Check Out Marissa Carper’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Carper.

Hi Marissa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always loved making videos. Everyone makes iMovies with their siblings when they are young, but I was super into it. I was always making vlogs on family trips, taking photos everywhere I could. I took every media class I could in middle and high school. During covid, I was bored and started doing editing for YouTubers on the side to make some cash. My high school had an amazing media program, and I became heavily involved with it my junior and senior years. I filmed games and edited graphics but mostly worked with livestream production. My teacher was incredible and taught me so much about the media industry. We even won a national student production award for one of our livestreams: https://theemmys.tv/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/NSPA_2023-Winners_press-release.pdf

When I went to college, I knew I wanted to continue filming and editing videos. Since my high school experience was mostly all with sports, I reached out to the University of Maryland’s athletics department to see what opportunities they might have. I started interning with their creative video team my freshman year and still am (I’m finishing up my junior year). This internship taught me so much about cameras and filming, along with editing. I’ve been able to work with almost every sport, including football, basketball, lacrosse, field hockey, and more. I’ve worked alongside an incredible team of full-time staff and student interns, all of whom have helped me learn and grow.

Now I’m a junior at the University of Maryland studying computer science and cybersecurity. I am still interning with the University of Maryland and love being part of that team. Currently I’ve been leading our softball video production, which includes creating the intro video, filming and producing content for the team, and managing other interns assigned to the sport by distributing projects and the workload. I also freelance on the side, mostly within the music industry. I love photographing concerts, and cover them whenever I can.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not! For one, I moved across the country for college, which was a challenge within itself. I grew up in a rural town in Washington State but knew I wanted something different for college. I didn’t know anyone else attending the University of Maryland, but I was excited by the opportunity to discover and reinvent myself. Going to school here was the best decision I could’ve ever made; the friends I’ve made and the people I’ve met have truly made my life incredible.

I would say my biggest struggle has been with burnout. I’m constantly juggling my difficult computer science coursework with working for UMD athletics and freelancing on the side. I spend my summers as a cybersecurity intern, working 9-5 at a corporate office, but spend my evenings and weekends filming concerts and sporting events. It can be hard to say no, especially when you receive incredible opportunities that are hard to turn down. To protect my mental health, I’ve had to find what truly matters most and prioritize that. The reality is that you just can’t do everything; you will burn out. You need to be selective in the gigs you say yes to, and make sure you truly have the time and capacity to take on everything you sign up for.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work as a sports and concert videographer/photographer. I love filming high-energy events, capturing special moments. My favorite memory so far was working at World Pride DC. I worked for a media publication, Teens Media Network, where I got to capture WorldPride DC and the WorldPride Music Festival. It was incredible; I got to be in the pit for major artists such as Doechii, Khalid, and Cynthia Erivo. I also just love the energy of these events; people are so happy and lively. I love being able to capture those moments and share them.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
My academic background! Many people who only see the creative side of my work assume that it is my main career. However, I’m in my third year of studying computer science and cybersecurity, which is also a true passion of mine. I love the problem-solving behind cybersecurity and plan to pursue a career in it. My balance is a balance of technical and creative aspirations. I need each of them to balance out the other and keep me sane.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://marissacarper.myportfolio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissac.media/

Image Credits
The three concert photos are all taken by me.