Monday June 18: Allison Samuel's Book

Today I was able to read and discuss with journalist extraordinaire, Allison Samuel's new book, entitled "What Would Michelle Obama Do?" This book is modern day guide to living with substabce and style from Michelle Obama's perspective.

Samuel's was inspired by books that celebrated classic incons such as Audery Hepburn and Jackie O.  But strongly felt that we needed a book that embraced a modern day, African-American icon. Michelle Obama is fnot only the first African-American first lady, but a role model to many women all over the world. From her sense of style, being a wonderful mother, and a supportive wife, Mrs. Obama definitely an epitome of a strong women.

The book gave me an inside of look of how Mrs. Obama lives her daily life and perceives certain situations such as relationship advice and working under stress. I learned many new things about Mrs. Obama and how intelligent she was since she was a young girl.

Yesterday, my discussion with author Samuel's sparked an idea to create a series of stories of multiple African-American icons with the title "What would____Do?" There are so many African-American women that I considered role models and would love read a book that gives you a deep inside look of their individual lives. Women such as Oprah Winfrey, Tyra Banks, and even Jacque Reid. Samuel's loved the idea and actually considered keeping it in mind. I will continue to follow up with her about the series of books. I also suggested that she should write books for young African-American girls which would promote reading and knowledge about important Afican-American women.

Samuel's is an awesome writer and most importantly has passion for it because of her 16 years in the journalism field at News Week and Daily Beast.

✌ ❤☺-Demeshia Jackson 

Sunday June 17: "Church Time" -Christian Cultural Center

From a long week of working hard at my internship, I needed to be at a place of worship to prepare myself for more weeks to come. I always understood that God creates us with a purpose in this thing we call life, but my idea of receiving was different. I thought you had to be a certain age to realize your purpose or go through many things to find it. So throughout my life I had been searching and over thinking about my specific purpose, especially during my experience with the Reid Group so far.

God has truly blessed me with this opportunity to learn and work hands on  and everyday I can see myself grow as a person.

We worshiped with Ms. Reid's home church, the Christian Cultural Center (CCC) lead by Pastor A.R. Bernard. CCC has over 30,000 members and I was still able to get an intimate word from God like it was designed just for me. Actually the message was call "Design" Pastor Bernard preached about our purpose in life and how it comes in everyday life, but sometimes overlooked because we're waiting for that one big moment. He also define purpose as using "Your gifts, talents. and abilities to satisfy a human need." Pastor Bernard used Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as an example of person who simply used their God given talent, which was motivational speaking to influence the importance of equality to people all over the world. It was just that simple! Dr. King Jr. didn't discover that he will be a Civil Right's Activist at a young age, it just happened through his ability to be able speak and impact many people that he changed the world.

As I reflect throughout my life, I believe that I am slowly working towards my purpose by preparing myself here in New York, as a possible reporter changing lives all over the world.

From now on I will not take simple things in life for granted because I'm walking with a purpose.

Amen.

✌ ❤☺-Demeshia Jackson

Saturday June 16: My Trip to Times Square

After an adrenaline rushing morning at NBC Universal Studios from learning and practicing our live shots outside of 30 Rock, the Reid Group and I decided to walk over to Times Square. 

I was so excited to go because I haven’t been since we arrived to New York, and that’s the first place every tourist goes. Times Square is not far from where we intern, so the walk wasn’t long at all. 

The sight was beautiful, I never been surrounded by such tall buildings, seen that many flashing lights, and people in my entire life. I took so many pictures while trying to keep up with the group; I just couldn’t help but stand in amazement. 

From a mini break-dance performance, live cartoon characters, and stores on top of stores; Times Square is a busy place.  The Group and I were hungry therefore we didn’t do too much walking because we went to the nearest restaurant possible, which was TGIF. The prices on the menu doubled than those back home, everything was extremely expensive.  So I end up splitting an appetizer with Brishaun.

We quickly finished eating, so that we can walk around before it was too late.  The smell outside was a combination of food, sewer, and something burning; it was pretty gross.  Despite the smell I was still able to enjoy my mini tour of Times Square and will definitely be back next week.

✌ ❤☺-Demeshia Jackson

Friday June 15: My Adventure to Get Ice

Instead of going to the much talk about southern restaurant Melbas in Harlem, the Reid Group decided to order in pizza and have a girls talk initiated by Ms. Reid.

In order to have a successful internship experience, it’s important for the Reid Group to be on one accord. We are the first group of ladies to be apart of the Reid Group Class at Clark Atlanta University (CAU) and granted the opportunity to be apart of this amazing internship.

So after a long, hard day of work at our internships, we were hungry for some good food. My responsibility was to look for some delicious pizza places that delivered to the dorm. I looked up 5 places based on the reviews on Google and Yelp. I came across a place called Tom’s Delicious Pizza, the name alone was convincing enough. I shared with the group the places I found and we all agreed to put our trust in Tom’s.

Than I realized, “Oh wait!” “Don’t we need something to drink to wash the pizza down with?” Than Ms. Reid asked for someone to got to the corner store and grab drinks. Not every one volunteered at once,  I put my head down to try to  avoid going because I literally just came from Target in Brooklyn, caught 2 trains (the A Train and 1 Train) , and carried 3 bags with a case of water. My arms were so numb, I was drenched in sweat, and was looking forward to go back outside for the rest of the day.

Next thing you know, my name was called by Ms. Reid to go grab the drinks. Luckily I had a few people to walk with me because as easy it sounds it was challenge all because we needed ice. The plan was to grab everything at the corner store of 129^th street and Saint Nicholas Ave. This store had any and every drink you could imagine but ran out of ice. So we just grab the drinks and cups there and headed down on 129^th a tad bit further to another store and guess what? No ice. We continued to walk because I knew that walking back to the dorm 10 minutes later with just cups and warm drinks was the answer. So as we headed down the street, I just kept hearing Ms. Reid voice saying, “Demeshia, I don’t take no for an answer and you shouldn’t either,” “What’s CAU’s motto?”

Therefore I was motivated to get that ice! We went to a gas station, where we saw an ice cream truck and asked the driver if he had any ice we could buy. The only ice he had was prepared snow cones and that was not going to work.  We were so tired because we went to every corner store nearby; it was getting late, any everyone kept calling because they were concern.  Than I realized it was one more store that we have yet to go in. As soon as we opened the door I just blurted out, “Do you guys sell Ice?” and thank God they had a freezer full of ice for $2.50 per bag. So we grab the bag and threw in the basket while speed walking the rest of the way home.

Finally we arrived with the drinks, of course everyone wanted to know why it took so long (laughing), I just know that I wasn’t taking “No” for an answer.  We all ate our Tom’ Delicious Pizza, enjoyed our drinks (with ice), and  had a great time.

✌ ❤☺-Demeshia Jackson

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