Rebecca Stamper

Bachelor of Arts, History and German, 4th Year 

Course: LA ST 210 (Winter 2022) with Instructor Dr. Russell Cobb 

Who was your community partner and can you describe the project objectives?

Our community partner was CJSR 88.5 FM campus radio, and our objective was to create a project focusing on an aspect of the Latin American community within Edmonton.

What was your biggest takeaway from your CSL placement? 

My biggest takeaway from the project is that you don’t need professional equipment to make something worthwhile, that you can create something using everyday tools. We recorded our interviews over Zoom for our podcast, making it more accessible and not as intimidating. 

How can you apply any newly gained knowledge/skills to your future endeavours (courses/employment/volunteering)?

Since we had to reach out to multiple candidates for our interviews, it was nerve-wracking at first. Over time and with more practice, it became more manageable, and I improved my interpersonal and networking skills. Overall, I feel more confident with my communication skills.

What are some of the ways that COVID-19 has affected your community partner or your placement? 

Due to COVID-19, we couldn’t meet our interviewees and conduct the interviews in person. Additionally, we had our CSL training sessions online as well. Online environments have pros and cons. I am already used to online learning and find it more accessible but simultaneously more challenging to be as engaged in an online environment compared to in-person.