Reflections...

I will never forget the words Pastor A.R. Bernard, from the Christian Cultural Center said,  “You will make time for what you think is important.”

              

As I enter my 5^th week in this internship, I reflect on how imperative it is to stay spiritually connected.  Working non-stop 6 days a week can be mentally and physically draining. I believe in meditating and praying for guidance gives me the strength to stay focus. While being hungry for this internship, I realized I have to spiritually feed my spirit also and dwell in my word. Each and everyday I wakeup to the sound of my alarm around 5:35 a.m. and the thought of peacefully making it to see another day reminds me of God’s grace over my life.

             

There are times where I catch myself engulfed in so many tasks and I forget to prioritize my life around my spiritual needs. Than I end up of having rocky day because things didn’t go as planned. Even though it feels like there aren’t enough hours in day, valuing my relationship with God will show that I can make time for him. Even if it takes listening to gospel music before starting a day of work, reading a daily verse or simply just talking to the most high. Everyone has their own form of worshiping, especially when we all come from different walks of life. It takes discipline and commitment to center your entire life on spirituality, but it can be done.

             

As I sit, writing this blog, while facing a pleasant view of Harlem outside my window, I decide to challenge myself. I vow to increase my one on one time with God and learn how to balance my spiritual and personal life. This journey will not be easy and I don't expect it to be an overnight process. Instead, embrace a new beginning with God being my number one priority. 

✌ ❤☺-Demeshia Jackson

           

Is It Really Funny How Time Flies?

Motivational speaker, Michael Altshuler once said, “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.”  Its crazy how you wake up and next thing you know the day is over in the blink of an eye. Sunday was a unusual day for me, only because I didn’t get back to my room till early that morning from Aleisha’s surprise party.  Going to sleep late, messed up my daily pattern in getting things done at a certain time.  I purposely increased the volume on my phone, set two alarms, and tucked the phone next to my pillow. Unfortunately, I woke up at noon just to see missed calls, text messages, and emails.  So, I instantly jumped up and to try and compose myself so that I can start my day.

         Time really outdid itself because every time I was completing an assignment, while periodically looking at the clock hours continue to rapidly pass.  Around 8:00 p.m. I had knocked out majority of things on my task; being in the Reid Group means work never ends so I can never phrase the statement, I finished everything.  I decided I would take advantage of the “little” time I had left and go the Whole Foods Market on 59^th Street and Columbus to pick up a few things.  I headed to the train station and like typical the so-called Express D train didn’t arrive till 20 minutes later.  My goal was to spend no more than a hour in the Whole Foods, since I made a mental list, I had a general idea of what I was getting.  The struggle to make it out of that store was challenging because I made the most infamous decision to going grocery shop hungry. My mother always told me to never go the store on an empty stomach because you spend more money.  With the help of Sequoyah, I was able put certain items back as she convinced me saying, “We can always come back.”

         For the small amount of I stuff I purchased, I end up leaving the store spending roughly about $70. Eating healthy sure does come with a big price, but you get for what you pay for and I’m not paying for low quality groceries at these corner markets near Harlem.  

         Time management is crucial especially in the mass media industry and being apart of this internships has taught me to value my time.  “Regardless of what goes on around you, news is news and you have to meet every deadline,”  said Ms. Reid.

✌ ❤☺-Demeshia Jackson

An Unforgettable Saturday

            Secretly planning a birthday party has never been so much fun until the Reid Group gathered together to plan Aliesha Hull’s 21^st .  For several weeks,  Aliesha has been constantly reminding us to mark our calendars on July 7^th, hinting  that we needed to know that was her birthday.  Despite how much hard work we’ve accomplished this week, Jacque Reid and I still managed to arrange a special unexpected party for Aleisha. Observing what Aliesha likes and dislikes were pretty easy, I knew she wasn’t a fan a birthday cake and constantly talked about how much she liked strawberry cheesecake.  A couple weeks after we arrived to New York, Aliesha took a trip to Junior’s and fell in love with their strawberry cheesecake, so getting a cake from their was the only way to go.

            On the week of her birthday,  I was communicating, discreetly, back and forth with the Reid Group and Ms. Reid about preparing for her surprise party on Saturday.  The goal was to act “nonchalant” the entire week about her birthday  to give the impression that we wouldn’t have time to celebrate.  Only if she knew,  that we had a big bug up our sleeve and she was going to get the best surprise of her life. Ms. Reid picked a very nice Moroccan lounge, called Katra for the venue.  Going to a Moroccan place would be a new experience for the entire Reid Group, so we were definitely excited to try something new.

            Early Saturday morning, the Reid Group and I met at 30 Rockefeller center, as usual, to get ready for our live shots.  Everyone except Aliesha, knew the big plans for tonight and our mission was to continue to keep it a secret. We headed to Union Square to find a story and use that location for our live shot practice. This was my first time there, and I instantly fell in love with all the shops, eateries and different vendors.  I volunteered to go second to do my live shot, and for some reason I wasn’t as nervous. I finally gained control of my nerves, I was comfortable with the information I was reporting, and applied the being “conversational” technique. The look on Ms. Reid face as I finished my shot was astonishing. Knowing that she was pleased at my performance showed how much growth and improvement I’ve gain so far. I felt accomplished and sense of pride,  because my Saturday kicked off on the right foot.  After everyone completed the live shots, Ms. Martin distracted Aliesha while Ms. Reid confirmed the birthday plans for tonight, we all agreed to dress cute and meet at 8:30 p.m.  As Aliesha made her way towards the group, Ms. Reid cleverly announced that we had a deadline tonight for the broadcast stories she assigned early this week. The feeling to know that Aliesha had no idea of what was going on was priceless.  We all departed from Union Square to get ready for tonight; I paired up with my buddy, Sequoyah Armour to get a card and gift.

            Meanwhile, Aliesha was back at the dorms with the rest of the Reid Group as Briana Scott and Chivone Smith convinced her that they were goin to sneak out for her 21^st. With a lot of persuading, Aliesha gave in and the plan finally kicked into action. The rest of the Reid Group decided to leave a hour early to be at the lounge first, so that we can officially surprise her.  With stalling from the masterminds, Scott and Smith, we were able to arrive at the lounge at a decent time to make sure everything was in order for tonight.  20 minutes later, Ms. Reid and Ms. Martin arrived and I receive a text that Aliesha was around the  corner.  We all hid in one spot and as soon as Aliesha step foot into the door, we all screamed “Surprise!!!!”  The look on her face was that of amazement. As she held back her tears, she thanked everyone for making her birthday something  unforgettable.

✌ ❤☺-Demeshia Jackson

Friday July 6th: Monfongo

In the rugged streets of  Harlem,  you will find a variety eateries on every corner.  Since New York is the birthplace of cultural infusion, finding something appealing to the taste buds isn’t that hard. 

            Today, I was in the mood for some Puerto Rican cuisine.  When the Reid Group and I first arrived to New York, Briana Scott found this tiny hole in the wall, Puerto Rican place on 125^th and Amsterdam that sold fresh and delicious seafood.  She constantly bragged about how mouth-watering the food was. She ordered salmon and steamed vegetables. Right away, I wanted to find that restaurant and place my order. Seafood is my favorite thing to eat, so from the moment she mentioned the fresh fish, I was hooked. Sadly, Briana didn’t remember the name of the restaurant. The feeling of not having a clue of not having any information on this place, tortured me.  But I didn’t give up easily, because deep down I was still determined to find it. I asked around the neighborhood, City Tower’s residents and local businesses.  Everyone had no idea of what I was talking about so I resorted to Google and typed in the search domain, “Fresh Puerto Rican Restaurants” and still no luck. 

            At this point, I decided I was going to walk around 125^th and Amsterdam until I found it.  Around 10 minutes later, I stumbled across this restaurant called Seafood Boca Chica. It was located between a liquor store and barbershop and from the outside I could tell it was very small. I opened the glass door, and on the left side was covered a buffet filled with Puerto Rican dishes. Also in a chilled glass display was different kinds of seafood, from fresh tilapia, salmon, shrimp and many more. Although everything sounded so good, the item that really caught my eye was traditional Puerto Rican item called, Monfongo. Monfongo, is fried plantains, garlic, seasoning, and topped with any choice of fried meat. Actually, I never had it before but saw if for the first time on the Food Network Channel, Guy Fieri’s Diners, Dine-in and Dives episode in San Antonio.  Watching the makings of this dish had me craving for Monfongo for several months, so when I notice that Seafood Boca Chica had it on their menu, excited me even more.

✌ ❤☺-Demeshia Jackson

Preparing For A Professional Career.

         While applying for different jobs or internships, it’s important to understand that the company’s first impression is based solely off a person’s resume and social network page. 

            “Be mindful of what you tweet, retweet, and the pictures you post because they never go away,” said the director of social media, Michael Clancy.  Many companies are now relying on social media to gather information about a person before they he/she is offered an interview.  Clancy manages NBC’s social network sites to find story ideas, locate sources, and get “meaningful feedback. However, many reader’s comments are not always positive and can sometimes be controversial. Also, as NBC employees, there are certain social media guidelines that the people have to follow. Clancy passed around a black and white copy of NBC News Social Guidelines, and on the left hand corner read “best practices.” These practices consisted of: using privacy, managing friends “carefully”, limiting opinions,  including the phrase “Retweets are not endorsements,” and using an appropriate profile picture. Social media is no longer for entertainment purpose but a innovative way for NBC to communicate with its readers.

          NBC’s human resource manager (HR), Millie Quiles, really impressed us with a not so typical resume workshop, by having a complimentary, catered lunch. Mrs. Quiles soft spoken voice and down-to-earth personality created a intimate atmosphere and made it comfortable to a ask any question about what to expect before and during an interview. Having the opportunity to speak with NBC's HR was amazing because it gave us an inside look on how the company determines who they will hire. She printed out a resume and cover letter guideline and showed us actual examples of what a good and bad resume looks like. Mrs Quiles 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.

         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. 

✌ ❤☺-Demeshia Jackson

Keeping Cool In New York

            From NBC employees , interns, and tourists, each individual person has a unique way to withstand the blistering heat on a sunny afternoon. Even though the temperature read 91 degrees, the scorching climate perceived the weather to be in the triple digits.

            The area outside of 30 Rockefeller Center is visitor’s attraction, where countless numbers of people are drenched in sweat, walking back and forth or simply cooling down in the pavilion . NBC’s front door greeter, C.J., suggested, “Stay inside and enjoy your activities in a facility with air conditioning.” Even tough his job requires him to assist people outside in high temperatures, he jokingly mentioned how he doesn’t mind getting a new tan.

            For some out-of-town visitors, the extreme conditions caused them to be extra cautious before engaging in different outdoor events. “This is our first time in New York for vacation. so drinking lots of water and wearing sunglasses, prepares us for a day of mass touring,” said, North Carolina, Ekcuban family.

The Ekcuban family enjoying a day full of sightseeing. 

            Not only is keeping your body hydrated an important factor, but having natural hair like the Ekcuban’s daughters, calls for principal measures.  One rocked dreadlocks and the other, a braided ponytail. In order for the Ekcuban’s to maintain moisture while walking for hours in the hot sun, is to apply olive oil to their hair. Healthy, hydrated hair is essential when enduring intense temperatures, but you can always throw on a hat.

            Ultimately, the most reliable resource for survival in this hot temperature, is water.  You can find plenty of vendors on every corner selling an ice, cold bottle of New York’s popular Poland Spring Water.  The key is to stay hydrated, and win the battle, survivor of the fittest in the torrid summer of New York City.

✌ ❤☺-Demeshia Jackson

My 4th of July Adventure!

The subway was ridiculously packed!

I was so anxious to walk inside the museum.

There were people on every corner selling $5 9/11memorial souvenir books.

A variety of 9/11 books to choose from.

With a $5 donation you receive a pass to the museum.

A mural dedicated to police officials and firemen who lost their lives during the attack. This homeless man cleans it everyday while informing different bystanders of what happen during the attack.

A new tower under reconstruction.

A timeline of how the 9/11 attack happened.

Tower # 2 is now a fountain surrounded by engraved names of the victims who where killed.

A photo album of actual pictures during 9/11.

                                                                                                    

✌ ❤☺-Demeshia Jackson