As a senior in journalism and media studies, Kaitlyn Bustamante has trained on how to ask the hard-hitting questions. Her studies have placed her on the set of Las Vegas NOW, backstage of the Life is Beautiful festival, and sitting face to face with Shaquille O’Neal. But, now it's her turn to answer and share her college story to an international audience.
She was one of 20 Rebels selected to represent UNLV in The College Tour, an Amazon Prime series that tells the story of college campuses through the unique stories of its students. Bustamante's segment covers the broad range of majors students can study at UNLV.
Why did you choose to study journalism?
My journey to choosing journalism was definitely not traditional. I went to Rancho High School and was in the medical magnet program. I was heavily involved in different activities. I was president of the theater department for two years, and that’s where I found my love for performing. More so storytelling, because I always found that I felt more comfort in telling someone else’s story than telling my own.
For a while, I was a double major in psychology and theater. I just knew it wasn’t really what I wanted to do. My dad always told me that he thinks I would be a great anchor on the news. So, because my dad saw that potential in me, I thought to give it a shot.
Journalism was also one of the few majors that I would be willing to take every class required. I could see myself taking audio storytelling, podcasting, social media, and more.
You enjoy theater because it's telling other people’s stories but how did you feel about sharing yours on The College Tour?
I think I’ve gotten to a point in my life where I am a very confident person, and I have theater to thank for that. As much as telling other people’s stories was more comfortable for me in high school, I think I’m at a point where I just love sharing who I am. Being able to do that on a broader scale, in this episode, is something that’s really special to me.
What makes you the perfect candidate to represent UNLV on the show?
I’m very heavily involved at UNLV, especially at the Greenspun College of Urban Affairs. I am a reporter for University Speaks [a TV and radio show produced by UNLV students for UNLV students], a member of Rebel Media Group [a group that provides clients with innovative and strategic digital media campaigns created by students and overseen by experienced media professionals], and I work for UNLV-TV.
Beyond that, I’m involved in other facets of campus. I serve as a social coordinator for the Filipinx American Student Association. And this past year, I was part of UNLV’s second stage fall production, Chamber Music. As well as being a full-time student, I intern at Las Vegas NOW, the lifestyle and entertainment show for Las Vegas’ CBS affiliate. I just felt like all of those things that I had going for me were exciting to showcase on the show and represent what UNLV students have going on in their lives.
What was your reaction to being chosen for the show?
It’s funny because the way I found out was different from the way that other candidates found out. I was actually writing a story for my advanced reporting class and interviewing the director of marketing and communications for UNLV's office of the senior vice provost for academic affairs, Kaci Schroeder. At the end of the interview she told me that I should expect an email from her informing me that I’ve been cast in the show. I just told her how lucky and grateful I feel to be a UNLV student, especially being a Las Vegas local. I think it’s kind of looked down upon to go to your state school, but I’m proud I did.
In addition to being featured in the series, you interviewed the show's host. Can you describe sitting across from Alex and being in his shoes as the interviewer?
It was definitely a crazy experience. The College Tour team was great, and they offered me the opportunity to interview the host of the show, Alex Boylan. I usually do my interviews reporter style, which is me behind the camera with an interview subject in front of the camera. In this circumstance, it was both of us on UNLV’s set — sitting side by side, talking to each other one on one with three cameras on us. The nerves were definitely running high for me.
He showed me a lot of kindness and gave me a lot of great advice. I remember him saying to start a YouTube channel and post content to show employers what I have to offer.
How was your overall experience filming for The College Tour?
My overall experience was definitely a great one that I’m very thankful for. The team I was working with were very supportive and open to hearing feedback. One other thing that made me really happy was my friend, Caren Yap was also a student being featured. I remember the day before my segment was filmed, I Facetimed her, and we talked about things to help calm my nerves.
I’m excited to see how the episode turns out when it’s released on Amazon Prime in the summer. I feel really lucky to have been able to represent UNLV and the Greenspun College of Urban Affairs.
