Broadcast Journalism
Ever since I was little, I've wanted to be a Broadcast Journalist. When I got to high school, our newspaper was still emerging, and we lacked the funding to start a broadcast program. I resorted to free summer programs that taught me about the intricacies of Broadcast Journalism, and I brought it back to the classroom. Although I'm a senior, my newspaper has raised enough funds to start a broadcast team next year with the knowledge I acquired over the past two summers.
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Here are a few examples of my works at two endearing summer programs.
University of Miami Intensive Summer Program (June-July 2023)
"Miami Montage"
Miami Montage was one of the best summer programs I have ever attended. After the application process, I was accepted and told that the program was completely free for two weeks. During those two weeks, I wrote investigative stories, learned how to adjust camera settings to produce the perfect photo, and developed a passion for Broadcast Journalism.
Before this program, I had never stepped foot in front of a teleprompter. I came to this program thinking, "I'm a writer. This is what I want to do." But, I left determined to tackle every goal. I'm a writer, photographer, and anchor. Former Good Morning America Host Antonio Mora taught the first-half of the broadcast sessions. When he asked for volunteers, I raised my hand proudly (even though I had no idea how to do any broadcast related activity) but I did it. And I did it well. Well enough for my professors to tell me, "So, did you have a TV program at your school?"
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During the last few days of the program, a selected student would be chosen to anchor the overall show. Next thing you know, I was chosen to be the main anchor for the Miami Montage show. I went from being the "newbie" to frantically studying my script for the following day.
Below is a video of one of the first times I anchored.
This was officially the third time I practiced how to read from a teleprompter. We practiced how to overcome "teleprompter eyes," or even what words to enunciate.
Stand-up reporting was interesting. I always blamed myself for having a poor memory, but I successfully memorized the script. It wasn't a long one, but a lot of practice was needed. This was the first (and only) take. This was way different than the teleprompter, but I learned how to flow into the words. Also, acting natural: this was my struggle. Growing up, I talked a lot with my hands. Even now that I use American Sign Language pretty often, it's a struggle to just calmly put my hands down and act natural.
Florida International University Intensive Summer Program (2022)
The FIU Journalism Summer Program was the first kickstart to my overall knowledge of journalism. This two-week program allowed me to explore interviewing further and how to properly request interviews. Writing my own story, creating a package, and even designing my own graphic was an experience that has carried me fundamentally.
This is my first video package. Although the quality may not be professional-level, it was certainly sufficient to get my feet wet. At the end, I had a standup as well.