Experiencing the “Eras”

Employee Spotlight Profile

Jenn Cammel, Assistant Digital Editor
Modern Machine Shop and Production Machining
Gardner Business Media, Inc.

June 30^th, 2023 will forever live in my mind as one of the best days I’ve ever had. Why? Because I got to see the Taylor Swift in concert.

 

Outside Paycor stadium for the June 30^th Taylor Swift concert.

Now the word “see” could be a little bit misleading since my seat in the second to top row in the 300 level only allowed me to really see glimpses of Taylor’s sparkly outfits. This didn’t stop my enjoyment of the show, however.

I have been a Taylor Swift fan for as long as I can remember. One of my first memories of her music is listening to her second album Fearless on my Discman while roller skating back and forth in my driveway at nine years old, singing hits like “15” and “Love Story” at the top of my lungs while trying (and failing) not to fall.

This was my first-time seeing Taylor Swift in concert and I was beyond excited. Like thousands of other fans, I waited in hour long online lines for the chance to snag a coveted seat. I had my laptop open to the side of my work computer for six hours as I slowly, slowly, slowly moved forward in the never-ending queue. Of course, I got to the buying stage while I was in my only meeting of the day and was graciously allowed to take a break to get tickets (thank you so much Sarah.) After a tense few minutes while I searched for seats that hadn’t been snatched yet, I scored two tickets in section 312. I didn’t care where the seats were, I was just excited to be able to go.

At the concert, I got to watch as my favorite artist sang, danced, and strutted across the stage to a compilation of her best songs from the past 17 years. Throughout the over three-hour event, she transitioned throughout all 10 of her albums, commonly called “eras” by her fans, to create a one-of-a-kind concert experience. Each era has a unique aesthetic and tone that is relevant to Taylor’s life at the time of writing the album.

Like Taylor, we all go through eras of life, something I have been reflecting on lately and how it brought me to where I am today.

I am originally from Canton, Ohio where, if you’ve heard of it at all, you probably know as the hometown of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I grew up the second of four children with two parents, one Deaf and one hearing.

Growing up as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adult) is a huge part of my personality, even today. I learned American Sign Language with English growing up and would often have to call to make appointments or meetings for myself and my mom on the phone as young as six. I like to believe this is one reason why I became so outgoing and extroverted.

I always wanted to do everything, and my parents juggled putting me in a variety of activities like dance, cheerleading, art, and, most surprisingly for me, softball (it was only for one year and I mostly played in the grass).

As a teenager, I had the same energetic enthusiasm and wanted to join every single club I could. I was in over ten clubs throughout my time in high school though my favorites were speech and debate, where I performed drama, and worked on the newspaper. In both activities, I got to craft and tell all different kinds of stories, both verbally and through articles.

This leads to my next era where I went off to college. During my senior year, my high school had college representatives visit and you were able to miss your class to attend and learn more about the college. Thankfully for me, the University of Cincinnati, a school I knew almost nothing about, came during my precalculus class. I would take any opportunity to miss that class, so I signed up to meet with the college rep.

When I decided to attend the University of Cincinnati, my mom would tell people that I was going as far away as I could while still paying in-state tuition. She was right.

Attending PMTS, my first trade show.

As a communication and journalism major, I was able to continue to write and tell interesting and unique stories. During this time, I also interned for an education nonprofit for three years. I worked as their communication specialist and ran their social media accounts, hosted support groups, marketed events, and planned and attended two of their annual conferences.

I enjoyed my time with this organization, but my internship ended soon after the pandemic began as the company restructured. The pandemic is also why my time at UC ended with a whimper and not a bang as I attended a socially distanced graduation ceremony and received my diploma through a PDF.

The next era of my life had me moving back home to Canton. I knew I would miss Cincinnati, but I appreciated my time at home as I was able to save money and start my first job. I accepted a position at an e-commerce company as their product copywriter the month after I graduated.

The company I worked for had contracts with a variety of other businesses, which meant that nearly every day I was writing descriptions for different products. I mostly stuck to clothes, furniture, and toys but wrote about everything from car parts to kitchen appliances to light fixtures. The weirdest thing I had to write about was probably an assortment of medical supplies that included ultrasound gel, wheelchair parts, and toilet seat raisers.

I worked here for a year before deciding to find a new job and move out of my parents’ house. I applied to jobs all over the country hoping to find something that mixed my love of storytelling and skills of social marketing. My fond memories of the city led me to apply to many places in and around Cincinnati, even as I thought I would never be lucky enough to find a good job there.

Second in from left with the other Digital Editors at the 2022 Gardner Holiday party, my first time visiting the office and meeting everyone in person.

I was ecstatic when I finally received the call from Gardner saying that I got the job as a digital editor. Moving to a city I loved for a job that fit my skills was a dream come true that I never thought would happen.

Which brings me to my current era, one that I have high hopes will be the best one yet. I moved to Cincinnati two months after I received my job offer and was fortunate enough to live with my cousin for a few months and then moved in with my best friend in early July.

I feel so lucky to be back in a place I love, living with my best friend, and working a job I enjoy. And maybe, above it all, I am so lucky Taylor Swift decided to tour so close to my new home.

As Taylor Swift once said, “I don’t know how it gets better than this.”

Need more information?
Jenn Cammel
Assistant Digital Editor
Modern Machine Shop and Production Machining
Gardner Business Media Inc.
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About the Author

Jenn Cammel

Jenn Cammel is the assistant digital editor of Modern Machine Shop and Production Machining. Originally from Canton, Ohio, she graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor's degree in Communication and Journalism. She joined Gardner Business Media in November 2022 and has previously worked as a copywriter and social media manager.