This past week was quite the whirlwind of events, excitement, and lots of social media activities. No, I am not talking about finals (even though we were able to finish our classes earlier last week!). I am talking about Derby week!
Before moving to Louisville seven years ago, I only knew of the Kentucky Derby. I had no idea there were so many amazing events, activities, and things to do before the most exciting two minutes of sports. This past week, not only was I able to do some of these activities, but I had students who also were part of these great events.
Being able to connect what is happening in the classroom to the outside world is more important than ever before. Students need to have the experience of being able to apply what they have learned and be able to share stories, experiences, and lessons from what they were able to do in this real-life scenario. That’s been a perspective I have always tried to embrace as a professor. With having the Kentucky Derby just a few miles away from campus, there are a TON of opportunities for students to get involved in with the activities.
I want to share with you some of the things my students were able to do this week for Derby. First, I have to give a huge S/O to Joey Wagner and Madison Hardy (JWagner Group) for allowing some of my students to be able to attend and help out their Derby events. They are the best professionals at event planning – and I have many students who want to go into this area of PR, so this was a perfect fit.
Second, speaking of events, I had the chance to go to one of the official Kentucky Derby Galas this week, Unbridled Eve. This is one of my favorite events not just for the glamour, but what the organization is doing to raise funds for so many great nonprofits like Blessings in a Backpack. This gala is held every year at The Galt House here in Louisville, and the venue and overall presentation as spectacular!
I was able to go to the event a few years ago, but I got to do something different this year. I got to go this year as part of the media! This was very cool to see since we were not only there with the traditional media, but with other bloggers, influencers, and other digital media professionals. It was a lot of fun to cover this angle not just with the mindset of being part of this wonderful event, but seeing the work and dedication that is needed to pull an event like this off. The UE social media team (Bella, Allison, Ashlea, and Courtney) did amazing! Make sure to check out the great coverage UE did on all of their social media platforms like Instagram!
I also had the chance to see one of my students (now officially a #FrebergAlum!) work the media circuit as well, Abbie Chambers. Abbie is a great student and rising professional (and wins the award for taking the most classes from me!) and was able to come in as part of the media group as well. It was fun to see her realize what we have been going over in classes over the years is real. We talked about the different aspects to consider, what we discussed as key practices, and what were some elements to keep in mind when covering the event as the media on social media. A highlight of course was seeing Dennis Quaid on the red carpet. Not only did we get a picture of Dennis, but he took a selfie with Abbie! #EveningMade
There of course was Kentucky Oaks and Derby, and one of my other students from this past semester, Michael Jester, was able to be the brains behind the Instagram Stories for the Kentucky Derby.
With Instagram becoming the go-to social media platform, there was a lot of expectations and of course pressure to make sure the content was there for this platform. Not only did Michael do well, he excelled. I was extremely pleased with the creativity in his stories, content, and how he was able to capture the overall experience of what it was like to be at the Kentucky Derby.
If you want to see what Michael was doing, make sure to check out the Ky Derby Instagram page and you can see the highlights he created for Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby.
I think it is important – more than ever – for professors to look at each student and see what they not only want to do in your class, but what are their goals afterwords and beyond graduation. It is also key to look at the strength’s and unique perspectives each student has to offer. That’s what happened with Michael. We were doing our influencer class assignment, and I asked the students to create an Instagram story of their experience. I saw Michael’s and I immediately thought he needed to showcase his skills at a large stage. When it comes to large stages, nothing is bigger than the Kentucky Derby here in Louisville!
I was very pleased with Michael’s performance at the Kentucky Derby and for Abbie’s great media engagement as well. It’s fun to see your students not only excel, but see the spark in their eyes that says they have found a profession they love and want to work in.
What were some takeaways for me from this past Derby week? Here are a few I think are very applicable for all of us in social media.
Sharing student stories is key to showcase the impact of experience in the classroom. Student stories and experiences are the best way in showing what you (as the professor) are able to do for your students in the classroom. We need to hear more stories like these from the community. It’s very easy to list yourself as a social media professor and talk about what social media can do for the classroom – but if you are not sharing stories about your students, this raises questions on credibility.
Be willing to put yourself in the student’s shoes yourself. I was not in the role of the professor when I was part of the media with Abbie – I was a fellow colleague and I was learning from her and what she was doing at the event. I think that’s a key element here is the fact we can all learn from each other! Plus, you are also able to get some experience yourself and see 1) what you are teaching is happening in the real world as well, 2) think outside of your field and on the other side of the table (I teach in PR and social media, and I had to think like the media for this role with UE), and 23) look at what content worked and what were some lessons you were able to take away from the experience. For me, I was able to learn a lot from both events!
Sometimes, you are the one who has to advocate and give confidence to get students to take that extra step. Whether it is to get the courage to get a selfie with Dennis Quaid or reach out to the social media strategist for the Kentucky Derby – all of these steps and actions need a bit of encouragement on your part. I think it’s always key to be the cheerleader and advocate for students in this area, and I was happy to see Abbie and Michael take action on these efforts!
Hope you all are having a great day!
Best Wishes,
