Thursday June 14: The Reid Group

Yesterday, was a fun-filled day for the Reid Group.  We headed to Ditch Plains for lunch, which gave us time to bond as we walked the streets of New York. From laughing, to singing there was a sense of closeness that I really didn't notice til now.

We finally arrived to Ditch Plains, which is an amazing restaurant. The host ends up putting us in a round table were we all were squeezed tightly together. This gave us more opportunity to build our relationship even more as the Reid Group. There are so many personalities, and we all come from different backgrounds, so you wold think there would be a moment were we clash and next thing you know its that awkward separation. Well not for the Reid Group and thats why I admire these young women.

We're not perfect, we do have our moments of disagreement but with a professional mindset, we understood to not let anything interfere with the internship. We ordered our food, discuss about the internship, laughed about our subway experience, and news that affected us. I reflected on how we looked and sounded like real media professionals.

As we headed back to 30 Rock, Lauren Fluker designated nicknames for us based on the Reid Group experience. Mine of course is "Robin", like Batman's sidekick because my role is the assistant. Lauren F. is "Nightclub" given by Ms. Reid because she is always talking going out since we landed in NY. Lauren A. is "Suga Mama" because when we head back to the dorms lights are out and she is always the first one sleep. Destinee known as "Say What..?" because of her soft spoken voice, Briana; "Stay Scheming" insider of how she got that one, Michelle and Ciara names are similar, "Columbo and Navigator because they always make sure we get to out destination, than "Powerhouse" for Chivone" because of her accomplishment at the Grio; having her article published online on the first day of her internship. Somehow Sequoyah and Aleisha share the same nickname "Silent Assassin" because they are very quiet yet they are hard workers. Lastly, Brishaun also known as "Gangsta Boo" because her favortie thing to say is Rick Ross infamous rap lyric, "You wasn't with me when we was shooting in the gym."




Needless to say, in a hour and half for lunch we were able to enjoy ourselves and create a closer relationship as the Reid Group.

✌ ❤☺-Demeshia Jackson

Tuesday June 12: Chinese Takeout "New York Style"

Hard work calls for early mornings and late nights. Sometimes you go all day and realize you haven’t eaten.  

Its late at night, which means it’s too dangerous to walk the streets of Harlem, New York, so what’s a better way to satisfy your appetite with Chinese takeout (sarcasm)? Personally I’m not a fan of Chinese Restaurants, unless its P.F. Chang or Panda Express. 

I took a look at the menu, which was given to me by the front desk security of City Towers. There were so many items it was unbelievable, from Egg Drop Soup, Fried Rice, Seafood and more. The look on my face as I read the menu was unpleasing because of my bad experiences with Chinese Takeout. Front desk security, also a New York native, insisted that China Place was the best. 

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all up for trying new things but this was going to be a challenge. As my stomachs begin to growl I knew I had to either suck it up and order or starve. One of the resident assistants on duty agreed that this was really good Chinese food too. I told her how I’m from the south and how we don’t have any good Chinese spots. She than said the Chinese food up north is way different.

I called China Place, and asked, “Do you guys serve white meat chicken?” that’s always my biggest concern when eating Chinese food. Well, that left me the option of Sweet and Sour Chicken and Egg Fried Rice.

About 45 minutes later, the Asian Delivery Guy shows up to the dorm with my food along with other members from the Reid Group. The total together was $39 with everyone’s food. We all pulled out the exact amount and he kept mumbling the word “No change?” I was confused so I counted the money in front of him to confirm it was the right amount.  So he stared at me until I finally realized he wanted a tip. I didn’t have any change so I asked Destinee if she a couple dollars and the look on his face was so ungrateful.

As he left, front desk security and a few New York residents laughed saying,  “You never suppose to give a tip.” “New Yorkers don’t tip Chinese Takeout!”

At the moment I knew I still had some learning to do about this city. The food wasn’t too shabby either.

I’ll definitely order again, but this time no tip!

   ✌ ❤☺-Demeshia Jackson

Monday June 11: What I saw today in New York City....

June 11, 2012 was the first day of work for the Reid Group. Many emotions were running through my mind as I anticipated this moment.  I set my alarm clock at 3 different times, 6:30 a.m., 7:05 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. just to make sure I had a sufficient amount of time to make it to my destination by 9:00a a.m.

Each member of the Reid Group made it to the lobby, professionally dressed, positive attitudes and ready to begin our journey.

The night before we had a survival orientation, and one of the key points addressed was to walk the city of New York like we had a purpose. With our bags on our hips and a focused look, no one could tell us anything. We were ready to conquer anything NY threw at us.

I guess I spoke to soon.

As we arrived to the train station we constantly checked our phones for the time, which read 8:30 a.m. This left us plenty time to still make it to NBC Universal Studios on time. The plan was to get to the station early incase we ran into any mishaps.  Well, getting our Metro Card is where we encounter our first obstacle. There was an issue with someone’s card so we came together as team to collect change to buy a 1-day pass. Like Clark Atlanta University’s model “I’ll find away or make one,” we were all determined to get to NBC on time.

We continued down stairs to get on our train but somehow we ended splitting up. I was told so many stories about the New York Subway and how confusing it can be. I can testify to that statement with my first experience riding the train.  I ended up getting on the wrong train heading Uptown with 3 other Reid Group Members. 

Immediately we hopped off the wrong train to find the correct one which took 10 extra minutes. 

I definitely took this situation as a learning experience to become more aware of the New York Subway. 

What a way to start my first day... but what I saw in New York City is how time waits for no one, especially on the subway.

   ✌ ❤☺-Demeshia Jackson

Third Panel Broadcast Story

panel three

12-30

3-25-12

demeshia jackson

     WSB-TV 2 Atlanta producer, Marcus Foster, Entertainment Mogul, Jacque Reid and Channel 11 Alive Anchor, DeMarco Morgan are sharing key points that will prepare anyone for a successful career in print or broadcast journalism.

     While reporting an investigation story it is important to listen, which is also a key element of the story. When tackling a story the reporter duty to needs do his or her or homework by researching information on the story that is pitched.         

     Any journalist has be comfortable with not relying on written questions but listening in order to have a conversation oppose to an interview. The motto that DeMarco lives by is,the best story is the unexpected story. 

Third Panel Story

        A person selects where he or she receives his or her daily dose of news depending on how well a story was developed and delivered. 

         Panelist, WSB-TV 2 Atlanta Producer, Marcus Foster and Channel 11 Alive Anchor, DeMarco Morgan discussed the key points that prepared future journalists and reporters on how to create a good research story.

         Each field of mass media requires extraordinary writing skills. Foster described how in television, writing a broadcast story begins with a catchy lead likewise for print journalism because the audience gets less time to get as much information about a story in the from a live reporter.

        “While reporting an investigation story it is important to listen, which is also a key element of the story,” Jacque Reid said.  Reid gave essential tips on how to create worthy research story. She mentioned how it is the reporter duty to do his or her or homework by researching information on the story that is pitched.

         “There are many reporters in the industry and various reporting styles but ultimately in order to be the best depends on how well the story was told.  As a journalist he or she has to be comfortable with not relying on written questions but listening in order to have a conversation as opposed to an interview. And treat people like you know them, that’s what makes Oprah Winfrey and Diane Sawyer great,” Morgan said. 

         Students in the Reid Project course are well equipped for their final research project from the panelist expert advice. Some students prepared with topics and others still researching.

         Morgan believed, “The best story is the unexpected story.”

                                                    

Second Panel Broadcast Story

panel two

12-30

2-1-12

demeshia jackson

     A panelist of mass media experts shared key points with a group of Clark Atlanta University students that will prepare them for a successful career.

     Being a student doesn’t mean you have to have an undergraduate mentality. When tackling internships its important to act like a professional and groom yourself for the career you want to attain. 

     While applying for various jobs or internships, keep in mind that a company’s first impression is based solely off a person’s resume. Your resume is you!

     Everything on a resume has to be your most impressive work. Don’t hesitate to add your accomplishment. Remember this is your brag page!

     The goal of a resume is to stand out amongst everyone who is applying for the same position.

         

Second Panel Story

         Relying on one talent isn’t enough to survive in the mass media world but having experience in each field will make any student a triple threat in this cutthroat industry.

          A group of Clark Atlanta University Students are preparing to be apart of the Jacque Reid internship and got the perspectives of a few mass media professionals and their experience in the industry.

        The panelists included: ESPN Reporter, Anthony White; Chanel 11 Alive Anchor, DeMarco Morgan; Atlanta Journal Constitution Reporter, Marcus Garner; and WCLK Jazz 91.9 FM Operations Director; Rob Maynard discussed the key points that will prepare any mass media arts student for a successful career.

         Morgan emphasized how being a student doesn’t mean you have to have an undergraduate mentality because when tackling internships its important to act like a professional and groom yourself for the career you want to attain. “Your career starts now,” Morgan said

         While applying for different jobs or internships, keep in mind that the company’s first impression is based solely off a person’s resume.  “When you go into the job market your resume is you,” Garner said. He explained how a person resume is his or her ticket to get their foot in the door of a company. Everything a person puts on their resume has to be the most impressive work and how they attribute to you accomplishments. The purpose of a resume is to stand out amongst everyone who is applying for the same position.

         Each field of mass media requires extraordinary writing skills. Maynard describes how in radio, writing a broadcast story begins with a catchy lead likewise for print journalism because the audience only gets 30 seconds to get as much information about a story.                           

     “A catchy lead will instantly stop your reader.”  "The lead should grab the person’s attention immediately and convey emotion," Morgan said

         “Just because you’re students doesn’t mean you don’t have to carry yourself professionally,” White said. He describe a situation where he taught reporting workshops at Clark Atlanta University and his students would get intimated when they run into major news crews, while investigating a story. White insisted how his students were just as skilled to report the story, and that takes confidence and self-assurance how to approach a situation.

         There is no room for weak individuals in this field, because everyone is looking for the best. “You have to be like the man who owns the car shop, works on the cars, and sales the cars,” Morgan said.

         A career in mass media comes with a lot of self-growth, but the beauty of working in this industry are the life lessons a person can use towards his or her professional development.