Campus Cutie: Sydney Muench ’24

Name: Sydney Muench

Hometown: Livingston, NJ

Year: Sophomore

Majors/Minors: Double major in film & media arts and political science 

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Her Campus American University: What are you most excited about this semester?

Sydney Muench: I’m most excited about my photography class and contributing more to clubs on campus! I’ve really enjoyed being a photographer for Her Campus last semester, and my major requires me to take a photography class, so I’m really excited to learn more and strengthen my skills with aesthetic/visual literacy. I’ve also stepped into more leadership positions this semester and really honed in my digital marketing and videography skills, so I’m looking forward to networking with other film people like myself and continuing with more photography and digital media content! 

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HCAU: Who was the first person at AU that made you feel like you belonged? 

SM: One of the first people I met at AU, in person, was my friend Jasmin. She and I had dinner with some mutual friends the first night I moved to campus last spring. The next day, the two of us had lunch together and we hit it off! Her kindness and energy really made me feel at home, and I knew that I was at the right place. 

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HCAU: When and how did you first get involved with photography?

SM: I never really thought of myself as a photographer up until recently. I consider myself more of a film/video person, which is how I started to get into the industry. Through ATV, Her Campus and my high school TV production program, I began to explore more with photo and video content. Because of Her Campus and my love for storytelling and journalism, I developed a strong liking for photography. Now, I definitely want to learn more and pursue more opportunities with photography and editing. 

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HCAU: What is your role at American TV? 

SM: I’m an editor for ATV, so I help edit broadcast packages for the final production. It’s been really educational and fun to learn how to properly edit for a news broadcast, as I had only some experience through high school. Now, I’ve grown passionate about TV News and really hope to gain more leadership experience in editing and broadcast production! 

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HCAU: How would you spend a day with nothing on your calendar?

SM: Honestly, the first thing I would do is sleep in! I love my sleep and definitely cherish those restful days. And then I would probably go to the gym to feel productive and wake up my body. The rest of my day will definitely include a bunch of self-care and just relaxing. Sometimes I like to journal or play with my bullet notebooks, but I would definitely watch movies/tv shows and lounge around. These types of days usually revolve around me doing as little thinking and stressing as possible. 

HCAU: What’s one big goal you have for the next five years?

SM: It’s funny when people ask this question because I never have one distinct answer– I like to think that I have many many interests in a variety of spheres. But for certain, after graduation, I’ll definitely want to live in either D.C. or N.Y.C. and find opportunities within the TV news and media industry! Another goal of mine is to hopefully live abroad and travel the world, so finding a remote job is something I’m looking into as well. These next five years are definitely going to be busy and full of fun experiences that push me and give me energy. 

HCAU: What has been your favorite class you’ve taken at AU?

SM: I would have to say either my screenwriting class last semester or the visual literacy class I took last year. I got to learn more about the art of writing a screenplay or documentary, which was super interesting and different. I pushed myself to be a better creative writer, and in turn, I actually learned more about the industry and producing, which is something I may want to pursue. My visual literacy class was equally eye-opening because I learned about the study of visual aesthetics and how it applies to digital marketing and engagement in a digital world. We got the opportunity to work with a local D.C. nonprofit and create social media content for them, which was super cool to apply what we learned in class to an actual business marketing plan. 

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HCAU: Sweet or savory?

SM: Sweet, 100%. I love anything chocolate, so I’m definitely a sweet tooth :) 

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HCAU: Mountains or beach?
SM: I love traveling and going on vacations, anywhere where there are amazing views. But, I would definitely have to say the beach is my favorite place– it’s so relaxing and peaceful and reminds me of summer’s energy. 

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HCAU: Where can we keep up with you? LinkedIn? Portfolio? Instagram?

SM: Definitely Instagram, I post way too often. I’ve also been updating my LinkedIn and been networking more with peers and others in the film community! 

My instagram: @sydmuench_

My linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/sydneymuench 

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