Ann Curry to Africa

What is the point of journalism? Why does anyone put themselves into this highly criticized, ridiculously houred, insane business? There's got to be some point to it. I'm sure it's different for everyone, but for me, I want to help people with my journalism. I want to do more than just shove mics in peoples' faces. I want to be able to bring these important issues to the people's attention.

Of course I'm partial to the Today Show, but Ann Curry has been doing some really interesting reporting this week. She went to Chad and Darfur, Sudan in Africa. People in America don't know enough about what's going on over there. We hear plenty about the war in Iraq or issues with Iran, but what about the rest of the world? Maybe if people are more aware of what's actually going on around the world, they'll be more inclined to do their part to help out. It could lead to better funding in those areas, or changes in our own government that provoke our leaders to help out.

I am so interested in following Ann's story and what she discovered while in Africa. While I'm sure there will be many who criticize how she's doing this or what all she got while she was over there, but you can't deny that she's at least bringing the topic to the attention of many Americans who might not have been exposed to it otherwise.

That is what I want to do.

My Broadcasting Future

I've been on post-college overload so far this spring break and I haven't even been home that long. I went into NYC with my cousin who was interviewing for real jobs (since she's a senior this year). And I got to see the fabulous Pat Sandora who is nearing the end of his year in the page program. Everyone is talking about the future and what you'll be doing later in life. I am only a junior yet I'm already feeling the stress of finding a job!

After my NBC internship last summer, I've realized how intense the business can be and how important connections are. So my main thing is trying to keep those connections that I've already made, since I made them a full 2 years before I'd be able to actually get a job.

But one thing that does worry me a bit is being too specific (if that makes sense). Everyone I'm talking to, whether into broadcasting things or not, keeps saying how you'll end up changing jobs and careers over and over again. But then I wonder if I'm being too selective with my broadcasting. Is it too narrow minded to leave college with the dream of being one specific thing? I think that either way, it's obviously not a bad idea to keep an open mind.