I am the media.

 I’ve always been told I was a no good for nothing. A loser. An outcast in my own family. Growing up poor, on top of already being put down by those closest to me, has been tough. I recall many nights as a youngster when all I had for dinner was half a Whopper. I’ve suffered hunger and humiliation, but I know I’m stronger for it. It’s made me inspired to do better for myself, so that my children don’t have to go through what I did.

But how?

College? Nothing seemed to interest me. That is, until I encountered media my sophomore year. It allowed me to exercise my creativity, allowed me to take on responsibilities I’ve never dreamt of before, and above all, it allowed me to prove myself to my peers, my teachers, my family, and myself. I wasn’t a good for nothing as I filmed Public Service Announcements for my school. I was doing something good. I wasn’t an outcast or a loser…. I am the media. The person everyone turns to for answers. That changed the direction of my life.

I pursued this new interest with renewed energy, passion, and a belief in myself. I took a Radio/TV class at my school and joined an After School Matters program called Community TV Network (CTVN) in order to nurture my skills and passion for the media arts. I’ve acted in and helped produce many short films and Public Service Announcements, each one widening my view of the world just a bit more- along with the disturbing notion of just how much media can influence people.

My job, my responsibility as part of the media, is to inform and educate people about the things they ought to know, not just the limited and often propaganda- filled information we receive today. Through college, I know I can receive the education I require to become the best Radio/TV Broadcast journalist I can be, and do just that. Proving to all those naysayer out there that no matter what your background or what people may think of you, you can overcome it all with hard work and determination. Not to mention dedication and love in what you do. As long as you try your hardest and never quit, in the end it all pays off.