Athletes and SOCT Global Messengers spent a recent morning obtaining skills with various group activities, conversations and lectures from Obston. The room was filled with passion and participation as members showed emphatic interest in Obston’s session. 

Sean DelGreco, athlete and global messenger for SOCT, explained his experience in the media training session. 

“I love being media trained,” said DelGreco. “This environment is a lot of fun.”

SOCT is a meaningful organization that athletes love being a part of. 

“I love Special Olympics Connecticut because it promotes inclusion and community through sports and activities,” said Jordan Lopez, SOCT athlete, global messenger and participant in the session. 

“I had a chance to meet some of the participants in an introductory Zoom,” said Obston. “Once I saw how eager they were to make the most of each media opportunity, I was able to adapt the materials I use for media training my clients and students to their needs.”

Participants learned how to present themselves during interviews, speak with confidence, humanize what their organization does and gained tips for being quoted. 

“My favorite thing I have learned today is how to stay calm, look credible and maintain eye contact during interviews,” said Lopez.

The afternoon portion of Obston’s session had participants apply their skills during mock interviews on camera. This became a prideful moment for Obston.  

“We did a mock interview on camera with one of the athletes and I saw how she used the skill we built all morning,” said Obston. “When I saw the tape of that interview, I felt so proud of her.”

Obston said she feels grateful for Quinnipiac’s support. 

“I am so grateful to have met Debbie Horne, Special Olympics senior director, communications and marketing accidently at a Quinnipiac networking event,” said Obston. “In addition, I am so proud of this university for supporting this effort by donating the use of the studio and classroom. Lastly, my super-busy, super-enthusiastic student Jack Bergmann (who had a million things on his plate) stepped up to man the studio and staff it with other Quinnipiac students."

In Focus