by Travis Harmon-Smith, 2016 NWOSU Mass Communications Alumnus
There’s only two words to describe this pain.
Heartbroken. Shattered.
Once your heart shatters in pieces; it’s difficult to repair.
That feeling isn’t just in Alva; but 1,000 miles away. It’s incredibly difficult to expound on the impact Mrs. Allison Zimmerman had on my journalism career.
Impactful. Influential. Two words that embellishes Ms. Zimmerman’s temperament.
Initially, Allison and I met at the end of 2014 when former Mass Communication advisor Dr. Jesse Schroeder departed from Northwestern to accept an on-air anchor position with a TV station in Texas. It was that moment when Allison and I developed a delectable relationship. A relationship that transcended her instruction in the classroom.
Allison’s ubiquitous influence on Northwestern’s Mass Communication and Journalism program was felt by many of her former students and colleagues. She had a keen eye for talent when it came to television news. This was during my broadcast days with NWTV 7. It was my junior year when Allison told me directly that she noticed my talent in television news. She always expressed how imperative it was to be a great writer. It’s pivotal to any news job. Something I didn’t realize until I landed my first career job with CBS 22 News in Fall 2016. From there, our relationship continued to grow stronger.
She gave me the green light as a senior with NWTV 7 as Sports Reporter. I hosted a sports weekly show at Northwestern entitled,’ Ranger Sports Weekly,’ in addition to producing content for ESPNU’s Campus Connection program through a segment called,’ For the Love of the Game.’
Allison also helped me land a national television internship with ‘Pedal America,’ a national television biking series that aired on PBS stations nationwide. That internship consisted of writing content for various episodes, and also designing travel guides.
With the help of Mrs. Zimmerman’s assistance, I was able to enhance my writing and become more adept as a journalist. This was before I entered the professional news industry. And since then; her teachings are still inspirational.
Again, it’s incredibly sad to hear about Mrs. Zimmerman’s passing. Her advice and instruction helped me land my first career job in television news when CBS hired me in 2016. She provided subsequent advice when I landed my first on-air job with ABC affiliate WTVQ-TV in Lexington, Kentucky where I just finished a two-year contract covering local, state, and national news.
Throughout the last four years, Allison has been a vital component to my success. Not only as a journalist, but as a person. She encouraged me to keep going when I wanted to give up. The news industry is cutthroat. It’s not for everybody. It doesn’t matter how great of a writer or storyteller you are. It’s a continuous grind. It’s non-stop.
Allison exemplified strong compassion for journalism. That compassion pervaded the entire Mass Communication department during my time as a student. It was the passion for the craft that she wanted her students to inherit. Be passionate about writing. Be passionate about informing society. She never tolerated complacency. Everyone knew their respective roles in the news department. If you didn’t have you’re story in by deadline, than your story wouldn’t be aired. It was that simple.
She taught me how to be self-sufficient as a journalist. Allison also taught me how to tell compelling stories that would resonate with pervasive audiences. She was all about versatility and being eclectic.
Hopefully, this pain won’t last forever. Her legacy and influence will live with me for years to come.
Allison Zimmerman was a beautiful soul.
Impactful. Influential.
My mentor, teacher, and friend.
Until we meet again. I love you.
Rest in Paradise.