My America typically includes the negative side of what we know as the American Dream. When we were told that this would be our next assignment I thought I wanted to do something to do with my volunteer work and possibly document some of the garbage that lays around Sioux City — as that is what I think of when I think of America. This would’ve been photos of me teaching English to immigrants at Lutheran Services of Iowa and photos of literal trash. Then I realized this would be a little poorly executed project. So, I took photo and video footage of Morningside Campus Media’s coverage of Election Night.

As Election Night approached, we did our best to stay positive. Many people in my Media Management class are unfortunately negatively affected by how the election turned out. While trying to fix up the lighting for the camera, Jesus looked at it with fear.

We checked out the microphones and the system that has failed us multiple times; both the electronic system breaking down and restarting many times before we went live and the American judicial system failing certain demographics as long as I’ve been alive.

Students from Dr. Chase Privett’s class Campaigns and Elections came and sat in the main Communications classroom to keep an eye on the election & how it was shaking down. They were there for about three hours and honestly were the glue that held the whole night together.

During coverage, we had to take notes. I was on the main floor, but got the chance to check in on Mia and Jesus. While I was in there, Jesus was taking notes on how the night was going as well both in the technical and news sides.

The political science professors almost seemed to make light of the situation. I’m sure they have to be due to the nature of their profession being so down emotionally.