Now what?

Over a week has gone by since I graduated from Westminster, but I think the reality of it all still has yet to sink in. I don’t have a job yet and that’s not surprising considering I haven’t been aggressively seeking one out. I figured a little blogging update might be necessary for me to even understand or be okay with what I’m doing right now. So here’s what I’m thinking.

I truly believe I can get a job in news right now. If I sent my resume reel out all over and leaned on my connections more, I’m pretty confident that I could find a job reporting or producing. But here’s the catch—I don’t know if I want that right now. I feel as though I’ve done news—local news with school and national with my internship. I’m ready to try my hand at something different before I get locked in somewhere.

That’s where my more recent conquests come into play. I’m looking at non-news stations, like the Discovery Channel, National Geographic, PBS, etc. The thought of working someplace like that is very exciting to me, especially after doing a documentary this semester for class which showed me how much I like having more room for creativity. I enjoy the way these channels tell stories with such positive, informative, motivational messages.

Another part of my post-graduation activities is my brand new toy—a Sony Handycam! It’s a great little camera I finally let myself buy as a graduation present. I’m hoping to keep up my storytelling/shooting/editing skills with this little baby! And maybe once I get some editing software, I’ll even post some videos on my blog.

I need to rework my resume and my website so that it interests a variety of eployers. My resume right now is very newsy, but in all reality, everything I’ve done and learned can be well applied to non-news stations. Now it’s just about making that more obvious to potential employers.

As scary and stressful as all of this is, I really feel prepared to work in so many different places. Right now I have the options and the financial support from my family, so I want to take advantage of all that and look for something I really want to do. All I need is the confidence to take a risk and to not necessarily do what everyone thought I might.

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain

Citizen Journalism Continues

Senior week and graduation prep is in full swing right now! It’s exciting and sad at the same time to look back at all that’s happened these four years. But enough of that, on to why I’m blogging.

The use of citizen journalism continues to build on the internet! NowPublic, a great website that uses all citizen content, is connecting with YouTube to make it easier for CJ’s to use video in their stories. They’re encouraging people to use the YouTube library to find file footage to make their reports more credible. Interesting!

I got to talk to Westminster’s President, R. Thomas Williamson this morning at a brunch for seniors and we got into the discussion of citizen journalism a bit. I like hearing other people’s opinions on the topic. He seems to be media savvy and definitely saw that there is an increase in how much the “average Joe/Jane” is participating with the media. But his main issue with it is that, like so many others, he worries that the quality of the content won’t be as good.

It seems as though community-driven websites are becoming more and more consumer-friendly. They’re brainstorming ways to make it easier for non-professionals to be involved. Another good example to check out is Breitbart.tv. I met the creators of the site and have been waiting for their site to go online. And not long ago, it did. It’s definitely another site to watch out for.

A tribute to the best

I presented my final senior capstone on Monday. It went very well. I wasn't at all sad during mine, but I definitely got a bit nostalgic watching all my broadcasting buddies up there.

First of all, Stevi is one of those fly-under-the-radar-on-the-ball types. She's just up there doing her presentation and mentions, like it's nothing, "And I'll be getting a job offer by the end of the week." Amazing! I'm jealous of everyone at her new job who gets to work with her--because she's as fun, kind, and talented as anyone else I know.

Then there's Aidan. Aidan and her caffeine. No matter what she thinks about whatever she's doing, she'll do it with more energy than...something ridiculously energetic. And she'll have sarcastic remarks to make it all the more pleasant. Though pegged as "The Mean One," I think it's determination. She will not let anyone ruin something that has her name connected to it. If Aidan Mewha's on the job, it'll be quality.

Lovely Leanne! Another one of those fly-under-the-radar types! She might not be chatty cathy around a crowd, but my goodness this girl has talent and experience! She is willing to wake up before the sun just to get better at what she does. And she's Miss Reliable. You never have to worry about her not showing up and putting in her best. She's also got some great hair. :)

Then there's the fabulous Amy Lavallee. With all her panic attacks, she still gets it done. She's a self-proclaimed "Yes" girl. I don't think she can always see how amazing she is. When it comes to broadcasting, there's nothing she can't do well. TV, radio, print--she's got it covered. And she's got the personality to complete the package. Kind, helpful, and oh so funny. She might not know it, but I've always admired her. No matter how unsure she feels, we're all positive that things will fall into place for her. Something amazing will definitely come her way (and she'll be saying "yes" to it of course.)

Then there were the boys. Mr. DJ Yokley is going places. To ESPN actually. It is the most inspiring thing to see someone up there who doesn't say "I want to try to get into this" but instead says "I am going to get into this." And not like I need to say it also, but he will. He is constantly showing up the haters and improving his skills. He's got what it takes and that's all I can say. Plus, he's really really good looking. ;)

Finally, Mr. Wolenski. My partner in crime for so many things! I know I don't have to say goodbye to Mike because we're working on a secret endeavor that will take us all over the United States. But I've had such an amazing time working with Mike these past few years because he was always willing to help me out and put up with me. He's so casual and calm when most people around him are flipping out and stressing out, a trait that continues to mystify and amaze me. But Mike will definitely be doing exactly what he wants in the next few years. It'll probably be amazing, but you probably won't hear about it because he's so chill.

So thanks to all of you for a fantastic four years. I can't wait to see where we all end up. We're the cream of the crop here at WC and I know it'll be someplace great.