This year as an STA, I focused on building my video editing skills and learning how different editing platforms can support creative and instructional work. I explored CapCut, Clipchamp, and DaVinci Resolve, which helped me better understand how each tool can serve different student needs. Through this process, I learned that video editing is not only about making a project look polished, but also about choosing the right tool to communicate an idea clearly. 

During the fall semester, I focused on CapCut, which gave me a strong foundation in short-form editing, timeline editing, color grading, text, pacing, and quick visual effects. One project I was especially proud of was my Technology@Wooster post, “Quick Tip: CapCut Color-Grading”. In that post, I explained how students can use simple color adjustments to improve the look and mood of their videos. Creating it helped me practice explaining a digital media tool in a clear and approachable way, which is an important part of supporting students as an STA. 

In the spring semester, I worked more with Clipchamp and DaVinci Resolve. My Clipchamp familiarization project used the “you think you have time” trend, sound effects, and zoom transitions, giving me more practice with short-form editing in a beginner-friendly platform. I also appreciated that Clipchamp is accessible to Wooster users through the browser, which means students using either Mac or Windows can have a similar editing experience without needing to install advanced software. This makes it a helpful option for students who want to create simple, polished videos using a tool that is easy to access. 

A major part of my growth this year came from my DaVinci Resolve projects. After experimenting with multiple platforms, DaVinci Resolve became my go-to editing software because it gave me more creative control and allowed me to work in a more detailed way. Through these projects, I practiced visual effects, transitions, audio choices, compositing, masking, outlines, glitch-style visuals, background shapes, and layered composition. These skills helped me move beyond basic editing and become more confident making intentional creative choices. 

Overall, this year helped me grow as both a creative and technical STA. I gained experience with multiple video editing platforms, learned how to compare their strengths, and became more prepared to help students choose the right software for their projects. CapCut is useful for quick short-form videos, Clipchamp is approachable and accessible for beginner-friendly projects, and DaVinci Resolve is powerful for more advanced editing. Moving forward, I want to continue developing my editing skills while using what I have learned to better support students at the Digital Media Bar. My biggest takeaway is that strong video editing is about more than effects or transitions; it is about making clear, intentional choices that help communicate an idea creatively.