I learned to love fall as a child, watching in delight as the world transformed into a warm canvas of rich reds, oranges, and yellows before my eyes. I enjoyed carving pumpkins, roasting marshmallows, and going to fall festivals. I collected leaf piles with my siblings and romped around in them; we would fall asleep later with hot cocoa still warm in our bellies. Fall still means so much to me, but this year it’s for a completely different reason.
My First Standup
For this stand up, I memorized a script and recited it in front of a camera. It was a good experience for me and really gave me insight into what broadcast journalism is about. At least I actually had a script! Sometime, journalists have to make it up as they go.
National BBQ Battle in Washington, D.C.
In the busy streets of Washington, D.C, everyone seems to be moving at their own pace. But what really brings people together? Is it the culture, the music, or the barbecue? I was there to find out.
This is my very first news package! Big thanks to Cary for being patient with me and for the volunteer editors who helped me out.
Bittersweet Goodbyes
So, this was it. My last day of Jcamp. My last day sitting beside the people I’ve grown to love, last day of staying up late talking to my roommates, and my last day running on only a few hours of sleep in order to power through (for now). However, today was not my last day of being inspired. Today was not my last day of being wowed by established journalists. Today was not my last day of being curious or asking questions. I will continue to do these things always.
The Newseum: Journalism Heaven
After the usual morning rush to take our newspaper quizzes and meet with our breakout groups, Jcampers made a special visit to the Newseum. I will say this about it. If you haven’t been, then go. The Newseum is one of the most remarkable places I’ve been able to visit. Not only is it the holy grail of journalism, it is a building that embodies raw history and all that it entails.
When walking through the halls, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of inspiration and respect. I stood by a section of The Berlin Wall. I heard news reports from JFK’s assassination. I was so close to Don Bolles’ car, I could have easily reached out to touch it. These are the moments of impact that resonated with me during my visit. I have never been more humbled than I was in the presence of the exhibits. I have never felt so empowered and motivated to do great work like the journalists before me have.
Looking back on today, I remember leaving the Newseum to visit Bloomberg News and then hearing from Jackie Bradford later on in the afternoon, eating Indian food for the first time with my friends and playing mafia with cards in the halls, but nothing sticks out to me more than the Newseum. I’m sure I will be visiting again in the future.
Face the Nation (And The Weather, And The Barbecue)
When I look back on Jcamp in the future, I am certain that this particular day will stand out. First of all, the weather was terrible this morning. It was pouring rain outside and a small cluster of Jcampers walked a few blocks down to the CBS studio. One soaked jacket and a pair of wet shoes later, I found myself sitting in a conference room watching Face the Nation live. There, I got the unique opportunity to hear and see what was going on behind the scenes and beyond what the rest of the nation sees. It was interesting to gain a fresh perspective on the way television works. Continue reading
Guest Speakers, Breakout Groups, and Newspaper Quizzes-Oh My!
Today was a day of firsts. After waking up and mentally preparing myself to tackle the day ahead, I joined my fellow Jcampers for breakfast in the lounge. There, we read The Washington Post and waited for our first encounter with the infamous newspaper quiz. We were tested over random information in the paper to show how well (or how poorly) we were able to absorb information.
After the newspaper quiz, we met Josh Freedom Du Lac, a writer for the Washington Post and the focus of our first major Q & A session. Mr.Du Lac shared some tips for conducting successful interviews and dealing with difficult sources, among other things. The encounter set the tone for the rest of the day. I was left feeling hopeful for the speakers to come.
Hello From D.C
As I write this, I’m filled with both exhaustion and inspiration after spending the day trying to get settled in to Jcamp
After landing in Washington D.C this morning, I met a group of Jcamp instructors/students and began my weeklong journey with a bite to eat and a trip to see The White House.
Later, I settled into my dorm with my three roommates and set off to meet the rest of the Jcamp group at an introduction dinner. There I also met two guest speakers affiliated with George Washington University, Mr. Shanahan and Ms. Samara Sit. Afterwards, we ate and mingled with one another and later formally introduced ourselves to the entire group.
I had a talk with my breakout mentor, Caridad Hernandez, a broadcast journalist I will be working with throughout the program.
I couldn’t be happier with the people I have met and the things that everyone has shared about themselves. The people that I have encountered all seem to share the same passion for journalism and It feels great to know that I’m among some of the most hardworking student journalists in the nation, along with some pretty great instructors.
I am looking forward to what’s to come as the program unfolds. Today was a day for orientation and introduction but tomorrow, the real fun will begin.
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