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A gold medal opportunity

Emmy at a studio

While most of us watched the Winter Olympics from home, 4-H alumna Emmy Beck-Aden had a front row seat to Beijing.

As a video streaming coordinator, Emmy worked at the NBC Sports headquarters in Connecticut, since COVID protocols required that most of the production take place remotely. She was responsible for ensuring the audio, video, and captioning were running for events and ads. Her focus was on curling, skiing, hockey, and figure skating events.

The twelve-hour time difference between Beijing and Connecticut meant adapting to a new schedule. “We had to work in real-time, so I quickly got used to working from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.” As a senior at High Point University studying media production, it also meant juggling her academics. “My professors worked with me to schedule assignments online, so I’d finish a shift, sleep for a few hours, then work on classes.”A girl outside of NBC Sports studio.

Handling multiple activities at the same time wasn’t new for the former 4-H’er from Athens County. Growing up in 4-H, she was involved with public speaking, project work, serving as a club officer, and was a member of the Teen Leadership Council. And it was through 4-H she developed her passion for filmmaking.

“I loved making short videos with the family camcorder while I was growing up. In ninth grade, I discovered Film Fest 4-H, the National 4-H Film Festival, and was able to meet other youth and professionals from all over the country who share my passion for creative communication.”A girl holding two awards.

Her Olympic experience helped her learn more about streaming and gave her the opportunity to network with professionals who focus on live broadcasts. It added a new entry to her resume—important for Emmy since graduation from High Point will take place this May.

“4-H helped lay the foundation for my career, and I’ll always be grateful for where it has taken me.”