By Susan Ahmadi
Rowan County Senior High School
Over the past s 17 years of my life I have loved the spotlight. Whether I was dancing in a recital, competing in gymnastics, performing on a stage or just talking to a group of people, I have always enjoyed being surrounded by others.
When I was accepted to the Governor’s Scholars Program, a summer residential program for outstanding high school seniors in Kentucky, I was overwhelmed and excited about all the people I would meet. Spending five weeks at the Bellarmine University campus far away from home with about 360 other students sounded superb.
I have been to academic programs in the past, so I was used to awkward introductions and the oddly entertaining situations of playing “the name game," untangling human knots, and sitting down to eat at a table full of strangers.
Thus, when I repeatedly heard that GSP encourage students to “step out of their comfort zone,” I didn’t think twice about it. The whole concept of a “comfort zone” was fictitious in my eyes.
However, when I discovered that my Focus Area of study was Journalism and Mass Media, I have to admit I was terrified. I like to stick with activities I have experience in and know I’m good or at least semi-decent at. This was definitely not the case with my soon-to-be Focus Area. I had as much experience with journalism as I did with palm reading. Here’s a hint: I had none.
During the application process for GSP, we were required to select three focus areas we would be interested in studying. I knew I wanted to choose International Relations because I’ve always been interested in that subject and currently serve as Secretary General for this year’s East Senior Kentucky United Nations Assembly. I’ve also been acting since I was four so I didn’t think twice about selecting Drama. Last, I almost chose Spanish Culture and Language because it’s a huge part of my life; my mother is from Colombia and I’m very familiar with the language and lifestyle.
But, I also have loved writing and never have had room in my schedule at school to take journalism classes. I had been advised by my parents to take classes I wasn’t accustomed to, so I decided to choose Journalism and Mass Media instead of Spanish.
Yet, for some reason, I was convinced that I wouldn’t end up in that class. I had no experience with journalism whatsoever. As much as I loved writing, the idea of the public reading my writing sent chills down my spine. In addition, my photography skills have always been lacking. My teacher, Jeanie Adams-Smith is a phenomenal photojournalist, so I prayed that she wouldn’t think I was a humiliation to the art of photography. And, of course, I carried the always-evident fear of failure.
Now, I understand why “stepping out of your comfort zone” is one of the main goals of this phenomenal program. Being a journalist for the past five weeks allowed me opportunities and experiences that will last a lifetime.
My main story for my class was to write a profile on a faculty member here, Terence Gaskins. Journalism allowed me to meet an extraordinary personality and new role model, which I wouldn’t have had the chance to do otherwise.
My eyes were also opened to how the journalistic world is changing rapidly because of technology advances in today’s society. Visiting the Courier Journal allowed me to experience this issue firsthand, and I’ll forever be motivated to support newspapers in an ever-changing technologically centered world.
Although I’m not going to pursue a career in journalism, it will definitely be an interest I’ll possess for the rest of my life. I’ll never forget the impact journalism made on me over these past five weeks. I discovered the beauty of journalism: the ability to meet someone or visit a place or issue and to share their stories with the general public, while at the same time expanding your own realization of who you are.
I’m genuinely glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone this summer. The Governor’s Scholars Program really does develop leaders of the future. As a leader, I feel I can better relate to the introvert who dreads being thrown into a cafeteria of strangers because I’ve been in the same uncomfortable boat.
No comments:
Post a Comment