Whether he’s on the air with SparkHD, sports broadcasting for Olivet, or filming his podcast “The Voice of Generation Now,” you’ll hear Owen Smith’s voice. He is able to combine his passion for broadcasting and his love of sports into one at Olivet.
A glimpse into Smith’s life
Smith has taken a new role as a Residential Assistant (R.A.) in Chapman Hall, and he could not feel more fulfilled with the opportunity to build relationships with his residents, the other floor’s residents, his Co-R.A.s, and the resident director. He builds those connections by having Bible studies, staying up late with residents, and even making an intermural wiffle-ball team. He shares the importance of pouring into others, especially freshmen, since as a freshman, others poured into him. Because of that, by the end of his second semester Smith started to take God seriously.
Ethan Mathews is Smith’s Co-R.A. and they work together on the same floor. They met this year and plan events like UFC watch parties together for their residents. Mathews shared that he appreciates Smith’s dedication to work, as well as his love for the Lord.
“We have very different personalities and different interests in things, but we work together really well,” Mathews said. Mathews said that he admires Smith’s humor and his energy when he gets interested in something and enjoys sitting in the RA office chatting with each other.
“We have very different personalities and different interests in things, but we work together really well.”
Ethan Mathews
Why Olivet?
Smith found Olivet while surfing for good Communication departments online, and after he visited, he knew this was the school that he would fit in best as he loved how tight-knit the department is as a whole and the opportunities granted. Starting as a general communication major and then switching his second semester of freshman year to multimedia communication, Smith was able to appreciate all that is in the Communication department.
“It’s crazy to think how far I’ve grown in that regard, since I’ve always wanted to do broadcasting,” Smith said.
Passions
Smith said that there were so many things in the department that were interesting like video and studio production. He said that if opportunities arose to take part in different projects throughout communication, he would gladly partake, as all areas of media interest him.
How he cultivates his passions
“I’ve always had a passion for sports broadcasting,” Smith said as he shares how he cultivates his passions here at Olivet. He does this by connecting with the sports teams here, he regularly announces for the hockey team, as well as connects with students through his podcast.
“I want to talk about what other people are interested in, whether I know a lot about it or not,” Smith said. “The Voice of Generation Now” is so the students of this generation are heard. The podcast not only helps Smith relate to others, but it also helps grow his skills.
“I want to talk about what other people are interested in, whether I know a lot about it or not.”
Owen Smith
“I always wanted to go into sports broadcasting,” Smith said. When Smith was younger, he dreamed of becoming an umpire but as his voice matured and got deep, he realized he enjoyed calling games play-by-play in his bedroom. “I would practice calling games and watch highlights, I was super into it.” Smith shared how he practiced.
Smith said that there were so many things in the Comms department that were interesting like video and studio production. He said that if opportunities arose to take part in different projects throughout communications, he would gladly partake, as all areas of media interest him.
