DoIT Student Digital Stories: Kaleb Graham

Sun, 11 May 2025 20:29:01 -0400
doit-students, success

Kaleb Graham shares how working with UMBC sports broadcasting helped him discover his passion and build connections for a future in sports media.

Finding Direction Through Experience: Kaleb Graham’s Journey in Visual Arts and Sports Broadcasting

Navigating college life can be a daunting experience, especially when you are uncertain of your future career path. For Kaleb Graham, a visual arts student with a concentration in cinematic arts, this journey has been defined by exploration, connection, and the willingness to embrace new experiences. His story not only illuminates the valuable opportunities available to students who eagerly immerse themselves in campus life but also offers relatable advice to anyone beginning their own academic or professional adventure.

From Uncertainty to Opportunity

Like many students, Kaleb arrived at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) unsure of the trajectory he wanted his life to follow. He openly admits that he “came here not knowing exactly what I wanted to do.” This uncertainty did not paralyze him—instead, it sparked a journey of discovery underscored by curiosity and openness to possibility.

For Kaleb, opportunity found its roots in involvement. Joining the women’s basketball team as a practice player was his entry point into a world that would later branch into surprising directions. Soon, he transitioned into the role of team manager, where new responsibilities offered insight and exposure to the moving parts of collegiate sports.

The Power of Connection: Meeting Mentors and Role Models

Campus life thrives on relationships. For Kaleb, a pivotal moment came when he encountered Dustin—a key figure in the university’s event life—during a classroom visit. Having noticed Dustin at athletic events before, the classroom interaction bridged the gap between acquaintance and mentor. It was this human connection that eventually opened the door to further hands-on experiences.

One of the standout memories from Kaleb’s UMBC tenure came as a direct result of seizing opportunities provided by his growing network. When a Steph Curry event came through campus, Kaleb’s involvement with the women’s basketball team placed him in a position to work the event. Not only did he witness one of his sports heroes up close, but he also had the once-in-a-lifetime experience of shaking the hand of the legendary NBA star. These moments, he notes, are the serendipitous rewards that emerge from diligent engagement and genuine connection within one’s community.

Stepping Behind the Camera: Evolution in Broadcasting

Kaleb’s experience was not limited to the athletic court. His role gradually shifted toward the technical, creative world of sports broadcasting. This progression began with observation—shadowing seasoned broadcast staff, learning the ropes through replay operations, and understanding the rhythm of live event coverage.

Yet, watching was only the beginning. Kaleb was quickly trusted with hands-on responsibilities, moving from replay operations to running live cameras during soccer season broadcasts. The dynamic environment and technical challenges further fueled his enthusiasm. Each new responsibility was both a learning experience and an opportunity to refine personal interests.

The Value of Exploration: Advice for New Student Employees

Reflecting on his path, Kaleb emphasizes the importance of experiential breadth. “Don’t be afraid to try everything,” he advises. For him, sampling a variety of roles and duties was key to developing a holistic understanding of the field and, more importantly, to discovering what truly resonated within.

This willingness to engage with different aspects of student employment not only built functional skills but also cultivated confidence. By resisting the urge to specialize prematurely or restrict himself to familiar boundaries, Kaleb gained a clearer sense of his abilities, preferences, and goals. Knowledge of diverse operational tasks provided the flexibility and resilience that are crucial in the ever-evolving world of post-graduate employment.

The Role of Networking in Professional Growth

Looking back, Kaleb recognizes that the connections he made throughout his undergraduate career were instrumental in shaping his future. “This impacted my future by introducing me to people… as well as just opening up what I like to do,” he reflects. These relationships not only fostered opportunities but also offered platforms for feedback, encouragement, and inspiration.

Through these professional and personal bonds, Kaleb found a supportive environment where his interests could thrive. The collegiate setting functioned as a microcosm of the broader professional world, where collaboration, trust, and goodwill can unlock doors previously unknown.

Combining Passions: Sports and Visual Arts

A defining feature of Kaleb’s story is the successful intersection of athletic enthusiasm and artistic aspiration. A self-described lifelong sports fan, Kaleb’s education in cinematic arts provided the technical foundation and creative lens through which he could reinterpret and document athletic events.

By merging an abiding love of sports with an academic focus in visual arts, Kaleb forged a unique niche that satisfied both personal passion and professional ambition. The experience of working live athletic broadcasts gave him invaluable insight into storytelling, camera operation, and live production—all skills transferable far beyond UMBC.

Shaping the Vision for the Future

As graduation approaches, Kaleb reflects positively on his journey, “helping me figure out what I like to do and just giving me an avenue to continue to do what I like once I graduate.” The clarity gained from years of exploration and involvement has paved a way forward—one rooted in creativity, teamwork, and the electric atmosphere of live sports.

His sights set on continuing in the realm where sports and the visual arts intersect, Kaleb is well-prepared to leverage the experience, skills, and network he has cultivated during his university years.

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Lessons for Students: How to Maximize Your College Experience

Kaleb’s journey, though personal, contains universal truths and actionable lessons for students everywhere. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to reinvigorate your academic journey, the following themes from Kaleb’s narrative provide a roadmap for maximizing the value of your college years.

Embrace Uncertainty as Opportunity

It’s natural to feel unsure about your long-term goals. Rather than succumbing to anxiety, use this period of uncertainty as an opportunity to explore different interests and roles. Embracing the unknown can unlock avenues of growth that rigid plans often overlook.

Say “Yes” to New Experiences

Growth flourishes in unfamiliar terrain. Volunteering for new duties, joining campus organizations, or simply striking up a conversation with a stranger at an event can all lead to transformative experiences. The willingness to step outside your comfort zone—like Kaleb did by joining the basketball team and later the broadcasting crew—can reveal hidden talents and passions.

Prioritize Connection and Community

Building relationships is as crucial as academic achievement. Mentors, peers, and staff can offer guidance, support, and real-world opportunities that textbooks cannot provide. Being known within your campus community opens doors and fosters belonging.

Seek Hands-On Learning

Classroom knowledge is invaluable, but experience is the crucible in which skills are honed. Whenever possible, seek out internships, jobs, or volunteer roles that allow you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. The practical learning Kaleb gained via live broadcasts provided a foundation of technical expertise and confidence.

Integrate Your Interests

Don’t be afraid to combine passions—even those that seem unrelated. Whether it’s art and athletics, science and communication, or any other pairing, the intersection is often where innovation and fulfillment thrive. Kaleb’s merging of visual arts and sports is a testament to the creative potential of cross-disciplinary engagement.

Reflect and Adjust

Throughout your journey, take time to reflect on your experiences. What tasks do you enjoy most? Where do you feel most energized? Honest self-assessment allows you to adjust your trajectory and continue moving toward roles that fit your evolving sense of purpose.

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A Blueprint for Success: Student Engagement in Action

To ground these lessons, let’s examine in more detail how Kaleb implemented them during his time at UMBC, providing a blueprint any student can adapt to their own context.

Early Involvement: Finding Your Footing

Arriving on campus, Kaleb didn’t immediately wait for the perfect opportunity; he sought out ways to get involved. Playing as a practice player for the women’s basketball team placed him in close contact with student athletes, coaches, and administrators. This early involvement was less about resume-building and more about finding a sense of place within a large university setting.

The Ripple Effect of Participation

By participating actively, Kaleb didn’t just receive assignments; he created them. Transitioning from player to manager, he voluntarily took on additional roles and challenges. Each new role brought him new contacts, skills, and credibility—eventually leading to one of his greatest experiences: working the Steph Curry event.

Shadowing and Learning on the Job

Not content to simply coast on established roles, Kaleb took initiative within the broadcasting department. Rather than assuming he had to know everything from day one, he chose to shadow experienced team members. Watching, asking questions, and learning the ropes prepared him for direct involvement in camera operation and live production.

This cycle of observation, participation, and feedback echoes best practices for any emerging professional. Humility in learning, combined with confidence in trying, is a recipe for growth.

Adapting to New Challenges

The broadcast environment is a fast-paced, high-stakes setting. Stepping behind the camera during soccer season demanded quick thinking, technical knowledge, and composure under pressure. Kaleb embraced these challenges as opportunities to sharpen his abilities. This adaptability is not only useful in sports broadcasting—it’s essential in any rapidly-changing industry.

Giving Back: Advice to the Next Generation

Kaleb’s journey came full circle when he began offering advice to incoming student employees. Encouraging others to “try everything,” he highlights the reciprocal nature of university life: you receive as you give, and the knowledge you accumulate is only truly valuable when shared.

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Long-Term Impact: How Campus Experience Shapes Career Trajectory

Reflecting on the impact of his college years, Kaleb identifies two main outcomes: clarity of passion and an expanded professional network. These benefits, subtle at first, compound over time, shaping the direction and velocity of post-graduate life.

Discovering What You Love

The patchwork of jobs, internships, and volunteer stints that defined Kaleb’s college experience weren’t random—they represented a process of iterative discovery. Each role tested assumptions and clarified ambitions. By graduation, the pattern was clear: roles that merged creativity (visual arts) with the camaraderie and excitement of sports brought him the greatest satisfaction.

Building Professional Relationships

While technical skills may open doors, it is often relationships that keep them open. The mentors, colleagues, and friends Kaleb met through the women’s basketball team and broadcasting services continue to be sources of advice, support, and opportunity.

Preparing for a Future Beyond College

Kaleb’s narrative is ultimately one of preparation, self-awareness, and hope. The skills, experiences, and relationships built during his years at UMBC are tools he will carry into the professional world. The confidence gained from shaking Steph Curry’s hand, operating cameras during high-pressure moments, and leading by example have armed him with both competence and resilience.

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Conclusion: Embracing the Journey

Kaleb Graham’s story reminds us that college is more than a collection of classes—it’s a vibrant laboratory for personal and professional growth. Through intentional involvement, a willingness to try and fail, and the cultivation of meaningful connections, students can chart their own unique paths, prepared to thrive in whatever fields await them.

Whether you’re an aspiring professional, a current student, or considering new ways to engage with your environment, the lessons from Kaleb’s journey—openness, commitment, and courage—offer a guiding light. Every handshake, every event, every shadowing opportunity is a step toward clarity, competence, and purpose. Embrace the unknown, build your community, and discover where your passions and talents intersect. The future, as Kaleb demonstrates, is shaped one bold step at a time.

Shout-Out!

Kaleb will be graduating in May 2025 from UMBC, with a BA in Visual Arts. Congratulations Kaleb!