I believe information should be available to all. Everyone has a right to know, to be knowledgeable. People were made in God’s image and God is intelligent. However the current availability of information is not accessible to all. There are members of society who lack resources to attain certain information from different platforms. Sometimes that information can be as vital as foretelling symptoms of a disease or as interesting as costumed biker groups from the Inland Empire in California.
As a professional journalist, I want my role in society to that of an interpreter to all publics. I want to facilitate the news for all audience types. When a governor passes a budget, citizens need to understand the state’s expenditures and cutbacks. I want to analyze news and create rational opinions. I would be able to provide valid commentary with this skill. I want to create an interest in news. Not of the sensational type but rather of the real matters that affect locals and nationals. This is my vision as a journalist and what I hope to give to society as a news interpreter.
As a Christian communicator I follow a code of ethics in both my personal and academic life. I value honesty and always seek to be accurate in my work. When I become a professional my beliefs will serve as my backbone. I keep in mind that what I do must bring honor to God.
Growing up I did not find a teen magazine that covered all of my interests. Seventeen lacked a cultural aspect and Latina was geared toward an adult population. I want to help the Hispanic community specifically because sometimes they are left out in the access or availability of information ultimately linking to the prime reason I want to become a journalist.
My ultimate career goal is to create a magazine catered to young Latinas that: provides relevant news and useful information, focuses on higher education, discusses real issues in the Latina community and promotes cultural awareness. I want this magazine to provide a point of reference for girls nationwide.
I know that it will take diligence and persistence to reach this goal. I will have to create a reputable name for myself, but I know that I can do it with by walking with Christ.
This is my passion. I love my culture and I love writing. When I mix these two interests, I get excited and love talking about it. I think the most motivating factor for this is because of the program AVID, an acronym for Advancement Via Individual Determination. I was in this program since the eighth grade. AVID helped me get to college. My parents did not go to college so they weren’t able to help me with the application process, the A-G requirements that I had to fulfill, the SATs and ACTs I had to take or even the FAFSA I needed to fill out. But this program did. The program was my resource and because of that I knew what to do, because of AVID I was prepared. That is why I want to be a resource for my fellow Latinos because many are in the same situation. I want them to know that they can go to college. I want to give them the information to get there and the specific help they can seek to get there.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
SP 09 JRN 215 Final Blog
The article that I enjoyed writing the most is “Obama facing challenges building cabinet.” This article was a hard news story. I was particularly proud of this one because it made the front cover of the paper. I also enjoyed writing this article because I wanted to compile a list of all the candidates and drop outs. As a citizen, I myself was confused on which person was selected for what role. It would be appropriate for me to say that this was the first time that I was really involved in the presidential campaign. So as I wrote the article, I began to understand more and I was even able to find some information about the past presidents.
I also liked writing the “Woo Fest, a Big Success” article. This was a features story that I really enjoyed writing because it was an event that I had to “cover.” After the actual “fest” I had the confidence to go to complete strangers and ask for an interview. I did three short interviews and I felt important because I was part of the press. I also did a follow up interview on the founders of the fest. I also felt as if I had connections during the event because I was given insider information on the big finale of the fest. It was fun to do this entertainment type article.
Overall, I enjoyed Spring semester. During Fall I was new to the school and I felt a little intimidated. But now I feel comfortable with the campus and I know my way around. So I think that I grew a lot in this school year. My faith, my writing skills, interview skills and other academic aspects developed more. I am so glad to be at CBU right now.
I hope that next year I can contribute more to the Journalism program. I am interested in writing “breaking news” stories and having them published almost instantaneously on the website. I think God is blessing us right now and giving us opportunities to reach audiences in different methods, the website being one of the most important methods. I would like to see story packages online. We can have text, video, podcasts and slideshows for stories that we are covering. We also have the opportunity to host more timely stories online.
I also liked writing the “Woo Fest, a Big Success” article. This was a features story that I really enjoyed writing because it was an event that I had to “cover.” After the actual “fest” I had the confidence to go to complete strangers and ask for an interview. I did three short interviews and I felt important because I was part of the press. I also did a follow up interview on the founders of the fest. I also felt as if I had connections during the event because I was given insider information on the big finale of the fest. It was fun to do this entertainment type article.
Overall, I enjoyed Spring semester. During Fall I was new to the school and I felt a little intimidated. But now I feel comfortable with the campus and I know my way around. So I think that I grew a lot in this school year. My faith, my writing skills, interview skills and other academic aspects developed more. I am so glad to be at CBU right now.
I hope that next year I can contribute more to the Journalism program. I am interested in writing “breaking news” stories and having them published almost instantaneously on the website. I think God is blessing us right now and giving us opportunities to reach audiences in different methods, the website being one of the most important methods. I would like to see story packages online. We can have text, video, podcasts and slideshows for stories that we are covering. We also have the opportunity to host more timely stories online.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Tattoo Barbie
Toys R Us is selling Totally Stylin Tattoos Barbie for $22.99.
I heard the tease for this story while watching American Idol on FOX and gasped out loud! Mattel made a tattoo barbie? What?!
Well, they did sell that "math is hard" doll before...Seems like Mattel likes to surprise.
BTW, congrats to the Boricua on American Idol on making it to the top 12. American Idol is going Latino!
Monday, March 2, 2009
8Xs the Fame
Octo-Mom Nadya Suleman permeated news reports since early February. It was a human interest story that involved a unique birth of multiple children, but now her reputation has changed, especially with the release of Radar’s video. This is when grandmother Suleman reprimands and publicly argues with her daughter in regard to the number of children.
The public is most outraged by Suleman’s financial situation. Suleman is unemployed and living off her student loans, but that money will run out quickly. Her parents’ house is in danger of foreclosure. This raises eyebrows because the public does not want to support her children with taxes.
To add to the outrage, Suleman has been offered a pornography deal by Vivid Entertainment. If she made a porn film, they would give her $1 million. Additionally, if she becomes a regular by doing several videos, they will provide full dental and medical insurance for her entire family.
I believe that Suleman should have thought about her children’s lives before she made the decision to have eight more children. These children do not have a male figure in their lives, unless the grandfather is a consideration. Several studies conducted by sociologists prove that children living in a single-female headed household are more likely to get into legal trouble as they grow up. I think that the Christian perspective is most prominent in this aspect because these children will not be living in a house as God demanded with a mother and a father. She has not even raised her children because she is at school, working on her Masters. Suleman depends on her mother to take her children and raise the children as her own.
NBC was able to visit the Sulemans at their home giving an inside look. The house was filled with toys and children overflowing while the eight babies are still in the hospital. During this footage the audience was able to see that neighbors and other samaritans have donated food and money to help Suleman out. I think that she is also taking people’s generosity for granted. She accepts donations without being humble. In fact, she even posted a donation link on her website for the public to give support.
The public is most outraged by Suleman’s financial situation. Suleman is unemployed and living off her student loans, but that money will run out quickly. Her parents’ house is in danger of foreclosure. This raises eyebrows because the public does not want to support her children with taxes.
To add to the outrage, Suleman has been offered a pornography deal by Vivid Entertainment. If she made a porn film, they would give her $1 million. Additionally, if she becomes a regular by doing several videos, they will provide full dental and medical insurance for her entire family.
I believe that Suleman should have thought about her children’s lives before she made the decision to have eight more children. These children do not have a male figure in their lives, unless the grandfather is a consideration. Several studies conducted by sociologists prove that children living in a single-female headed household are more likely to get into legal trouble as they grow up. I think that the Christian perspective is most prominent in this aspect because these children will not be living in a house as God demanded with a mother and a father. She has not even raised her children because she is at school, working on her Masters. Suleman depends on her mother to take her children and raise the children as her own.
NBC was able to visit the Sulemans at their home giving an inside look. The house was filled with toys and children overflowing while the eight babies are still in the hospital. During this footage the audience was able to see that neighbors and other samaritans have donated food and money to help Suleman out. I think that she is also taking people’s generosity for granted. She accepts donations without being humble. In fact, she even posted a donation link on her website for the public to give support.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
American Idol in Puerto Rico
This is the first time that American Idol hosted auditions in the US territory Puerrrto Rrrico. Orale! Good job American Idol for recognizing that Latinos, well maybe just Boricuas, are a important audience to target. I was suprised to hear that the people were able to sing in Spanish and even more suprised that those songs would also get broadcasted.
Props to American Idol, even though I dissed reality tv shows in my last blog. Eh, we all watch 'em, no? Hasta Luego.
Props to American Idol, even though I dissed reality tv shows in my last blog. Eh, we all watch 'em, no? Hasta Luego.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Reality TV: Oxymoron
There are too many reality tv shows that provide useless information and give unrealistic expectations about stardom (and other real values) to ignorant audiences.
To name a few: American Idol. ANTM, Survivor, The Hills, The Biggest Loser, So you thin you can dance, the real world, dancing with the stars, but the list continues to go on.
James Poniewozik wrote an article for TIME called “Why Reality TV is Good for Us.” He states that although there’s hardly any reality in them, the shows provide “involving human stories.” Poniewozik also added that “reality shows don't just reach tens of millions of viewers but leave them feeling part of a communal experience.”
What kind of communal experience? The experience to waste time away from each other instead of having good relationships as God intended?
Reality tv was interesting and fun before. It started in the early 90s when producers wanted to make shows that were cheap and easy to make. The Real World was one of the first ones. Audiences were attracted because they could really identify with the people on tv. It was like they were watching themselves.
But now this phenomenon has turned into an obsession. Networks either have reality shows broadcasted every other day or are overflowing with them.
These shows have also become annoying because we see the same people and producers. America’s Next Top Model has reached its 11 cycle and Tyra Banks still goes and makes another show called Stylista. Also, American Idol’s Randy Jackson branches off and does a dance show, does he seriously not have enough money with just one? I guess not.
Then there’s the issue about authenticity and performance. Shows are becoming scripted and are dramatized. That means that they are no longer real! Annette Hill, author of the book Reality TV calls this a paradox. The more entertaining a factual show is, the less real it appears to viewers. But I guess people don’t care if reality tv shows live up to their name. They just want to be entertained.
The marriage and dating shows are some that I don’t believe at all. How can someone marry someone else that they’ve only known for a short period? How can they be in love? I would think that marriage has a high value to society but this show proves otherwise.
The makeover shows are really horrifying. Doctors make a list of what’s ugly or wrong with you and will fix you up with lots of plastic surgeries. Moving on, celebrity tv shows are the most unnecessary of all. We can see celebrities scratching and clawing for fame and money.
Poneiwozik also said that reality tv is “discomfort TV--[it] lives to rattle viewers' cages. It provokes. It offends.” But why are we watching shows that offend and instigate fights? I can understand that people have a innate human interest in conflict, but we have to draw a line. I personally don’t want to watch TV shows that make me feel uncomfortable. Can American audiences stand up for some values?
So the moral of today’s rant is that members of the American society should stop centering their lives on other people’s lives. And do something else more worth while.
To name a few: American Idol. ANTM, Survivor, The Hills, The Biggest Loser, So you thin you can dance, the real world, dancing with the stars, but the list continues to go on.
James Poniewozik wrote an article for TIME called “Why Reality TV is Good for Us.” He states that although there’s hardly any reality in them, the shows provide “involving human stories.” Poniewozik also added that “reality shows don't just reach tens of millions of viewers but leave them feeling part of a communal experience.”
What kind of communal experience? The experience to waste time away from each other instead of having good relationships as God intended?
Reality tv was interesting and fun before. It started in the early 90s when producers wanted to make shows that were cheap and easy to make. The Real World was one of the first ones. Audiences were attracted because they could really identify with the people on tv. It was like they were watching themselves.
But now this phenomenon has turned into an obsession. Networks either have reality shows broadcasted every other day or are overflowing with them.
These shows have also become annoying because we see the same people and producers. America’s Next Top Model has reached its 11 cycle and Tyra Banks still goes and makes another show called Stylista. Also, American Idol’s Randy Jackson branches off and does a dance show, does he seriously not have enough money with just one? I guess not.
Then there’s the issue about authenticity and performance. Shows are becoming scripted and are dramatized. That means that they are no longer real! Annette Hill, author of the book Reality TV calls this a paradox. The more entertaining a factual show is, the less real it appears to viewers. But I guess people don’t care if reality tv shows live up to their name. They just want to be entertained.
The marriage and dating shows are some that I don’t believe at all. How can someone marry someone else that they’ve only known for a short period? How can they be in love? I would think that marriage has a high value to society but this show proves otherwise.
The makeover shows are really horrifying. Doctors make a list of what’s ugly or wrong with you and will fix you up with lots of plastic surgeries. Moving on, celebrity tv shows are the most unnecessary of all. We can see celebrities scratching and clawing for fame and money.
Poneiwozik also said that reality tv is “discomfort TV--[it] lives to rattle viewers' cages. It provokes. It offends.” But why are we watching shows that offend and instigate fights? I can understand that people have a innate human interest in conflict, but we have to draw a line. I personally don’t want to watch TV shows that make me feel uncomfortable. Can American audiences stand up for some values?
So the moral of today’s rant is that members of the American society should stop centering their lives on other people’s lives. And do something else more worth while.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Final: All I Really Need to Know I Learned in JRN 215
The title of my blog is my own stylistic interpretation of the book All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by David Caldwell. Ok, so I just changed the last part, not much creativity involved right? But there's truth to the title. Here are some things I learned in my Journalism 215: Newspaper Production class that could be applied to pretty much any aspect in life.
1. Deadlines are important: I already came to this class with an understanding of newspaper production. I went to Poly High School and was on the newspaper for two years. However we only had one issue per month. JRN 215 taught me that deadlines are vital for collaborative works. I had to have my articles turned in on time so the section editors can edit them, so the copy editors can edit them, and (finally) so the managing editor and EIC can edit them. There's this entire line of people depending on me to turn something in. This reminds me of all the other deadlines in my life. I cannot miss the FAFSA deadline under any circumstance because then I (or any other student for that matter) will not be offered federal aid. Bills are other deadlines people have to meet. You have to pay your bills on a specific date or you get penalized and have to pay a late fee! Ew!
2. Be a good team player: Working on a newspaper means working with other people. I learned that I need to be considerate of others. The first reason for this is because we depend on each other through deadlines. Not only that but we need to respect each other, something The Banner staff does well. Prof. Pearson is writing her disstertation on collaborative work in journalism classes. This is a vital concept. And I myself personally experienced this when I got sick the last week of October. I was assigned to do an article on Homecoming. I conducted the interview with Wanda Price and was ready to construct my article. But with a 102 degree fever and a viral infection (explained as "the chicken pox's cousin" by the doc) my article wasn't going anywhere. So I emailed Prof Pearson, Jill and Amanda and quickly Serena was working on it. This collaboration had a great final result too! This also applies to any one who has a job. Not getting along with people who you work with creates a bad situation. I pray to God that it never happens to me.
3. Practice makes Perfect: The first article I wrote for The Banner was on Fall TV Show Premieres. When I finished this article I thought it was so good. But now that I re-read it I see that I could improve in a couple places. And with every other article I wrote I began making adjustments. Now as the semester comes to an end, I think I've learned a lot of AP stylebook stuff (from quizzes in JRN 215 and 170) and also on how to structure my articles. Interviews were also difficult for me to do. I'm usually quiet and well stuck inside my shell, true to my crustation birthday (Cancer is my zodiac sign). So my first interview was a little rocky. I've myself noticed that I still get nervous before interviews, but not as much as before. I've grown a little confident. All of this practicing will help me so much for my career. But the habit of practicing has also helped me in other areas of my life, like cooking. Well I bake more than cook, but it involves the same steps. I used to burn pancakes, but now they come out the perfect golden brown shade thanks to my "internal timer." Practing also makes perfect when playing Guitar Hero. I've been playing F.C.P.R.E.M.I.X. on medium and I can pass with a mediocre score. But if I keep practicing (of course after my hw) I can get a higher score.
These are just a few of the lessons I learned while during my semester. I'm sure I'll learn more next semester.
1. Deadlines are important: I already came to this class with an understanding of newspaper production. I went to Poly High School and was on the newspaper for two years. However we only had one issue per month. JRN 215 taught me that deadlines are vital for collaborative works. I had to have my articles turned in on time so the section editors can edit them, so the copy editors can edit them, and (finally) so the managing editor and EIC can edit them. There's this entire line of people depending on me to turn something in. This reminds me of all the other deadlines in my life. I cannot miss the FAFSA deadline under any circumstance because then I (or any other student for that matter) will not be offered federal aid. Bills are other deadlines people have to meet. You have to pay your bills on a specific date or you get penalized and have to pay a late fee! Ew!
2. Be a good team player: Working on a newspaper means working with other people. I learned that I need to be considerate of others. The first reason for this is because we depend on each other through deadlines. Not only that but we need to respect each other, something The Banner staff does well. Prof. Pearson is writing her disstertation on collaborative work in journalism classes. This is a vital concept. And I myself personally experienced this when I got sick the last week of October. I was assigned to do an article on Homecoming. I conducted the interview with Wanda Price and was ready to construct my article. But with a 102 degree fever and a viral infection (explained as "the chicken pox's cousin" by the doc) my article wasn't going anywhere. So I emailed Prof Pearson, Jill and Amanda and quickly Serena was working on it. This collaboration had a great final result too! This also applies to any one who has a job. Not getting along with people who you work with creates a bad situation. I pray to God that it never happens to me.
3. Practice makes Perfect: The first article I wrote for The Banner was on Fall TV Show Premieres. When I finished this article I thought it was so good. But now that I re-read it I see that I could improve in a couple places. And with every other article I wrote I began making adjustments. Now as the semester comes to an end, I think I've learned a lot of AP stylebook stuff (from quizzes in JRN 215 and 170) and also on how to structure my articles. Interviews were also difficult for me to do. I'm usually quiet and well stuck inside my shell, true to my crustation birthday (Cancer is my zodiac sign). So my first interview was a little rocky. I've myself noticed that I still get nervous before interviews, but not as much as before. I've grown a little confident. All of this practicing will help me so much for my career. But the habit of practicing has also helped me in other areas of my life, like cooking. Well I bake more than cook, but it involves the same steps. I used to burn pancakes, but now they come out the perfect golden brown shade thanks to my "internal timer." Practing also makes perfect when playing Guitar Hero. I've been playing F.C.P.R.E.M.I.X. on medium and I can pass with a mediocre score. But if I keep practicing (of course after my hw) I can get a higher score.
These are just a few of the lessons I learned while during my semester. I'm sure I'll learn more next semester.
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