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Sophomore Maddox Fraher is always eager for more media experiences, something she’s found no shortage of at Cayuga since enrolling in the Spring 2025 semester.

Now, in her final semester before graduating with a degree in Media Arts: Media Communications, she’s mixing time at the radio station with a role she particularly enjoys broadcasting high school football.

Fraher chose Cayuga for several reasons — including financial aid and proximity — but also because of the strength of the media programs. Upon enrolling, she joined the Radio and Television Guild, opening the door to several media opportunities.

“It’s been a great way to connect with people who might not be in my classes but still have shared interests,” said Fraher of the Guild.

She joined WDWN, the student-run radio station at Cayuga, after her first semester. She needed to receive her radio qualification for class, then she applied to work at the station. With on-air shifts on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, it’s a decision she hasn’t regretted.

“It’s a great way to learn the systems and routines of working at a radio station without it being too overwhelming to beginners,” she said.

Prior to this fall she completed an internship at Tour Cayuga, the promotional agency supporting Cayuga County tourism. Fraher said she put her creative and production skills to good use, boosting her confidence.

The experience she gained at Cayuga goes beyond an internship and the radio station, though. In her first year, she joined college faculty, staff, students, and graduates to broadcast weekly high school football games in the fall. The games, broadcast on Spectrum, give students the chance to enjoy hands-on experience.

Fraher worked one-on-one with freelancers on the crew in her first year, before this fall moving on to a more specific opportunity running replay.

“The football broadcasts were definitely more daunting. That first year, it was amazing to have an expert with you, but it also meant every week we were doing something new,” she said. “This year, running the replay, I’ve really enjoyed that. We’ve only done a few games so far, but I’ve improved my abilities so much and can’t wait to grow as the season continues.”

Fraher is still figuring out her next step once she graduates. A bachelor’s degree may be in her future, she said, but she’s considering joining the workforce after December to identify her first job in media.