Through the Student Lens: Meet 3 Photographers Working on the Campus Creative Media Team

University of Regina students Shaira Castillo, Calvin Hui, and Sydney Wszolek are often in the midst of the hustle and bustle on campus, cameras in hand. They are photographers for the Creative Media Team (CMT), shooting occasions such as University receptions, research conferences, and Cougars and Rams competitions including the exciting Mitchell Bowl in November 2024.

The CMT provides hands-on learning, student employment, and mentorship to around 20 students each year. Initially formed in 2017 to meet requirements from Canada West for universities to provide webcasts of their sporting events, offerings have since expanded to include photography, videography, and podcast production services.

It can be scary to put yourself out there, but it is so rewarding. You get to work with passionate people and the atmosphere is uplifting. My gratitude for this opportunity is endless. — Sydney Wszolek, first-year student in the Baccalauréat en éducation française (Le Bac) program, Faculty of Education, major in French and minor in Social Studies.

Matthew Degenhardt, Supervisor for the CMT and Clinical Instructor in the Faculty of Kinesiology, says the team is entirely student-driven with mentorship provided by himself, as well as Art Ward, Videographer in the University Communications and Marketing (UCM) team, for specific projects.

“The biggest opportunity the CMT offers its students is the chance to learn important media production skills, build portfolios, and acquire relevant hands-on experience under the mentorship of industry professionals. CMT student wages are also competitive,” says Degenhardt.

Shaira Castillo is in her final year of a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Technologies with a minor in Film Production through the Faculty of Media, Art, and Performance (MAP), and is also completing a certificate in Business Administration. Calvin Hui is a third-year Computer Science student in the Faculty of Science.  Sydney Wszolek is a first-year student in the Baccalauréat en éducation française (Le Bac) program offered by the Faculty of Education with a major in French and minor in Social Studies.

Before dedicating their attention to final exams, Castillo, Hui, and Wszolek put down their cameras to answer five questions related to favourite assignments, learning on the job, and personal growth.

What lessons have you gained from being on the CMT?

Castillo: I have learned so much from my peers and mentors. I think it’s a privilege to capture the hard work, excitement, and celebrations happening in the campus community.

Hui: This is my second year on the CMT and I find the experience provides a safe and supportive environment where I can learn and development my skills.

Wszolek: This past year has been the biggest learning opportunity for both my photography skills and me as a person. I learned so much about the mechanics of photography as well as time management, and growing in self-confidence.

What is challenging about being a CMT photographer?

Castillo: The most challenging aspect is working under pressure and constantly trying to find new ways to photograph the event or competition.

Hui: It’s always a challenge to produce quality photos in a short amount of time then getting them to where they need to go. We sometimes work late which can be tiring.

Wszolek: The biggest challenge is when the technology doesn’t work the way you need it to. Our entire job is based on Wi-Fi and the photo management technology where we share photos. There were times when I couldn’t post the images due to technology glitches which was frustrating because it was out of my control.

Can you describe your favourite photo shoots?

Castillo: My favourite photoshoots are the women’s and men’s basketball games because they’re always exciting, and the crowds go wild at the end.

Hui: I enjoy them all but my favourite this year was definitely hockey.

Wszolek: I would have to say my favourite was swimming. I was very nervous at my first swim meet but it turned out to be fun, though stressful. Sometimes you only have about 10 seconds to capture the swimmer while their face is underwater the majority of the race.

Do you have advice for students considering applying to the CMT

Castillo: This is a great group of people who are always there to help and collaborate. I encourage anyone who joins the CMT to learn from every opportunity, find new ways to improve, and always give your best because it will show over time.

Hui: I say go for it! If you enjoy creating video or photo content, doing it as a side gig really helps further your passion and provides an outlet to showcase your talents. Be passionate about what you do. The best creators are those that strive to create and improve.

Wszolek: Make connections! It can be scary to put yourself out there, but it is so rewarding. You get to work with passionate people and the atmosphere is uplifting. My gratitude for this opportunity is endless.

How would you describe the CMT in three words?

Castillo: Diligent, Thoughtful, Passionate

Hui: Teamwork, Creative, Belonging

Wszolek: Creative, Quick, Heart

All three students say photography will continue to be part of their lives post university. After graduation, Castillo plans to travel, work as a creative for a media company, and continue to create cool content on her own time. Hui plans to work on the CMT until he completes his BA in Computer Science then start his career and keep taking photos for personal enjoyment. Wszolek has had her own photography business since elementary school. Next year she will be studying in Quebec but plans to join the CMT again when she returns to finish her degree.

Feeling inspired? Contact Matthew Degenhardt, CMT Supervisor and Clinical Instructor in the Faculty of Kinesiology. 

Degenhardt speaks highly of the collective contributions of the CMT and looks forward to expanding their services.

“Not only does the CMT contribute to marketing and communications efforts for departments across campus, but it also creates student employment and experiential learning opportunities which are attractive for current and prospective students. There are some very talented individuals who are doing great work for the University through the CMT,” shares Degenhardt.

Banner photo: Members of the 2024-25 Creative Media Team gather for a group shot. Sydney Wszolek is seated on the left end of the bottom row. Calvin Hui is seated next to her, second from the left. Shaira Castillo is absent from the photo. Credit: University Communications and Marketing.