One dozen Ohio University journalism students participate in security simulation at Ohio State

Twelve undergraduate and graduate students from the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University took part in breaking news scenarios involving state, national and international storylines.

“The Mershon Center for International Security Studies at The Ohio State University stages its National Security Simulation every two to three years to allow its students and those from OSU’s Moritz College of Law to practice their policy-making skills in real-life scenarios,” said Nerissa Young, associate professor of instruction in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. She traveled with the students. “To make it more real, the simulation needs journalism students to serve as reporters, press secretaries and communications directors for the White House, Congress, federal and state offices, the United Nations and corporations. It’s the best kind of experiential learning.”

Students spent two days in November working in their assigned roles to respond to fast-breaking developments affecting Ohio, the U.S. and the world.

Abigail Waechter, a sophomore from Mason, Ohio, served as the White House communications director.

“If anything, I learned why most press secretaries step down after a few months,” she said somewhat tongue in cheek. “I had the opportunity to work with Jay Carey, who is a spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Public Safety and a previous journalist for The Columbus Dispatch. Under Jay's mentorship, I was able to quickly assemble a team meeting with all of the other press secretaries to establish a communications medium and form a trusting relationship with them — and network with Jay.”

Waechter continued: “This experience will definitely be brought up in many job interviews in the future because I had to work in a stressful environment, work with deadlines, present to a group and improv any responses I did not know. The simulation forced me to juggle multiple tasks at one time, collaborate with a team, and work with asymmetrical information to piece together a successful press briefing that would satisfy the press's commitment to transparency.”

Harshita Singhania is a sophomore in the Honors Tutorial College studying journalism who hails from New Delhi, India.

"As a press secretary for a U.S. senator, my role was both demanding and rewarding” she said. “I served as the primary point of contact between the senator and the media. My role involved crafting press releases, coordinating interviews and managing the senator's social media presence. I learned the importance of diplomacy and quick thinking, especially during challenging situations and critical policy debates. It was a unique and exhilarating experience that allowed me to be at the forefront of political communication."

Young said: “Silver Barker, a senior from Cleveland, played herself in one part of the simulation — a lunchtime interview with former Ohio congressman Rep. Steve Stivers. The simulation’s planners, Dakota Rudesill and Jeff Trimble, said they chose Barker for the important role due to her experiences at WOUB Public Media and in broadcasting internships.”

The simulation included 200 players from several other universities including Purdue, University of Dayton and Georgetown University plus OHIO and OSU students.

Ohio University’s delegation represented seven countries. Other OHIO participants were: Taylor Orcutt, a sophomore in the Honors Tutorial College studying journalism from Athens, Ohio; Ashley Pomplas, a junior from Fairport Harbor, Ohio; Kate Marijolovic, a senior from Willoughby Hills, Ohio; Samantha Schimmoller, a senior from Centerville, Ohio; a Gloria Djebou, a master’s student from Abomey-Calavi, Benin; Marial Manyiel, a master’s student from Rumbek, South Sudan; Svetlana Chernuschevich, a master’s student from Siberia, Russia; Naoki Kuroishi, a doctoral student from Mimasaka-shi, Japan; and Kezia Nanda, a doctoral student from Jakarta, Indonesia.