Since students in Jour 201 will learn the foundations of journalism and the craft's main two components - reporting and writing of news, this blog space will be used to encourage all sorts of writing, experimentations with leads and other exercises.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
A SIGNIFICANT EVENT ....................
Students will share a turning point or significant event in their lives that make them worthy of a profile. Here are their tales:
In my opinion, my experiences abroad would make me worth profiling. In the first semester of my freshman year, I spent three and a half months studying abroad in London. I took classes that were fundamentally different than American courses; they were much longer, 3 hours each, and had an emphasis on discussion and multi-cultural understanding. Not only did I learn how Londoners lived in the past and how they live today, I got to live as a Londoner myself. I became good friends with several British people and got to learn more about the way they live. In terms of journalism, I learned and experienced firsthand the way the British media operates, as well as the fundamental differences between our papers and theirs. For example, while some papers in America are known to have a political “slant”, in London this is not only expected, but widely expected and accepted. The Guardian is London’s “liberal” paper, while The Sun is considered one of the “conservative” papers. This is not seen as a negative thing by the people there, it is just accepted as an aspect of the news media. Censorship is also extremely lax in England compared to America. For example, The Sun is infamous for having pages of topless women on page three of every issue. This is done solely to increase readership and circulation. While it’s not exactly condoned by the British public, it’s not really condemned either. In America, this would likely cause an uproar and the paper would probably be forced to either censor the images or not publish them at all. The idea of “scandal” is very different over there than it is here. Nudity is not censored for instance, so controversy does not stem from such images. Instead, most of their “scandal” papers cover politics, with varying levels of honesty. Some papers such as The Sun focus on sensationalist writing and will often post exaggerated or just plain fabricated stories, whereas other papers like The Guardian and The Independent attempt to cover stories with facts, and generally avoid sensationalism. From my experiences abroad, I have learned much about British media and how it compares with our own, and as such, I believe I would be interesting to profile.
I spent the majority of my life eating whatever I wanted, not caring about the impact it would have on my body. Cinnamon sugar was my weakness and takeout from fast food restaurants was a weekly meal. I was never “obese” but I was definitely unhealthy. Being a field hockey player, I maintained a somewhat consistent exercise pattern, but nothing can really outweigh poor food decisions. But something happened during the spring of my senior year of high school. There was one day that I realized that I needed to start treating my body better. So I acted on it. I completely changed my diet- I went grocery shopping for clean foods and told my parents that I didn’t want the junk food in the house anymore. My mom is a huge health nut so she was all over the idea. The next morning I woke up to oatmeal with fresh fruits and nuts. This became my lifestyle. My friends of course thought it was just a phase and I would never actually stick to it. But I was dedicated. I cut out almost all processed foods and started running. I ran far. Every day. It was a great feeling; I could feel a significant difference in my body. During this change, I ended up losing a total of 25 pounds. It was fantastic. Those healthy habits stuck with me and now I lead a great lifestyle. I’ve completed two half marathons and I feel great about my body. That spring of 2013 was a huge turning point in my life. I could not be happier with the way I live today.
Broadcast journalism is a career that remains close to my heart; it’s a way of living- unlike any other career. As an aspiring investigative reporter, a current production assistant and as an undergraduate student at the University of Maryland, I’m entirely invested in the field.
In my free time, I enjoy going on ride-alongs with law enforcement and first responders. Embedding myself with people in these careers allows me to take on the role as an investigative reporter and ethnographer. Additionally, it allows me to be out in the field near possible breaking news, the ability to network and expand my knowledge to accurately inform others.
For example, Labor Day weekend I was able to go on a ride-along with LE in Prince Georges County. As a participant-observer I saw: drug-induced suspects, the system LE used to retrieve calls, how dispatch worked while in the field, how the officers responded in the field, and different walks of life in the surrounding community that LE encountered on a day-to-day basis during a ‘normal’ shift.
My passion for broadcast journalism has significantly shaped how I’ve built my life around every decision that I’ve made and continues to do so.
Since the age of 10, if not earlier, I knew I wanted to be in media. As I grew, I identified my passion for investigative reporting and hard news. Eventually, I would love to travel internationally and report about the cartels, the war on drugs and illicit drug abuse.
It’s apparent the media is changing. However, regardless of the medium being used, what will remain the same is a need for storytellers.
Like most children, I would ask several questions within the span of minutes. I would even talk while brushing my teeth as a child. As I grew older I felt compelled to find out why things were the way they were and the reasoning behind it. I still have the same passion and spark to become a reporter I did as a child- only now it has a focus. I’ve learned how important it is to have an open mind and keep all personal opinions to your self while reporting because it’s important to not taint any information or be bias. In short, I want to be an investigative reporter because they keep the public informed. I also want to change how the media is negatively perceived.
There’s an infinite amount of skill sets I’ve acquired working for a syndicated TV show and two local TV stations in a top 10 market. There’s no limit to what you can learn.
As a manager for Maryland’s men’s basketball team, I think that I would be a worthy candidate for a profile. This is a significant experience in my life because it is one of my most defining factors. I also think that many people would want to learn more about the daily operations, background work, and ins and outs of Maryland Basketball.
I have been a basketball manager since I was a freshman at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., which has consistently been a top-25 nationally ranked high school program for a number of years. Managing the team there provided me with a certain skillset that has allowed me to successfully be a manager at Maryland.
Going into my freshman year at Maryland, I had the opportunity to become a manager for the basketball team right away, but I declined in order to get myself adjusted to the rigors of college. However, at the end of their 2013-14 season, I joined the manager staff and have been working for them since.
There are two components of being a manger for Maryland’s men’s basketball team. The first component entails the traditional duties of a manager. That includes dishing out water and towels, wiping sweat, handling practice and game gear, and taking stats. It also includes video editing and game film study.
The other side of being a manager is the office side. Aside from on-court duties, managers have many responsibilities in Maryland’s basketball office. We create spreadsheets, databases, send out mail, and create special graphics for our program. The office side of being a manager provides skills that we can use in any office. These skills and tools that I have acquired will translate over into whatever endeavors I decide to pursue.
Being a manager has truly changed my life. I have always loved sports, particularly basketball, and being a manager allows me to be around the game that I love. As a manager, I am also preparing to be the head coach of a top-tier Division One basketball program, which is my ultimate goal.
I have a talent. I meet famous people all the time. My life wasn’t always this way; it wasn’t until a cold, Boston night in January of 2012. I had just seen my childhood idol Kelly Clarkson sing all her hit songs including “Since You’ve Been Gone.” The concert ended around 11:00 P.M. and I had school the next day. I should have hopped on the train, but my friends and I were hyperactive from the concert so instead of heading home we decided to take a stroll around the venue.
As we started to walk around the concert venue we noticed a group of about 9 people standing around a giant tour bus. We decided to stand around too thinking that maybe the stars would align and Kelly Clarkson would come out. Within four minutes of waiting, “Miss Independent” herself walked out. We screamed a lot, Kelly took notice of us and said “well aren’t you guys an excited bunch.” Starstruck, we nodded. We then took pictures with our favorite American Idol and then went on our merry way. We had just met our fist celebrity. Until this moment, the closest I had ever come to meeting a famous person was watching them on TV.
After this moment of brushing elbows with THE Kelly Clarkson, my life changed. Famous people were everywhere. I once walked into a shoe store where CeeLo Green was trying on shoes. I was at a coffee shop and Scott Disick from the show “Keeping up with the Kardashians” walked in and ordered a latte. I was on the same plane as one of the cast members of the show “Glee.” When the HBO show Veep was filming on campus I bumped into Julia Louis-Dreyfus. I was once in Israel and I met some of the actors from the hit show “Scandal.”
I acknowledge it’s a bit absurd, but I have celebrity luck that spiraled out of control after I met Kelly Clarkson. This strange and specific skill definitely makes me worthy of a profile. Meeting famous people is mixture of perceptiveness and accidental stalking that I seem to have. I see the headline now: “Civilian Meets Upward of 50 Celebrities in 19 years.” Until I met Kelly Clarkson, I was just plain old Deena Rosenblatt. Now I’m Deena “girl who meets famous people” Rosenblatt. My parents are very proud.
All throughout my life I have been extremely blessed with a loving family, a great home, and parents who give me an abundance of freedom and responsibility. Part of the responsibility they bestow upon me and my three siblings is learning how to become independent adults and how to take care of ourselves, specifically financially. If someone were to profile my life thus far, they might discuss how paying for expenses such as college, my car, sorority dues and other costly things has pushed me to work harder and learn more about money than any economics class has ever taught me.
I realize that many young adults my age have financial circumstances far worse than me and I am in no way trying to sound ungrateful or like some sort of martyr. But growing up in a privileged community where most of my friends and classmates had an endless supply of their parents’ money has taught me lessons about the value of hard work, weighing costs and benefits, and saving money. Senior year of high school, as everyone was applying to colleges and hoping for an acceptance to their dream school, I was torn between staying in state for college and reaping the benefits of in-state tuition, or choosing an out-of-state school and working extra hard to pay for it. Sure, the out-of-state schools boasted a warmer climate and more freedom, but I ultimately decided Maryland was the logical decision; it has an excellent journalism program, is close to home, and is cheaper than other colleges out of state.
Last year, on my way to visit a friend and running late, I rear-ended a car and ended up owing a hefty sum of money to its owner. At the time I didn’t have enough to pay them, so I took out loans. I worked a couple of minimum-wage earning jobs and helped out my mom’s business to earn extra cash. Finally I earned enough to pay back the loans and am currently debt-free.
These experiences, although not very remarkable, have taught me about money and how to spend. For example, I will never try to finance something I cannot afford, and I am always more careful when making a mistake could render me broke. I am thankful that my parents put financial responsibilities on my shoulders because it has taught me to never take anything for granted and that the only person you can rely on is yourself.
Growing up, I was always shorter and skinnier than most of my peers. My dad always attributed that to genetics because he had the same issue growing up as well. He would always just assure me that I was a "late bloomer" just like he was. Right around the time I was in eighth grade was when I expected to finally hit my growth spurt. Those hopes came to a screeching halt, however, when I began to feel extreme stomach pains. These pains, that I could only describe as someone grabbing your stomach and wringing it out like a wet towel, would last for weeks on end. Along with these pains was my inability to eat more than a bite of whatever meal I was having. I would be starving, but when food was put in front of me I had no appetite.
For the next several weeks Children's Hospital in Boston would become a second home to me. My mom and I made the 40 minute drive multiple times during that span and it seemed like I was seeing more of doctors than I was my teachers and friends. It was a scary thing to be and eighth grader and be around other sick kids without knowing what is wrong with you. After some time, just about the time school was getting out and everyone was going on summer break, was when I got the answer to my questions. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, a form of inflammatory bowel disease that attacks the small or large intestine. Crohn's is present in both of my intestines. The inflammation in the intestines makes it difficult for your body to digest the necessary nutrients it needs from food , in turn making it difficult for you to grow. I immediately began receiving treatment taking about ten pills a day while constantly getting blood tests. Everyone's body is different, so the same medicine will not help every Crohn's disease patient. It's really just what is right for your body. I spent about two and a half years finding out what was best for my body and around my junior year of high school was when I could finally say that I felt 100 percent physically.
Throughout the entire process of getting diagnosed and getting treated there was one constant; baseball. I could not wait until I was able to play on my summer team again during that summer going into my freshman year of high school. There were definitely a lot of frustrating times feeling like I wasn't strong enough to play yet, but I was determined to be able to play at my best again. The growth spurt I had been waiting for finally came my sophomore year and I was getting stronger. Before I started displaying symptoms of Crohn's I weighed about 90 pounds. Right up around the time of my diagnosis I was down to about 75 pounds. I was the definition of skin and bones.
I believe that my defining moment is worthy of a profile because of how physically draining Crohn's disease can be. All of my energy was completely sucked out of me and I felt like I had to start back at square one right when I was beginning high school, a difficult time for any teenager Crohn's disease or not. I was still able to have success in my last few years of high school playing baseball and to this day as a member of the club team at the University of Maryland. I find myself using my diagnosis as motivation to always do better wether in sports or in school. If I ever feel like quitting because I'm too tired to study or too tired to finish a workout I always compare that feeling with how I felt when I was at my worst back in that summer going into freshman year. Giving up is the easy part. If I gave up back then I would probably never have played baseball again. I've definitely come a long way from where I was, but I know there's still a long way to go for me.
My interest in entertainment/broadcast journalism was sparked when my mother brought me on a trip to visit the set of the movie "Angels and Demons" in Rome, Italy.
She worked for the television show Entertainment Tonight Canada and as a Senior Reporter her job entailed that she interview celebrities on the red carpet and have one-on-one interviews called "junkets". After the interviews my mom conducted, I took the initiative to introduce myself to the leading actors without hesitation. After seeing my boldness and ease around Tom Hanks and Ayelet Zurer, the producer of ET Canada gave me the opportunity to accompany my mom to the 2010 Teen Choice Awards but this time I wouldn't only be watching but co-hosting the interviews.
Once we touched down in Los Angeles, we were driving to the Four Seasons where many of Hollywood's A-list choose to stay during high profiled events such "The Teen Choice Awards." The day before the show, I received my credentials, which was the only way to gain access to the red carpet area and I prepped my questions to prepare myself for the eventful day ahead. The morning of the show, I had to have my hair and make-up done and get fitted into my red carpet dress. After rehearsing my lines and practicing asking the questions I had prepared it was nearly show time. As the wave of celebrities slowly began to arrive, my nerves grew faster. Once I found a rhythm I was feeling very confident and as a result had some candid moments with Jimmy Fallon and the cast of Glee.
After this experience, I had discovered that my loquaciousness allowed me to easily converse with the celebrity and keep them engaged with my knowledge of their character or musical achievements. I will always appreciate the fact that I had the opportunity to talk to celebrities in a professional setting, which allowed me to realize that being a celebrity was apart of their job and that they were just normal human beings at the end of the day. Or at least, after the after-party.
What hasn’t been a turning point in my life? I feel like everyday, no…every moment is turning point. Provided the maintenance of a proper attitude. … These words coming out of my mouth are not natural. They feel foreign. Not forced, but still not my own. This optimistic, happy go-lucky, ray of sunshine and free love mind set is a far jump from how I used to live a few years ago. I probably would not even have an answer for this question back then. “Turning points.” “Significant experiences.” I wouldn’t have known them, because I wouldn’t have had them. How could I have when everything was always the same?
Back then (that’s how I’ll refer to that period), my outlook on life, especially my own, was very bleak. Dismal. Nihilistic. Existence was a rote task I had to endure. The worst of it was the consistency. It was always there. Never missing a queue, direction, or an opportunity to throw in an impromptu line. It played its character well. It was all I knew, and it consumed me. I saw it lasting for the foreseeable future, which, unfortunately for me, would be every second, of every minute, of every hour, of every day, until my long drawn out and overdue end that was far too many years ahead of me. The monotony was too slowly culling the life from my body. It was not a phase. I was living in the void. Something had to change. And it did.
I was given a new lease on life, and a new lens to see it through. Why me though? Why me, when so many others fall to the ultimate fate that I too was headed for? Why was I spared?
At this point, a few years down the road and a good stretch put between that time and me, I try not to question it. When I think too much about it, trying to rationalize an irrational occurrence, the gift goes away. And that’s exactly what it is – a gift. I freely give it to anyone who wants it, because I know what it was like to be in that place. This profound alteration in how I approach the world and the people in it is, I believe, worth a profile.
My college application experience was one that I will never forget. Just like most people, I thought I knew where I wanted to go but I soon found out that what I thought I wanted wasn't even close to what was best for me.
I’ve wanted to attend Spelman College since I was seven years old and when it came time for me to apply to schools it was my first choice.
Honestly, the University of Maryland seemed like a long shot for me and I considered my acceptance a miracle. My confidence was very low prior to applying but that letter sent it sky-rocketing. I just knew that my Spelman acceptance letter was on its way.
Spelman deferred me. I was devastated to say the least. When I was finally accepted 3 months later it was time to really decide. At first it seemed like a no brainer because I had finally been accepted into the school of my dreams but there was one fact that I had not considered – the cost. Spelman was significantly more than UMD and although my parents made it seem like they would make the financial commitment I had to make a mature decision. I went into my parent’s room, tears streaming from my eyes, and I told them that I knew that they could not afford to send me there. They were shocked. I’ll admit it was hard but it was, hands down, the best decision I have ever made.
The University of Maryland is where I am supposed to be and I am doing very well here. My confidence in myself has continued to skyrocket since the day I received my acceptance letter and I truly hope it continues to do so my entire experience here.
Whenever I look back at my life and all the major events in my life I always think tend to think about a particular event more than the others because without a doubt it has affected the rest of my life. When I was thirteen years old, my mom and I moved from Colombia (in South America) to Columbia-Maryland. The transition from one country to the other meant starting from scratch, it meant leaving my old life behind; my friends, my school, my family and everything I was already used to. At first I was very excited because everything I experienced was new and different, but as time passed by I started to realize how much I missed my old life. I was very homesick and I missed everything about Colombia. Since I had finished 7th grade in Colombia and I already spoke some English I went straight into 8th grade. My first day of school I was very nervous, I didn’t know if people were going to like me or understand me. All I wanted to do was blend in and make new friends. To my surprise, my first day of school people were celebrating “Wacky Tacky” day. I was kind of scared and surprised that people would go to school wearing these crazy ugly outfits. It was very different from what I was used to, especially because I came from an all girls catholic where I had to wear a uniform every day. (talk about culture shock!) However now that I look back, I can say that I am grateful for the many experiences, everything I went through has been a learning experience, it helped me grow, get out of my shell and comfort zone and it has been rewarding because I learned another language, I made new friends and got to experience great things.
When speaking of my childhood, there is one story that I always share. I reminisce on the days when summaries and mathematics were my life. Let me explain. Before my parents got divorced, my dad was the “stay-at-home mom” and my mom was the working woman. Every day, my dad made my sister and I read a book and write a summary. I even had to do this after seeing The Wild Thornberrys movie for my sister’s birthday. The library was my second home. The multiplication table was my bible. There was no television on weekdays and no play time until all work was done. My mom, on the other hand, was involved minimally. Always at work until late, she barely had time to attend soccer games, pack my lunch or cook breakfast. Now, my mom is, as my friends like to say, the “rich” doctor who’s always traveling and has more free time. She even enjoys feeding frozen yogurt to the newest edition of our family, the dog. We live in a beautiful house located in a diverse neighborhood, which I am forever grateful for growing up in. My dad is still involved with the UN, although I always leave his occupation blank when filling out papers. He has a family of his own and lives in an apartment. Frankly, I refer to my mom as the person who gives me everything I physically need and want, and my dad as the person who gives me advice and support. Despite their financial differences, they both provide me with love and want the best for me in life. Although she has the money, my mom makes sure not to spoil us too much so we could learn the value of money. My dad always says if he had money, what’s his would be mine. In a way, they contradict each other as far as what path I should take in life. My mom wants me to be the stereotypical successful doctor or lawyer whereas my dad continues to support my dreams, even though they might not generate as much income. I guess you could say that their divorce was the turning point in my life. I often wonder what life would have been like living under the same roof as both of my parents, but it would not have given me the mindset I have today. Each of my parent’s circumstances has led me to learn valuable lessons that are coming in handy now, more than ever before. My goal in life is to be successful in terms of income but also happy. Truthfully I am still struggling with my career path, but one thing is for sure; whatever I choose, I will love it and I will be the best at it.
In the summer of 2012, I along with 29 other high schoolers participated in Cultural Vistas’ American Youth Leadership Program, which featured a three week study abroad in Japan focused on watershed management and international relations. One of the activities of the trip was a group climb up the famous peak Mt. Fuji. Through a series of wacky and hilarious hijinks, I got separated from my group early on in the climb, leaving me all alone on top of the mountain. My first reaction was to panic. I had no idea where I was, had no idea where anyone else was, and only knew how to say “My name is Rosie” and “I do not speak Japanese” in Japanese. But when the panic faded away into the numbing realization that I was really, truly on my own for the first time in my life, I did the only thing I could do. I climbed. The first steps were hell. My breathing was labored and there was a certain ringing in my ears that would have worried any doctor worth their salt. But then about an hour into my solo climb, things became easier, my steps became lighter, and not only did I find the group that had “accidentally” left me behind, I powered past their slumped over bodies to keep going on my own. I discovered something about myself that day. First off, I discovered that you should alway make sure your supposedly “waterproof” jacket is actually waterproof before you get stuck in the middle of a storm on a foreign mountain. But most importantly, I realized that I am capable of more than I give myself credit for. There will always be mountains to climb, whether figurative or literal, but the view you get from the top will be worth all the hardship you go through to get there
Last semester, I created a short documentary called "Colorism: Destruction within a Race". This documentary has received many hits on YouTube and over 2500 views up to date. I created this documentary through an organization on UMD's campus called the Nyumburu UNITV Media Initiative. It took me about 3 months to film and produce the piece, and I did it with out any assistance. For those who don't know colorism is defined as the subconscious prejudice or discrimination against another based on the shade of their skin. It is an unfortunate phenomenon in the black community, Latina community, Indian community etc. Colorism has existed for centuries however, it is an issue that often gets over looked or tossed under the rug mainly because no one wants to admit it exist and that they are victims or perpetrators of it. That is why I created it, to shed light on this issue and to examine its affects right here at UMD. I've gotten contacts from people all around the world because of the film, it's been featured on different blogs, and shown on one news site. It's also been shown at various GBM's around campus. A clip of my documentary is actually going to be shown this Tuesday at the NAACP chapter meeting. Although I attribute the success of my documentary in part to UNITV Media, I am no longer with that organization. I and two of my colleagues decided that we wanted to take the media initiative to another level in efforts to see it expand and grow. However, the director of the program didn't quite agree with the ideas we had in mind therefore, we decided to separate from UNITV media and create our own organization. I am now co-founder and president of the Black Media Collaborations. Through this organization, students will be able to create documentaries like mine and other thought provoking projects on social and political issues.
I remember the first time I helped at the Christmas Party for the underprivileged at my church. It was not any inner desire to help but simply to get some service hours right before I had soccer practice. Little did I realize the impact a little holiday cheer would do to the children involved within the tiny walls of the church basement. I will never forget as an Santas little helper I handed one little boy his gift. Upon receiving his gift he bursts into tears and when I asked why he was so upset he said “I never received a Christmas present before.” Then you see a sort of grin and he said “thank you.” As he runs back with the rest of the kids making gingerbread houses and singing Christmas carols, I realized that at least for a little while he is enjoying being a child. There were many children just like that little boy in coats well worn and sometimes too small for the child. I remember staying longer than the two hours I originally signed up for, making sure each child got the attention and was equally enjoying themselves as much as that little boy. Before I realized it, I was enjoying myself just as much as the children for the simple reason that I was making these children’s day. This is always moment I look back on when I need a reality check on how privileged I was to have a childhood. To be able to go to college in a position to make whatever impact I can in the world in whatever career I choose. I did this party the following Christmas and all the ones that lasted while I remained in high school. The kids change but the good cheer remains filled with grateful children just for some holiday cheer and a simple gift.
Just. Don’t. Give. Up. I clung to the mantra, my feet pounding in rhythm with the words as I moved closer and closer to the finish line. Each small word served to reassure as completely as orange flavored Gatorade, an elixir of life every half-marathon runner comes to depend on.
I’d been running everyday for seventeen months. 515 days of perseverance, braving weather both sickeningly hot and bitterly cold, dredging up motivation through sickness and even finals week.
Finally, I was two miles from my goal. The scene had previously served as no more than a daydream: crossing the finish line, seeing my loved ones’ proud faces as they cheered me through to the end. Dream and reality was about to collide.
But I was just so tired.
Every muscle begged forgiveness, every breath seared as the cramps in my shoulder and side threatened to take over. Despite every travesty that my body used to try to convince me otherwise, something inside me didn’t want to cave. Just. Don’t. Give. Up. My willpower was overpowering. And it felt amazing.
Mile markers occurred in the form of large red flags. My training had taught me to cling to the large white numbers, and I relished in each small achievement with pride.
Under each flag were tables holding hundreds of Styrofoam cups of water and bright orange Gatorade. Volunteers held the cups in outstretched arms along the road. Runners grabbed them as they passed, wheezing out a breathless “thanks!” as they chugged the liquid then discarded the cup along the road.
Without the Gatorade, I don’t know if I would’ve made it across the finish line.
With only one mile left and my veins pumping with orange energy drinks, adrenaline, and endorphins, I felt more powerful than I ever had in my life.
I flew. I passed everyone, each stride longer and louder than the last.
As I finally crossed the finish line, I realized that running the 13.1 miles that comprise a half-marathon is really just a formality: the real work comes in the hundreds of miles my muscles screamed through for seventeen months beforehand. I didn’t give up when I had to run through mud puddles in the early spring nor when my muscles were too sore to even walk after I joined the gym in the winter. And I didn’t give up until I had run the race.
A very significant turning point in my life was when I lived in Egypt for a year in the 8th grade. At first, it was a bit of a culture shock transitioning from life here to life there, but at the end, I could look back and say that it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I had originally gone to improve my Arabic literacy, since I could speak it fluently but not read or write it fluently. However, I gained much more than a sharper grasp of the language. The experience changed me for the better. Seeing another side of the world made me become the advocate I am today, particularly, it’s what sparked my feminist awakening, which is an extremely important part of how I self-identify. Don’t get me wrong, women’s rights in Egypt at least in the law is significantly better than a lot of Arab countries like say, Saudi Arabia. However, there’s a certain culture in the Arab world that promotes a society where women need to act a certain way in order to be respected. For example, a submissive woman is a more valued woman because many Arab men prefer asking the father of a woman for her hand in marriage if she’s willing to give up her career or job to be a mother and a housewife. It made me ask so many questions about myself – was that how I wanted to be viewed? It started transforming the way I was raised to think about my role in society, and that changed me for life. The other big thing that came from this experience was that I learned to value my education. With such a high illiteracy rate in Egypt, it made me thankful that I have the opportunity to get a higher education at this university. All in all, I would say that I found my self-worth through feminism and education, and no matter where I go in life, that will always be something that will empower and stick with me.
While you may have heard a number of students discussing their aspirations of becoming physicists, accountants, or doctors, it is a very occasion when you meet someone who aspires to be a novelist. I am worthy of a profile because I swim against the current when it comes to food (my favorite is bread- any kind), exercise (Rowing, yoga, rollerblading), career plans (writing historical fiction novels in a hilltop somewhere in the Middle East), and religion (an Orthodox Jew in a country turning dramatically atheist). I'm worth profiling because I'm not afraid to through myself into new experiences, like learning kung-fu, teaching myself how to knit, learning fluent Hebrew, riding an elephant last Sunday, and taking sailing lessons over the summer. Working for a local newspaper and working on short stories has taught me everything is a story, and success is in the telling. Let's take a step back. In many Jewish social circles, it is customary to make periodic trips to Israel and visit our "homeland." I never thought much about it and by the time I was 18, some of my friends had gone too many times to count on their fingers. I had never left the country. Two years ago, I spent a gap year in between high school and college and took 9 months to study Jewish philosophy and Bible studies. When I wasn't studying I learned about the country, embarking on various overnight camping and hiking trips from the southern tip to the northern heights meeting funny locals and goat shepherds along the way. When not hiking I spent my Tuesdays working in a hospital in Jerusalem, and my Fridays prepping, cooking, and serving up a storm at a local soup kitchen. Israeli Russians are very fun to talk with, especially when they think that just because you're American you personally know Lady Gaga. After 9 months I found I just couldn't leave yet, and stayed an extra two months teaching English to impoverished Israeli kids in a subsidized camp and eating cookouts by the beach in Ashkelon. Now I'm back in the States getting a degree in English and Journalism so I can eventually get a job and live the rest of my life on some hilltop.
Christopher Dimas
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, my experiences abroad would make me worth profiling. In the first semester of my freshman year, I spent three and a half months studying abroad in London. I took classes that were fundamentally different than American courses; they were much longer, 3 hours each, and had an emphasis on discussion and multi-cultural understanding. Not only did I learn how Londoners lived in the past and how they live today, I got to live as a Londoner myself.
I became good friends with several British people and got to learn more about the way they live. In terms of journalism, I learned and experienced firsthand the way the British media operates, as well as the fundamental differences between our papers and theirs. For example, while some papers in America are known to have a political “slant”, in London this is not only expected, but widely expected and accepted. The Guardian is London’s “liberal” paper, while The Sun is considered one of the “conservative” papers. This is not seen as a negative thing by the people there, it is just accepted as an aspect of the news media.
Censorship is also extremely lax in England compared to America. For example, The Sun is infamous for having pages of topless women on page three of every issue. This is done solely to increase readership and circulation. While it’s not exactly condoned by the British public, it’s not really condemned either. In America, this would likely cause an uproar and the paper would probably be forced to either censor the images or not publish them at all. The idea of “scandal” is very different over there than it is here. Nudity is not censored for instance, so controversy does not stem from such images. Instead, most of their “scandal” papers cover politics, with varying levels of honesty. Some papers such as The Sun focus on sensationalist writing and will often post exaggerated or just plain fabricated stories, whereas other papers like The Guardian and The Independent attempt to cover stories with facts, and generally avoid sensationalism.
From my experiences abroad, I have learned much about British media and how it compares with our own, and as such, I believe I would be interesting to profile.
I spent the majority of my life eating whatever I wanted, not caring about the impact it would have on my body. Cinnamon sugar was my weakness and takeout from fast food restaurants was a weekly meal. I was never “obese” but I was definitely unhealthy. Being a field hockey player, I maintained a somewhat consistent exercise pattern, but nothing can really outweigh poor food decisions.
ReplyDeleteBut something happened during the spring of my senior year of high school. There was one day that I realized that I needed to start treating my body better. So I acted on it. I completely changed my diet- I went grocery shopping for clean foods and told my parents that I didn’t want the junk food in the house anymore. My mom is a huge health nut so she was all over the idea. The next morning I woke up to oatmeal with fresh fruits and nuts.
This became my lifestyle. My friends of course thought it was just a phase and I would never actually stick to it. But I was dedicated. I cut out almost all processed foods and started running. I ran far. Every day. It was a great feeling; I could feel a significant difference in my body. During this change, I ended up losing a total of 25 pounds. It was fantastic.
Those healthy habits stuck with me and now I lead a great lifestyle. I’ve completed two half marathons and I feel great about my body. That spring of 2013 was a huge turning point in my life. I could not be happier with the way I live today.
Broadcast journalism is a career that remains close to my heart; it’s a way of living- unlike any other career. As an aspiring investigative reporter, a current production assistant and as an undergraduate student at the University of Maryland, I’m entirely invested in the field.
ReplyDeleteIn my free time, I enjoy going on ride-alongs with law enforcement and first responders. Embedding myself with people in these careers allows me to take on the role as an investigative reporter and ethnographer. Additionally, it allows me to be out in the field near possible breaking news, the ability to network and expand my knowledge to accurately inform others.
For example, Labor Day weekend I was able to go on a ride-along with LE in Prince Georges County. As a participant-observer I saw: drug-induced suspects, the system LE used to retrieve calls, how dispatch worked while in the field, how the officers responded in the field, and different walks of life in the surrounding community that LE encountered on a day-to-day basis during a ‘normal’ shift.
My passion for broadcast journalism has significantly shaped how I’ve built my life around every decision that I’ve made and continues to do so.
Since the age of 10, if not earlier, I knew I wanted to be in media. As I grew, I identified my passion for investigative reporting and hard news. Eventually, I would love to travel internationally and report about the cartels, the war on drugs and illicit drug abuse.
It’s apparent the media is changing. However, regardless of the medium being used, what will remain the same is a need for storytellers.
Like most children, I would ask several questions within the span of minutes. I would even talk while brushing my teeth as a child. As I grew older I felt compelled to find out why things were the way they were and the reasoning behind it. I still have the same passion and spark to become a reporter I did as a child- only now it has a focus. I’ve learned how important it is to have an open mind and keep all personal opinions to your self while reporting because it’s important to not taint any information or be bias. In short, I want to be an investigative reporter because they keep the public informed. I also want to change how the media is negatively perceived.
There’s an infinite amount of skill sets I’ve acquired working for a syndicated TV show and two local TV stations in a top 10 market. There’s no limit to what you can learn.
As a manager for Maryland’s men’s basketball team, I think that I would be a worthy candidate for a profile. This is a significant experience in my life because it is one of my most defining factors. I also think that many people would want to learn more about the daily operations, background work, and ins and outs of Maryland Basketball.
ReplyDeleteI have been a basketball manager since I was a freshman at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., which has consistently been a top-25 nationally ranked high school program for a number of years. Managing the team there provided me with a certain skillset that has allowed me to successfully be a manager at Maryland.
Going into my freshman year at Maryland, I had the opportunity to become a manager for the basketball team right away, but I declined in order to get myself adjusted to the rigors of college. However, at the end of their 2013-14 season, I joined the manager staff and have been working for them since.
There are two components of being a manger for Maryland’s men’s basketball team. The first component entails the traditional duties of a manager. That includes dishing out water and towels, wiping sweat, handling practice and game gear, and taking stats. It also includes video editing and game film study.
The other side of being a manager is the office side. Aside from on-court duties, managers have many responsibilities in Maryland’s basketball office. We create spreadsheets, databases, send out mail, and create special graphics for our program. The office side of being a manager provides skills that we can use in any office. These skills and tools that I have acquired will translate over into whatever endeavors I decide to pursue.
Being a manager has truly changed my life. I have always loved sports, particularly basketball, and being a manager allows me to be around the game that I love. As a manager, I am also preparing to be the head coach of a top-tier Division One basketball program, which is my ultimate goal.
I have a talent. I meet famous people all the time. My life wasn’t always this way; it wasn’t until a cold, Boston night in January of 2012. I had just seen my childhood idol Kelly Clarkson sing all her hit songs including “Since You’ve Been Gone.” The concert ended around 11:00 P.M. and I had school the next day. I should have hopped on the train, but my friends and I were hyperactive from the concert so instead of heading home we decided to take a stroll around the venue.
ReplyDeleteAs we started to walk around the concert venue we noticed a group of about 9 people standing around a giant tour bus. We decided to stand around too thinking that maybe the stars would align and Kelly Clarkson would come out. Within four minutes of waiting, “Miss Independent” herself walked out. We screamed a lot, Kelly took notice of us and said “well aren’t you guys an excited bunch.” Starstruck, we nodded. We then took pictures with our favorite American Idol and then went on our merry way. We had just met our fist celebrity. Until this moment, the closest I had ever come to meeting a famous person was watching them on TV.
After this moment of brushing elbows with THE Kelly Clarkson, my life changed. Famous people were everywhere. I once walked into a shoe store where CeeLo Green was trying on shoes. I was at a coffee shop and Scott Disick from the show “Keeping up with the Kardashians” walked in and ordered a latte. I was on the same plane as one of the cast members of the show “Glee.” When the HBO show Veep was filming on campus I bumped into Julia Louis-Dreyfus. I was once in Israel and I met some of the actors from the hit show “Scandal.”
I acknowledge it’s a bit absurd, but I have celebrity luck that spiraled out of control after I met Kelly Clarkson. This strange and specific skill definitely makes me worthy of a profile. Meeting famous people is mixture of perceptiveness and accidental stalking that I seem to have. I see the headline now: “Civilian Meets Upward of 50 Celebrities in 19 years.” Until I met Kelly Clarkson, I was just plain old Deena Rosenblatt. Now I’m Deena “girl who meets famous people” Rosenblatt. My parents are very proud.
All throughout my life I have been extremely blessed with a loving family, a great home, and parents who give me an abundance of freedom and responsibility. Part of the responsibility they bestow upon me and my three siblings is learning how to become independent adults and how to take care of ourselves, specifically financially. If someone were to profile my life thus far, they might discuss how paying for expenses such as college, my car, sorority dues and other costly things has pushed me to work harder and learn more about money than any economics class has ever taught me.
ReplyDeleteI realize that many young adults my age have financial circumstances far worse than me and I am in no way trying to sound ungrateful or like some sort of martyr. But growing up in a privileged community where most of my friends and classmates had an endless supply of their parents’ money has taught me lessons about the value of hard work, weighing costs and benefits, and saving money. Senior year of high school, as everyone was applying to colleges and hoping for an acceptance to their dream school, I was torn between staying in state for college and reaping the benefits of in-state tuition, or choosing an out-of-state school and working extra hard to pay for it. Sure, the out-of-state schools boasted a warmer climate and more freedom, but I ultimately decided Maryland was the logical decision; it has an excellent journalism program, is close to home, and is cheaper than other colleges out of state.
Last year, on my way to visit a friend and running late, I rear-ended a car and ended up owing a hefty sum of money to its owner. At the time I didn’t have enough to pay them, so I took out loans. I worked a couple of minimum-wage earning jobs and helped out my mom’s business to earn extra cash. Finally I earned enough to pay back the loans and am currently debt-free.
These experiences, although not very remarkable, have taught me about money and how to spend. For example, I will never try to finance something I cannot afford, and I am always more careful when making a mistake could render me broke. I am thankful that my parents put financial responsibilities on my shoulders because it has taught me to never take anything for granted and that the only person you can rely on is yourself.
Growing up, I was always shorter and skinnier than most of my peers. My dad always attributed that to genetics because he had the same issue growing up as well. He would always just assure me that I was a "late bloomer" just like he was. Right around the time I was in eighth grade was when I expected to finally hit my growth spurt. Those hopes came to a screeching halt, however, when I began to feel extreme stomach pains. These pains, that I could only describe as someone grabbing your stomach and wringing it out like a wet towel, would last for weeks on end. Along with these pains was my inability to eat more than a bite of whatever meal I was having. I would be starving, but when food was put in front of me I had no appetite.
ReplyDeleteFor the next several weeks Children's Hospital in Boston would become a second home to me. My mom and I made the 40 minute drive multiple times during that span and it seemed like I was seeing more of doctors than I was my teachers and friends. It was a scary thing to be and eighth grader and be around other sick kids without knowing what is wrong with you. After some time, just about the time school was getting out and everyone was going on summer break, was when I got the answer to my questions. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, a form of inflammatory bowel disease that attacks the small or large intestine. Crohn's is present in both of my intestines. The inflammation in the intestines makes it difficult for your body to digest the necessary nutrients it needs from food , in turn making it difficult for you to grow. I immediately began receiving treatment taking about ten pills a day while constantly getting blood tests. Everyone's body is different, so the same medicine will not help every Crohn's disease patient. It's really just what is right for your body. I spent about two and a half years finding out what was best for my body and around my junior year of high school was when I could finally say that I felt 100 percent physically.
Throughout the entire process of getting diagnosed and getting treated there was one constant; baseball. I could not wait until I was able to play on my summer team again during that summer going into my freshman year of high school. There were definitely a lot of frustrating times feeling like I wasn't strong enough to play yet, but I was determined to be able to play at my best again. The growth spurt I had been waiting for finally came my sophomore year and I was getting stronger. Before I started displaying symptoms of Crohn's I weighed about 90 pounds. Right up around the time of my diagnosis I was down to about 75 pounds. I was the definition of skin and bones.
I believe that my defining moment is worthy of a profile because of how physically draining Crohn's disease can be. All of my energy was completely sucked out of me and I felt like I had to start back at square one right when I was beginning high school, a difficult time for any teenager Crohn's disease or not. I was still able to have success in my last few years of high school playing baseball and to this day as a member of the club team at the University of Maryland. I find myself using my diagnosis as motivation to always do better wether in sports or in school. If I ever feel like quitting because I'm too tired to study or too tired to finish a workout I always compare that feeling with how I felt when I was at my worst back in that summer going into freshman year. Giving up is the easy part. If I gave up back then I would probably never have played baseball again. I've definitely come a long way from where I was, but I know there's still a long way to go for me.
My interest in entertainment/broadcast journalism was sparked when my mother brought me on a trip to visit the set of the movie "Angels and Demons" in Rome, Italy.
ReplyDeleteShe worked for the television show Entertainment Tonight Canada and as a Senior Reporter her job entailed that she interview celebrities on the red carpet and have one-on-one interviews called "junkets". After the interviews my mom conducted, I took the initiative to introduce myself to the leading actors without hesitation. After seeing my boldness and ease around Tom Hanks and Ayelet Zurer, the producer of ET Canada gave me the opportunity to accompany my mom to the 2010 Teen Choice Awards but this time I wouldn't only be watching but co-hosting the interviews.
Once we touched down in Los Angeles, we were driving to the Four Seasons where many of Hollywood's A-list choose to stay during high profiled events such "The Teen Choice Awards." The day before the show, I received my credentials, which was the only way to gain access to the red carpet area and I prepped my questions to prepare myself for the eventful day ahead. The morning of the show, I had to have my hair and make-up done and get fitted into my red carpet dress. After rehearsing my lines and practicing asking the questions I had prepared it was nearly show time. As the wave of celebrities slowly began to arrive, my nerves grew faster. Once I found a rhythm I was feeling very confident and as a result had some candid moments with Jimmy Fallon and the cast of Glee.
After this experience, I had discovered that my loquaciousness allowed me to easily converse with the celebrity and keep them engaged with my knowledge of their character or musical achievements. I will always appreciate the fact that I had the opportunity to talk to celebrities in a professional setting, which allowed me to realize that being a celebrity was apart of their job and that they were just normal human beings at the end of the day. Or at least, after the after-party.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhat hasn’t been a turning point in my life? I feel like everyday, no…every moment is turning point. Provided the maintenance of a proper attitude.
ReplyDelete…
These words coming out of my mouth are not natural. They feel foreign. Not forced, but still not my own. This optimistic, happy go-lucky, ray of sunshine and free love mind set is a far jump from how I used to live a few years ago. I probably would not even have an answer for this question back then.
“Turning points.”
“Significant experiences.”
I wouldn’t have known them, because I wouldn’t have had them. How could I have when everything was always the same?
Back then (that’s how I’ll refer to that period), my outlook on life, especially my own, was very bleak. Dismal. Nihilistic. Existence was a rote task I had to endure.
The worst of it was the consistency. It was always there. Never missing a queue, direction, or an opportunity to throw in an impromptu line. It played its character well. It was all I knew, and it consumed me. I saw it lasting for the foreseeable future, which, unfortunately for me, would be every second, of every minute, of every hour, of every day, until my long drawn out and overdue end that was far too many years ahead of me.
The monotony was too slowly culling the life from my body.
It was not a phase. I was living in the void.
Something had to change.
And it did.
I was given a new lease on life, and a new lens to see it through. Why me though? Why me, when so many others fall to the ultimate fate that I too was headed for? Why was I spared?
At this point, a few years down the road and a good stretch put between that time and me, I try not to question it. When I think too much about it, trying to rationalize an irrational occurrence, the gift goes away. And that’s exactly what it is – a gift. I freely give it to anyone who wants it, because I know what it was like to be in that place. This profound alteration in how I approach the world and the people in it is, I believe, worth a profile.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteA Change of Plans
ReplyDeleteMy college application experience was one that I will never forget. Just like most people, I thought I knew where I wanted to go but I soon found out that what I thought I wanted wasn't even close to what was best for me.
I’ve wanted to attend Spelman College since I was seven years old and when it came time for me to apply to schools it was my first choice.
Honestly, the University of Maryland seemed like a long shot for me and I considered my acceptance a miracle. My confidence was very low prior to applying but that letter sent it sky-rocketing. I just knew that my Spelman acceptance letter was on its way.
Spelman deferred me. I was devastated to say the least. When I was finally accepted 3 months later it was time to really decide. At first it seemed like a no brainer because I had finally been accepted into the school of my dreams but there was one fact that I had not considered – the cost. Spelman was significantly more than UMD and although my parents made it seem like they would make the financial commitment I had to make a mature decision. I went into my parent’s room, tears streaming from my eyes, and I told them that I knew that they could not afford to send me there. They were shocked. I’ll admit it was hard but it was, hands down, the best decision I have ever made.
The University of Maryland is where I am supposed to be and I am doing very well here. My confidence in myself has continued to skyrocket since the day I received my acceptance letter and I truly hope it continues to do so my entire experience here.
Whenever I look back at my life and all the major events in my life I always think tend to think about a particular event more than the others because without a doubt it has affected the rest of my life. When I was thirteen years old, my mom and I moved from Colombia (in South America) to Columbia-Maryland. The transition from one country to the other meant starting from scratch, it meant leaving my old life behind; my friends, my school, my family and everything I was already used to. At first I was very excited because everything I experienced was new and different, but as time passed by I started to realize how much I missed my old life. I was very homesick and I missed everything about Colombia. Since I had finished 7th grade in Colombia and I already spoke some English I went straight into 8th grade. My first day of school I was very nervous, I didn’t know if people were going to like me or understand me. All I wanted to do was blend in and make new friends. To my surprise, my first day of school people were celebrating “Wacky Tacky” day. I was kind of scared and surprised that people would go to school wearing these crazy ugly outfits. It was very different from what I was used to, especially because I came from an all girls catholic where I had to wear a uniform every day. (talk about culture shock!)
ReplyDeleteHowever now that I look back, I can say that I am grateful for the many experiences, everything I went through has been a learning experience, it helped me grow, get out of my shell and comfort zone and it has been rewarding because I learned another language, I made new friends and got to experience great things.
When speaking of my childhood, there is one story that I always share. I reminisce on the days when summaries and mathematics were my life. Let me explain. Before my parents got divorced, my dad was the “stay-at-home mom” and my mom was the working woman. Every day, my dad made my sister and I read a book and write a summary. I even had to do this after seeing The Wild Thornberrys movie for my sister’s birthday. The library was my second home. The multiplication table was my bible. There was no television on weekdays and no play time until all work was done. My mom, on the other hand, was involved minimally. Always at work until late, she barely had time to attend soccer games, pack my lunch or cook breakfast.
ReplyDeleteNow, my mom is, as my friends like to say, the “rich” doctor who’s always traveling and has more free time. She even enjoys feeding frozen yogurt to the newest edition of our family, the dog. We live in a beautiful house located in a diverse neighborhood, which I am forever grateful for growing up in. My dad is still involved with the UN, although I always leave his occupation blank when filling out papers. He has a family of his own and lives in an apartment. Frankly, I refer to my mom as the person who gives me everything I physically need and want, and my dad as the person who gives me advice and support. Despite their financial differences, they both provide me with love and want the best for me in life. Although she has the money, my mom makes sure not to spoil us too much so we could learn the value of money. My dad always says if he had money, what’s his would be mine.
In a way, they contradict each other as far as what path I should take in life. My mom wants me to be the stereotypical successful doctor or lawyer whereas my dad continues to support my dreams, even though they might not generate as much income.
I guess you could say that their divorce was the turning point in my life. I often wonder what life would have been like living under the same roof as both of my parents, but it would not have given me the mindset I have today. Each of my parent’s circumstances has led me to learn valuable lessons that are coming in handy now, more than ever before. My goal in life is to be successful in terms of income but also happy. Truthfully I am still struggling with my career path, but one thing is for sure; whatever I choose, I will love it and I will be the best at it.
In the summer of 2012, I along with 29 other high schoolers participated in Cultural Vistas’ American Youth Leadership Program, which featured a three week study abroad in Japan focused on watershed management and international relations. One of the activities of the trip was a group climb up the famous peak Mt. Fuji. Through a series of wacky and hilarious hijinks, I got separated from my group early on in the climb, leaving me all alone on top of the mountain.
ReplyDeleteMy first reaction was to panic. I had no idea where I was, had no idea where anyone else was, and only knew how to say “My name is Rosie” and “I do not speak Japanese” in Japanese. But when the panic faded away into the numbing realization that I was really, truly on my own for the first time in my life, I did the only thing I could do. I climbed.
The first steps were hell. My breathing was labored and there was a certain ringing in my ears that would have worried any doctor worth their salt. But then about an hour into my solo climb, things became easier, my steps became lighter, and not only did I find the group that had “accidentally” left me behind, I powered past their slumped over bodies to keep going on my own.
I discovered something about myself that day. First off, I discovered that you should alway make sure your supposedly “waterproof” jacket is actually waterproof before you get stuck in the middle of a storm on a foreign mountain. But most importantly, I realized that I am capable of more than I give myself credit for. There will always be mountains to climb, whether figurative or literal, but the view you get from the top will be worth all the hardship you go through to get there
Last semester, I created a short documentary called "Colorism: Destruction within a Race". This documentary has received many hits on YouTube and over 2500 views up to date.
ReplyDeleteI created this documentary through an organization on UMD's campus called the Nyumburu UNITV Media Initiative. It took me about 3 months to film and produce the piece, and I did it with out any assistance.
For those who don't know colorism is defined as the subconscious prejudice or discrimination against another based on the shade of their skin. It is an unfortunate phenomenon in the black community, Latina community, Indian community etc. Colorism has existed for centuries however, it is an issue that often gets over looked or tossed under the rug mainly because no one wants to admit it exist and that they are victims or perpetrators of it. That is why I created it, to shed light on this issue and to examine its affects right here at UMD.
I've gotten contacts from people all around the world because of the film, it's been featured on different blogs, and shown on one news site. It's also been shown at various GBM's around campus. A clip of my documentary is actually going to be shown this Tuesday at the NAACP chapter meeting.
Although I attribute the success of my documentary in part to UNITV Media, I am no longer with that organization. I and two of my colleagues decided that we wanted to take the media initiative to another level in efforts to see it expand and grow. However, the director of the program didn't quite agree with the ideas we had in mind therefore, we decided to separate from UNITV media and create our own organization. I am now co-founder and president of the Black Media Collaborations. Through this organization, students will be able to create documentaries like mine and other thought provoking projects on social and political issues.
Amanda Fairchild
ReplyDeleteI remember the first time I helped at the Christmas Party for the underprivileged at my church. It was not any inner desire to help but simply to get some service hours right before I had soccer practice. Little did I realize the impact a little holiday cheer would do to the children involved within the tiny walls of the church basement. I will never forget as an Santas little helper I handed one little boy his gift. Upon receiving his gift he bursts into tears and when I asked why he was so upset he said “I never received a Christmas present before.” Then you see a sort of grin and he said “thank you.” As he runs back with the rest of the kids making gingerbread houses and singing Christmas carols, I realized that at least for a little while he is enjoying being a child. There were many children just like that little boy in coats well worn and sometimes too small for the child. I remember staying longer than the two hours I originally signed up for, making sure each child got the attention and was equally enjoying themselves as much as that little boy. Before I realized it, I was enjoying myself just as much as the children for the simple reason that I was making these children’s day. This is always moment I look back on when I need a reality check on how privileged I was to have a childhood. To be able to go to college in a position to make whatever impact I can in the world in whatever career I choose. I did this party the following Christmas and all the ones that lasted while I remained in high school. The kids change but the good cheer remains filled with grateful children just for some holiday cheer and a simple gift.
Just. Don’t. Give. Up. I clung to the mantra, my feet pounding in rhythm with the words as I moved closer and closer to the finish line. Each small word served to reassure as completely as orange flavored Gatorade, an elixir of life every half-marathon runner comes to depend on.
ReplyDeleteI’d been running everyday for seventeen months. 515 days of perseverance, braving weather both sickeningly hot and bitterly cold, dredging up motivation through sickness and even finals week.
Finally, I was two miles from my goal. The scene had previously served as no more than a daydream: crossing the finish line, seeing my loved ones’ proud faces as they cheered me through to the end. Dream and reality was about to collide.
But I was just so tired.
Every muscle begged forgiveness, every breath seared as the cramps in my shoulder and side threatened to take over. Despite every travesty that my body used to try to convince me otherwise, something inside me didn’t want to cave. Just. Don’t. Give. Up. My willpower was overpowering. And it felt amazing.
Mile markers occurred in the form of large red flags. My training had taught me to cling to the large white numbers, and I relished in each small achievement with pride.
Under each flag were tables holding hundreds of Styrofoam cups of water and bright orange Gatorade. Volunteers held the cups in outstretched arms along the road. Runners grabbed them as they passed, wheezing out a breathless “thanks!” as they chugged the liquid then discarded the cup along the road.
Without the Gatorade, I don’t know if I would’ve made it across the finish line.
With only one mile left and my veins pumping with orange energy drinks, adrenaline, and endorphins, I felt more powerful than I ever had in my life.
I flew. I passed everyone, each stride longer and louder than the last.
As I finally crossed the finish line, I realized that running the 13.1 miles that comprise a half-marathon is really just a formality: the real work comes in the hundreds of miles my muscles screamed through for seventeen months beforehand. I didn’t give up when I had to run through mud puddles in the early spring nor when my muscles were too sore to even walk after I joined the gym in the winter. And I didn’t give up until I had run the race.
Rokia Hassanein
ReplyDeleteA very significant turning point in my life was when I lived in Egypt for a year in the 8th grade. At first, it was a bit of a culture shock transitioning from life here to life there, but at the end, I could look back and say that it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I had originally gone to improve my Arabic literacy, since I could speak it fluently but not read or write it fluently. However, I gained much more than a sharper grasp of the language. The experience changed me for the better. Seeing another side of the world made me become the advocate I am today, particularly, it’s what sparked my feminist awakening, which is an extremely important part of how I self-identify. Don’t get me wrong, women’s rights in Egypt at least in the law is significantly better than a lot of Arab countries like say, Saudi Arabia. However, there’s a certain culture in the Arab world that promotes a society where women need to act a certain way in order to be respected. For example, a submissive woman is a more valued woman because many Arab men prefer asking the father of a woman for her hand in marriage if she’s willing to give up her career or job to be a mother and a housewife. It made me ask so many questions about myself – was that how I wanted to be viewed? It started transforming the way I was raised to think about my role in society, and that changed me for life. The other big thing that came from this experience was that I learned to value my education. With such a high illiteracy rate in Egypt, it made me thankful that I have the opportunity to get a higher education at this university. All in all, I would say that I found my self-worth through feminism and education, and no matter where I go in life, that will always be something that will empower and stick with me.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhile you may have heard a number of students discussing their aspirations of becoming physicists, accountants, or doctors, it is a very occasion when you meet someone who aspires to be a novelist. I am worthy of a profile because I swim against the current when it comes to food (my favorite is bread- any kind), exercise (Rowing, yoga, rollerblading), career plans (writing historical fiction novels in a hilltop somewhere in the Middle East), and religion (an Orthodox Jew in a country turning dramatically atheist).
ReplyDeleteI'm worth profiling because I'm not afraid to through myself into new experiences, like learning kung-fu, teaching myself how to knit, learning fluent Hebrew, riding an elephant last Sunday, and taking sailing lessons over the summer.
Working for a local newspaper and working on short stories has taught me everything is a story, and success is in the telling.
Let's take a step back. In many Jewish social circles, it is customary to make periodic trips to Israel and visit our "homeland." I never thought much about it and by the time I was 18, some of my friends had gone too many times to count on their fingers. I had never left the country. Two years ago, I spent a gap year in between high school and college and took 9 months to study Jewish philosophy and Bible studies. When I wasn't studying I learned about the country, embarking on various overnight camping and hiking trips from the southern tip to the northern heights meeting funny locals and goat shepherds along the way. When not hiking I spent my Tuesdays working in a hospital in Jerusalem, and my Fridays prepping, cooking, and serving up a storm at a local soup kitchen. Israeli Russians are very fun to talk with, especially when they think that just because you're American you personally know Lady Gaga. After 9 months I found I just couldn't leave yet, and stayed an extra two months teaching English to impoverished Israeli kids in a subsidized camp and eating cookouts by the beach in Ashkelon.
Now I'm back in the States getting a degree in English and Journalism so I can eventually get a job and live the rest of my life on some hilltop.