Observing previous members from the Reid Group, work on the morning show helped prepare me for my unexpected task to produce my first segment. I understood that this wasn't an easy job and will call for long days and late nights.
This Monday, consisted of constant phone calls being made, accidentally dialing wrong numbers, and encounters from rude people hanging up the phone in my face. My adrenalin rushed as I continued to search for the right number; it was a strange feeling of excitement. At that moment I knew what the phrase, "hungry for more" meant because I was not giving up nor taking the word "no" for an answer. For example, while looking for contact information in Google White Pages and coming across the same name for one person, I would get out of my comfort zone and call every "John Doe" until I found the one I needed. I truly felt like a real journalist using my research skills to find where he/she works, his/her PR, or any place that can lead me to that specific person. A technique that worked for me was to remain unruffled and think optimistic. I never let any of my emotions or nerves get in the way of working under pressure. I left plenty of voice-mails, sent several emails and moved on to the next person. If I wasn't able to get in contact with that person for my story, I immediately looked for a different one, instead of calling Ms. Reid with negative news. I strongly believe in my school's motto "I'll find away or make one," and so does Ms. Reid, so having a plan B, C, and D was a option.
I was able to book my guest for Friday in about a hour, but finding someone for Tuesday was still difficult. Calling back and forth, talking to lawyers, and receiving unsure answers impeded me from confirming an actual guest. So, I decided to look up one more story and came across an article that blew my mind. The article was about a 13 year old boy, named DaeQuan Morrison who published and sold his book to donate the proceeds to a cancer research center that cured his mother from breast cancer. What made this news story so amazing, was the fact that he was African-American. This eliminated the stereotypes that young African-Americans males aren't capable of doing something positive. There were multiple stories in this one story: "Breast Cancer Awareness for African-American women", "13 year old African-American scholar," and "Family Coping with Cancer." I knew this story could impact so many listeners as much as it touched me and that's exactly what Ms. Reid looks for in her segment.
It took a while to find DaeQuan since he is underage, which also meant limited information about him would be on the internet. The only knowledge I had, was the publishing company he used, where he resides, and his mother name; Patricia Morrison. I called the publishing company but due to legal circumstances they were not able to give any information about the author, instead "jot" down my contact and told me that they would forward it to him as soon as possible. I honestly think the receptionist pretended to do so. With no time to waste, I headed back to my most trustworthy source, Google White Pages. I typed in Patricia Morrison, location Queens, NY, and ran into two Patricia's. I dialed the first one, and a woman with a heavy African accent answered the phone. I cleared my throat and politely asked to speak with Patricia Morrison, the mother of DaeQuan.... and right before I could finish my sentence, she cuts me off and replied, "NO!!!!" "This is no Patricia, no mother to no DaeQuan, and I'm tired of people calling me asking for a DaeQuan, do not call back!" "You hear meh? I said no call back," followed by a loud click as she slammed the phone in my face. All I could do was laugh because I assumed that other journalists were looking for the same person. So I gave the next Patricia a try, although I was little never because I didn't know what to expect this time. The phone rang, rang, and ranged again. After 8 rings, I seriously didn't think he anyone would answer and my intentions was to disconnect the phone, right before I was interrupted by a small voice that said, "Hello". It sounded like a young boy, so I asked, "May I speak with Patricia Morrison?" and he replied, "She's at work." Instantly my heart begin to pound fast, as I asked, "Am I speaking with DaeQuan?" and he said, "This is him." I was overwhelmed with so many emotions my because my hard work and determination payed off. I immediately introduced myself, told him about the radio show, and how we needed him and his mother for our guest. He was extremely well spoken, and excited to be on the show. First I informed him that I needed his mother permission, however she was at work, so I called back in about hour when she got off. An hour passed ,and I eventually connected with the correct Patrica Morrison, she was so delighted to be interviewed by Ms. Reid and wanted to share her story about breast cancer. She was diagnosed after volunteering with a medical research study to find out why breast cancer is spreading rapidly in the African- American community. "I believe that not enough African-American women are aware of how breast cancer is not just common for white woman but it's spreading like a wild-fire for us too," said Morrison.
After I my long conversation with Mrs. Morrison, I confirmed her as a guest and felt a sigh of sudden relief. My day was now completed and it was around 11:30 p.m. Finding a guest for Joyner is certainly an all-day task but the feeling of assuring that you booked a good one is priceless.
✌ ❤☺-Demeshia
Jackson
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