When you ask Talan Stratton, a second-year student at Northern Essex Community College, how he found his way into sports media, he laughs a little. “I actually came here for environmental science,” he says. His journey at NECC has taken quite a few turns—three major changes, a self-taught skill set, and a growing passion that has quickly made him an influential creative voice in NECC athletics.

For Stratton, NECC was always on the horizon. His father, Darren Stratton, has served as NECC’s men’s basketball coach for years, and the community around the school already felt familiar. When NECC became tuition-free, the choice became even clearer. “We couldn’t take out loans, so financially, this was my best option.”

He started in environmental science, switched to accounting, and then finally settled into the business transfer program. But somewhere in the middle of all those transitions, he found something that stuck: videography. “When I switched to business, that’s when I focused and started to take photography seriously,” he says.

His introduction to photography, and only formal education in it, came from a single high school class. Equipment was expensive and not accessible, so he taught himself—hours of practice, experimentation, and learning by doing. What began as an interest in music videos slowly shifted into something unexpected: sports media.

“I realized I could put those music-video elements I loved to watch into sports,” he explains. “I was going to games anyway because of my dad. The teams needed a photographer, so I just started shooting. Then it spread from basketball to soccer and baseball. And three or four months ago, I was like, wait… I really love sports media.”

Today, he specializes in video work and even mentors a student photographer who handles still photos so he can focus on creating dynamic game-day footage.

NECC’s athletics have long been successful on the court and field, and now— thanks to Stratton— their online presence has left a lasting impression. He has taken that responsibility seriously. Through weekly series like “Almost Friday” and “What’s Up Wednesday”, he’s built a recognizable style and a consistent voice for NECC sports. His goal is bigger than simply posting highlights.

“I want people who already go here to feel proud,” he says. “If they’re excited about the teams, they’ll share the content. That’s how you reach people outside of Haverhill or Lawrence—you start by building pride right here.”

He wants NECC athletes to feel like they’re playing for a respected program, “a place people choose to come to.” His videos aim to match the energy of four-year schools and show recruits—and current students—that NECC is worth paying attention to.

As he finishes his second year at NECC, Stratton is preparing to transfer into a four-year business program. Endicott College is currently his top choice after being contacted by the college’s athletics creative director, though he’s keeping his options open. “There are lots of emails to get through,” he jokes.

The long-term dream? “To work for the Celtics,” he says without hesitation. “All I do is go to the gym, film, and sleep. I don’t even play basketball anymore—my time with basketball is behind the camera now.”

His biggest lesson is simple: talk to people. “Your skills are only half the battle,” he says. “Never be afraid to introduce yourself.” For a student who arrived at NECC unsure of his major, he’s now found a path defined by passion, persistence, and the simple willingness to say hello. “Community colleges can be random. You never know who you might meet.”