Ryder Hendon and Ryan Dehan: Joining staff together allowed us to not only film videos and take photos, but become a reliable source of laughter for the rest of the staff

In over our heads was an understatement. 

If we’d been completely transparent in our applications, we would’ve noted that we’d never actually picked up a camera before. We’d tagged along to some photoshoots and made some silly skits with our friends for video production class, but Nikon and ISO was a foreign language. Despite our lack of preparedness, we took a risk and joined staff — together. 

Our first day we were thrown into a video brainstorm without having any idea of how to use Adobe Premiere Pro, but we tossed out our ideas and began learning what makes a good video.

We pitched a trivia game show. A four-team, bracket-style trivia tournament to determine the smartest winter sports team, that would ultimately change our lives. We selected the contestants, developed the bracket and built the set. The only thing left was finding someone charming enough to host the show. Scorsese has De Niro, Speilberg has Hanks and Hendon has Dehan. 

Ryan was an amazing personality to put in front of the camera while Ryder remained behind it to help direct him in hosting the tournament. After three videos completing the tournament, we had formed an unbreakable bond on staff that would soon transcended Harbinger and bled into our lives outside of school. Our fits of laughter were more than a blooper reel — we went to lunch or out to play soccer without our filming equipment. 

Of course, we pride ourselves on our photos and videos but more than that we pride ourselves on bringing joy to the rest of the staff. Known infamously as the “Ryguys,” our laughter became the official soundtrack of the backroom, and our antics became much-needed brain breaks for our hard-working colleagues. 

Where we lacked in our ability to color correct photos or determine the difference between a light stand and a backdrop holder, we made up for with our positive, can-do attitudes. 

Harbinger granted us much more than just photo and video skills. It blessed us with lessons in problem-solving, collaboration and hard work and — most of all — blessed us with a brother, and for that we are forever grateful.