La Verne Alumna to Receive National Award for Depression Documentary

Depression hit Jetske Wauran as a junior while pursuing a degree in communications at the University of La Verne. But unlike many battling the illness, she did not suffer in silence.

She turned it into the subject of her senior project, a documentary called “Depression: The Hidden Struggle.” The Society of Professional Journalists named her a national finalist for the piece, and she is expected to receive an award for best student documentary in August from the Alliance for Community Media during the organization’s annual conference in Pasadena.

“Who knew that my own experience with depression could have brought me this far? I’m so thankful!” she said.

The documentary focuses on depression through the lens of a college student, who can sometimes face difficulties in finding help to face the illness. Wauran, who graduated in May 2014, featured fellow alums Sumitra Sivalingam and Alex Yamada in the documentary.

Wauran said she was surprised to discover how common the issue is among college students and people in general.

The documentary, she says, illustrates that depression is real, and that there is hope in dealing with it.

“Thankfully, we live in a generation in which there are numerous way to offer hope and healing, be it a mental health center or talk therapy,” she said. “The fact of the matter is, there are people out there who want to help and guide people through their struggle.”

Her instructor, Associate Professor of Broadcast Journalism Valerie Cummings, said she knows how much time and effort Wauran put into the project, so she is extremely proud of her.

“Because the project was close to Jetske’s heart and something that she was really passionate about, I think she handled it with a sensitivity and understanding that took the subject to a higher level,” Cummings said.

Wauran now works as a television news reporter for CBS and Fox news affiliates in Sioux City, Iowa.

“It never feels like work because I’m living my passion,” she said. “There is never a dull moment in this industry.”