I notice a difference from within myself,” she reflected. “I feel more in tune [and] more gentle with people, nature, and the world. I am more aware that everything I say or do has an impact on the energy in the universe.”
Michelle’s initial interest in mindfulness came in response to an experience she had nine years ago sitting on her back patio.
“At the time, I had no clue as to what I was experiencing or how it happened, but for just a few moments, my mind became quiet, and a deep sense of peace washed over me,” she recounted. “It is difficult to put into words, but the best way I can describe it is to say that I felt as if my soul was one with everyone and everything in the world, and the idea of separation did not exist.”
Today, she strives to live mindfully in as many moments of the day as she can, practicing formal meditations and setting her phone to chime throughout the day to remind her to breathe and be present. Michelle recognizes, however, that mindfulness is not always easy.
“My first piece of advice for beginners is to be patient with yourselves and to not focus on achieving a goal,” she said. “That is the opposite of what a mindful practice is.”
She recommends a number of apps including Insight Timer, which features more than 28,000 free meditations for a variety of experience levels, spiritual backgrounds, and purposes from managing anxiety, to aiding sleep, to fostering creativity, to building confidence, and more.
Michelle plans to pursue further mindfulness study, specifically on the largely unexplored topic of the role mindfulness plays in equity, inclusion, and anti-oppression education. She also wants to explore whether teaching mindfulness to both educators and students could reduce the rate of educator compassion fatigue, as 40 to 50 percent of teachers leave the profession within their first five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
Michelle continues to have a positive impact on her students and the larger Brebeuf community with her mindfulness initiative, and we are grateful for her dedication and hard work!
30th Anniversary - Special Olympics Video 2018
Position: Vice President of Operations, Villanova Television (VTV)
Description: In November 2018, I had the honor of leading a team in filming and editing a video commemorating the 30th anniversary of the largest student-run Special Olympics event in the world. Our team recorded Opening Ceremonies, various athletic events, Olympic Town, and awards ceremonies over the course of Friday and Saturday, and we ensured completion of the edited video by Sunday, the end of Special Olympics weekend. The video below was presented to thousands of athletes, coaches, and volunteers at the 2018 Fall Fest Closing Ceremonies.
With such quick turnaround, there were a lot of moving parts in terms of building filming teams, coordinating a filming schedule, selecting and blending music for the audio track, dumping footage as it was collected throughout the weekend, and sticking to an editing schedule to ensure the video’s completion in time. It was sincerely such a joy to see the athletes’ faces light up and to hear them cheer for their teammates on the big screen at Closing Ceremonies. It made the lack of sleep that weekend more than worth it!
Views: 6,904 and counting
A Cappella Concert Videos
Filmed and edited a cappella concert videos for a number of on-campus groups. Personally filmed tight shots and edited videos using Adobe Premiere. Wide shots filmed by fellow VTV member. Audio recorded by Villanova University Tech Crew.
Read MoreVillanova University Orientation Videos
During my three years working on Villanova Television’s Executive Board, I had the fun and unique joy of helping capture the magic that is Villanova University’s Orientation program on film!
Read MoreVillanova University Senior Week Videos
2017
Senior Toast and Picnic 2017
Position: External Marketing Director, Villanova Television (VTV)
Description: Worked with a team to film and edit a video commemorating Villanova Class of 2017's senior toast and picnic.
Moonlight Cruise 2017
Position: External Marketing Director, Villanova Television (VTV)
Description: Worked with a fellow member of Villanova Television to film and edit a video commemorating the Villanova University class of 2017's Moonlight Cruise.
2018
Senior Ball 2018
Position: Vice President of Operations, Villanova Television (VTV)
Description: Worked with Villanova Television President to lead our Executive Board in filming and editing video commemorating Villanova University Class of 2018's Senior Ball.
Moonlight Cruise 2018
Position: Vice President of Operations, Villanova Television (VTV)
Description: Worked with Villanova Television president to film Villanova University Class of 2018's senior cruise on Philadelphia's Spirit. Edited independently using Adobe Premiere.
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week Video
Led team of Villanova Television members in filming and editing a video for Villanova University's Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Filmed multiple events over course of the week, found most impactful footage, and created a concise, cohesive product highlighting mission of the organization and message they wanted to communicate.
Read MoreVillanova Jazz Ensemble Videos
Position: Vice President of Operations, Villanova Television (VTV)
Description: I collaborated with the president of VTV to film Villanova Jazz Ensemble's performance of three songs including “Blue Bossa,” “Four,” and “A Night in Tunisia” and edited each independently. These three videos were part of the ensemble's marketing campaign to reach out to local restaurants and businesses interested in hiring musical talent. In addition to the three music videos, I also blended footage and audio from each into a concise trailer for the group to creatively showcase their work.
A Capella Palooza Promotional Video
Organized, directed, and filmed a promotional video with 14 representatives from Villanova University's seven a cappella groups to create a concise, cohesive, high-energy product advertising Villanova's largest a cappella event: A Cappella Palooza. Led a team of eight fellow Villanova Television members in filming. Edited independently.
Read MoreNOVAdance Silent Disco News Feature Story
I had the privilege of independently editing a feature story covering a Villanova fundraiser called Silent Disco. Silent Disco is one of a number of fundraisers hosted by NOVAdance and created by the B+ Foundation, a wonderful organization that works closely with children fighting cancer.
Read MoreVillanova University NCAA Championship 2016 Photos
As a freshman member of Villanova Television, I had the unique joy of photographing the NCAA Championship-Winning 2016 Basketball Team during their parade in downtown Philadelphia. Below are just a few of my favorites! I edited everything in Adobe Lightroom.
