Here I am, a Junior in college with a part-time marketing job, videographer internship, and freelance business - all because I started playing video games in 7th grade.

Some might say that I’m dedicated - and let’s be honest, I don’t disagree. When I commit to something, I commit 100%, and video gaming was no exception. I became obsessed with learning the latest and greatest technologies and strategies surrounding the software - and like most people, when I don't know how to do something, I turned to Youtube. It was then that I discovered that gamers all around the world were posting content based off of the game, but also real-life videos - such as a day in their lives and challenges. Arguably, these might have been the world’s first “influencers.”

I wanted in. I had managed to save up $100 and buy a capture card (a device that captures the game on my computer screen), and began to edit my best clips to different music. It was just something I did for fun, a young teenager using it as a creative outlet. However, when I started high school, my grades came first and these videos fell to the side. A few years later, this creativity sparked back when my brother, Alex, purchased a Sony mirrorless camera - and I fell in love all over again.

Amidst diving back into my creative side with videography and editing, I also had some life choices to make - including college. After being accepted into Fresno State, I struggled with choosing my major - I saw my brother, Carlos, go through the Craig School of Business and successfully earned his bachelor’s in accounting and have several jobs offers right after college. While I, too, was interested in business strategies, I knew Business wasn’t for me, which is where Marketing came in. The path gave me the opportunity to combine these concepts with my creative side while giving me the freedom to grow my freelance business on the side.

My side hustle began to grow through networking and a variety of event footage. Using these videos to build my portfolio, I landed a multi-media assistant position with the Fresno State Alumni Association. Collaborating with several departments around campus, I began to work closely with the Brand Strategy and Marketing department, where I met some of the most creative individuals from Fresno. In July of this year, I was asked to join their team as a student videographer. Around the same time, RPM PR brought me on as their videography intern.

RPM has been one of the most unique and interesting professional experiences I have had so far. It is really amazing to be part of a start-up company, and I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to make content come to life for our clients. Although the office space is amazing, my favorite aspect is the team. While being proactive and motivated on a multitude of projects, we have still had time to laugh and connect about the randomness of the events of the day. I will always look back at this experience with a deep appreciation for Rae and the team at RPM PR.

If you need me, I’ll be behind the lens.

Daniel Teran

From the Desk of: Daniel Teran, Fall 2019 Videography Intern