Mizzou – KC Digital Marketing

Getting Into a Groove

Chicago, Diary, Intern, Internship, Journalism, Mizzou, News Reporting

A lot of things happened last week. It’s getting harder for me to do daily blog posts so I’m going to try to do once a week posts or a few times a week. I will always post when I have a new story published, but otherwise it’s hard to spend a day at work then blog afterwards.

At PTM, I finished my sports story about Chicago Southland. I am working on my story about national parades and Wildwoods New Jersey. All this research on destinations is making me want to vacation! Wildwoods seems like a fun, inviting place because of the fun on the boardwalks, the beaches and the attractions. The parade story is helping me reminisce of all the parades I performed in. The last parade I was in was for the last football game in 2012 at Mizzou. I’m including the Disney parade in the article and that reminded me of my experience with the Disney parade and workshops in high school. I went my freshman and junior years and each trip was different. One trip we visited Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry, the other year we went to the Islands of Adventure in Universal Studios.

At Suburban Life, I just finished my story about teenage popular hair trends for Suburban Life Magazine. I learned a lot about different styles and had my hair done last week coincidentally. Other stories were in the works but this week we are supposed to be swamped because we are down an editor.

For Now You Know, I covered a Birdhouse Auction last Thursday. It was very cool because I felt like I was at a swanky cocktail party. I’m also supposed to start editing this week more so than writing and I’m excited about that because that is what I am aspiring to do. This weekend I am covering Tech Week Conference so it’s going to be a busy weekend!

One of the birdhouses at the auction inspired by Tinkerbell. Image from Nowyouknowevents.com

So things are getting into a groove at my internships and I’m getting the hang of things. I’m learning a lot and and enjoying it. As much as I want to go back to school to see my friends, I like working. So it’s conducive for me to have these experiences because I am learning skills for the future and get a glimpse of the real world.

Diary at PTM Day 4: Reminiscing on Music Trips

Chicago, Intern, Internship, Journalism, Mizzou

On Monday at Premier Tourism Marketing I was working on a story about the top 5 music cities to travel.

My story caters to teachers that are looking for class trips for musical students. I couldn’t help but reminisce on my many class trips in high school. I went to Disney World twice to perform with the band in the color guard in the Magic Kingdom parade. One of the trips we attended a workshop at the University of Florida to learn from their color guard. I don’t remember if it was the same trip, but another time we toured Sun Studio in Memphis and performed in front of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

Wall of records from the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. Photo by Becky Neems

Another class trip through choir we went to New York City. We performed in a cathedral and I remember sightseeing and viewing the Lincoln Center of the Performing Arts building for ballet, the NY Philharmonic’s stage and toured parts of Juliard School. That was unbelievable My favorite memory was, on the first day we were in New York. Everyone was exhausted because we spent 24 hours on a bus to get there as well as did some sightseeing that day in our nice clothes. At the end of the day, we had the option to see Catherine Zeta Jones in a little night music or to go to the Metropolitan Opera to see La Traviatta. I chose the later. It was an amazing performance even though my company was asleep, and we had a view that I could see the performers as the size of a fingernail. It was something I couldn’t forget because I love opera and I loved the protagonist, an opera singer named Angela Gheorghiu. She was 45 at the time and had the most beautiful sopranic voice and was able to carry the character of her young character, Violetta.

The view from the top of the Rockefeller Center in NYC. Photo by Becky Neems

I think my article about music cities for students to travel is important because it really hits home for me. I couldn’t forget the experience I had on those trips and I’d love to be able to share with someone how to give his or her student’s a fond memory.

Finalizing and quick reporting: Suburban Life Media Day 6

Blogging, Chicago, Intern, Internship, Journalism, Mizzou, News Reporting

Today I drove over to the Dunkin’ Donuts on 63rd street to check out “Cop on Top” an event that raised money for Special Olympics Illinois. It was the first time I had to go on the scene to report and it turned out fine. I met Westmont’s Police Chief Thomas Mulhearn as he stepped down from the roof on a ladder.

Westmont’s Police force has been participating in the event for a few years and it raises money for the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run. Officers throughout the state participate in a run to start off the games for the Special Olympics this summer.

I also spoke with a few volunteers from the event and they were all happy I was there. I talked with the Chief about how my brother is special needs and I appreciate his efforts in helping Special Olympics.

Chief Mulhearn with some of the volunteers and a Dunkin’ Donuts employee. Image credit: Becky Neems

I could tell it pulled at his heart strings to help with the cause and that’s what makes a difference.

Later in the day, I was continuing my patio story and getting some finite examples of what I wanted to say. Taking a look at Pier 1 Import’s outdoor guide, I saw some beautiful patio sets and wished my family would invest in some trendy items.

I’m hoping to finish the story early next week. It will be exciting because it will be my first ever feature story in a magazine. I wrote an article for Vox magazine’s website, which was a lot of fun, but being able to see my name in glossy print will be worth it.

In a few hours, I will be reporting for Maifest Chicago 2013, getting all the German food, beer and music I can to get a feel for the German culture. I will reporting there all weekend, so I will have a final story at the beginning of next week, so stay posted.

Patio Design and Quilting: Suburban Life Media Day 5

Blogging, Chicago, Diary, Intern, Internship, Journalism, Mizzou, News Reporting, Suburban Life Media

Today I had a hectic morning but an easy afternoon. I went to a new quilt store called Quilter’s Quest in Woodridge to talk with the owner. I learned about all the fun fabrics, big machines and what processes to make the quilt.

The owner told me that in order to make a quilt, there are three layers, like a sandwich. There’s the quilt top, comprised of different patterns, patches and shapes, which the customer makes. Then there’s the batting, which is the polyester stuffing in the middle. The backing is, you guessed it, the back fabric of the quilt. The machine they use to sew it all together is called a Longarm that sews all three layers together. The machine can sew it in a line pattern, but also can do any shape or pattern you suggest, like musical notes or butterflies. Quilter’s Quest said it’s going to be a modern shop with bright colors and patterns and batik fabric. Batik is a fabric made in Indonesia that usually is floral with vibrant coloring.

purple_orange_cherry blossoms — Batik is a bright-colored fabric made in Indonesia.

Peaking into the world of quilting makes me appreciate that artform and how difficult it can be to make a colorful blanket.

Another story I’m working on is for Suburban Life Magazine on how to improve your patio. The Great Escape representative told me that people are shifting more towards furniture that looks like it would fit in your living room but has weatherproof fabric. Pier 1 Imports has their well-known Swingasan-their wicker swings, while Room and Board has portable fire places that use eco-friendly fuel. I didn’t know much about what makes a patio beforehand, considering at my house we just got ours redone from our original patio from when our house was built 40 years ago. The main gist, just like the Quilting store, is that people can use bright colors with accessories if they want to keep with neutral colors for furniture.

People are leaning more towards outdoor furniture that looks like it could be in the living room but with weather-proof fabric. Pier 1 Imports catalogue example.

Bitchin’ Purge, No really that’s what it’s called! Now You Know Events Event 1

Blogging, Chicago, Diary, Intern, Internship, Journalism, Mizzou, News Reporting

On Sunday during the lovely Memorial Day weekend I was able to report on my first story for nowyouknowevents.com. The website is a blog that is dedicated to events that are happening in the city of Chicago. It’s a blog that consists of a calendar as well as brief descriptions before the events and an event recap.

My event was called Bitchin’ Purge 3: Battle of the Sexes Tournament featuring comedian Megan Gailey of the podcast Naked Sports Live and the TBS pilot “Sick Day.” It took place in Wicker Park on Division at Jerry’s Sandwiches. Coincidentally enough, my second cousins own the restaurant. They always have live jazz, comedians, standup and other live entertainment in their stage room.

The event was a lot of fun and had a relaxed atmosphere. Everyone was bashing bad customers they’ve had while drinking a pint.

I also looked into the Naked Sports Live podcast and Megan is super funny! I don’t have a keen interest in sports but she definitely maintained my interest!

Steve Shields and Emily Drews Westfall hosting the show

Steve Shields, the guy who thought of the Bitchin’ Purge has dealt with many a unpleasant customers. He said 95 percent of customers are great, though five percent not so much…

He started making a documentary three years ago about the service industry and ironically enough, no one wanted to be on camera! I guess not everyone is like me. I’d pounce on an opportunity to be on camera.

Anyway, he decided to have a story-telling comedy slam to let the servers’ voices be heard. The event was hilarious yet disturbing at times. Steve’s brother talked about the terrible old days at RainForest Cafe while a woman Lindsay talked about how she had a stalker at one of the bars where she works.

Having Never been a part of the service industry, I learned a lot and it was eyeopening to hear what these people had to say. Moral of the story: Tip more!!

Field reporting and fun story topics: Suburban Life Media Day 4

Blogging, Chicago, Diary, Intern, Internship, Journalism, Mizzou, News Reporting, Suburban Life Media

Today, I was able to get out of the office to report a quick story! Even though it doesn’t seem like a big deal, my tush thanks me from all the long hours sitting in a chair. Our newspapers have sections called Street Talk where we talk with members of the community about a fun topic and we put their picture and answer in the paper. It’s a fun little section that personalizes our publications. I was working on the section for the Westmont Progress where I had to go to the beautiful Grocery Store called Standard Market on Ogden Ave. in Westmont. I talked with four different people about their plans for the summer. Most were excited to be in the paper, even for a fun, little section.

I also am working on stories with fun topics. I am writing a story for Suburban Life Magazine about fun ways to spice up your patio. I’ve spoken with The Great Escape and will talk to two other places about what fun things to use or how to furnish your patio. Another artistic story I’m working on is about Quilt Quest, a new quilt shop opening in Woodridge. The owner has had a passion for quilting for a while and she decided to open up the store with her husband to offer patterns, kits and machines to help the local quilter with his or her creativity. I’m stopping by the store tomorrow morning to get a look at some of the quilts and patterns, and I think it will be a fun story. Being able to cover artistic topics is a good change of pace for me than writing news briefs. Because I want to go into the magazine world, it is helpful for me to emerge into the local community in a creative way.

Efficiency: Suburban Life Media Day 3

Chicago, Diary, Intern, Internship, Journalism, Mizzou, News Reporting, Suburban Life Media

Last Friday I was cranking out stories a mile a minute. The other Mizzou intern and I were talking about how it’s easier to write stories when you’re not in a hurry running to and from class or worrying about a test or after school activity to run to. I was able to finish three news briefs and have two published to the website. The information wasn’t anything new for me in regards to the procedure in how to get information. I would call a source and they would give me some quick tidbits of information to include in the story. I liked being able to focus for hours at a time without having to worry about anything else other than my deadline. I know I’m only an intern so I have less responsibilities, but it was satisfying to be able to go home from a long day’s work and not have a million things to still work on at home. This makes me excited to start working in the real world. To be able to have a sense of accomplishment everyday and not have to worry about a grade, but to just be accountable for your work during the day. I start the orientation for my third internship next week and that’s when things might get hectic. Hectic but in a good way because I’m doing what I love: Journalism!

Being Shown the Ropes: Suburban Life Media Day 2

Chicago, Diary, Intern, Internship, Journalism, Mizzou, News Reporting, Suburban Life Media

Last Wednesday was my first full day at Suburban Life Media. The other editorial intern and I learned about the scheduling and the map of the newspapers. Our supervisor told us that the papers were organized much like a magazine, which means the breaking news and less important things go online while the stories that go to print get published once a week. Suburban Life handles 22+ publications, not including its magazine Suburban Life Media, in the western suburbs of Chicago. I cover the newspapers the Westmont Progress and the Woodridge Reporter, which cover the areas of Westmont, Woodridge, Lisle and Naperville. I like the way the format works because things don’t seem as rushed as when I worked for another newspaper. Things are more timely, and more people take a look at your story before it goes to print. It definitely gives the vibe of quality over quickness.I also have a fellow intern who is a Mizzou Student as well and that’s always helpful as we compare newsroom experiences. I’m going to start on-the-street reporting soon as well as cover the page three feature stories and possibly write for the Suburban Life Magazine. More opportunities to come!

Unpleasant Day, New Opportunity: Suburban Life Media Intern Day 1

Intern, Internship, Journalism, Mizzou, News Reporting

I started my internship at Suburban Life Media on Wednesday and the day did not get off to a good start. I woke up at 6 a.m. in order to arrive in Crystal Lake for orientation at 9. It was an hour and 20 minute drive with traffic and it started to pour. I was rushed to the facility but the experience was rewarding. I filled out some forms and we were able to get a look inside the headquarters of the parent company, Shaw Media. We were able to talk with advertising, marketing, accounting, photography, newspaper editors and a magazine editor. It was interesting because I was able to see the inner-workings of the brand instead of just the newsroom. Shaw Media also has a coupon and event information website called PlanIt with sites for northern areas near Crystal Lake as well as a PlanIt Life for the area near our office in Downers Grove. The site has coupons for restaurants and events as well as articles about what events to attend in your area. The website seems like a unique place that combines couponing and journalism that caters to different areas in the Chicago suburbs.

Speaking with the editor of Kane County and McHenry County magazines, I was able to get an insight on how local magazines work. Because they are county magazines, the magazine is able to cover different areas that may carry over to be content for other regional magazines. Each magazine has a theme each month and they coordinate sources to talk to based on that. The May issue was the Women’s Issue while June will be the Father’s Issue.

I also spoke to the editor of the new Suburban Life magazine, which covers towns such as Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Hinsdale and Lagrange. The first issue just launched for May and she said I might be able to come to photo shoots and write features.

So far, my experience at Suburban Life Media seems potentially exciting with many opportunities The newspapers are organized well with content throughout DuPage, Cook County etc. And I might have the chance to work with the new magazine.

Instead of just writing about a conflict, being in the conflict

Columbia Missourian, Congo, hotel rwanda, Journalism, Missourian, Mizzou, Multimedia J2150, News Reporting, Paul Rusesabagina, Rwanda

In class a few weeks ago we watched the documentary entitled “Reporter” by Nicholas Kristof. Kristof has won the Pultizer Prize twice for this documentary about reporting in conflict areas such as Darfur and the Congo. His bravery and courage is not in question, but towards the beginning of the film I wondered, “Instead of only helping the people in trouble, is reporting enough?” As the film progressed Kristof saw people starving and dying and reported on these events and the conflicts at large. The humanitarian in me wondered why they didn’t help these people. When they helped a woman named Yohanita who was raped by a soldier, dying of starvation and taken to the hospital where she died shortly after struck my idea down. Kristof argued that there were millions of people just like Yohanita who have died because of the Congolese Rwandan conflict, and when put on paper, people only cared about the one person. Since 5.4 million is a daunting number, when people read the statistics, they only feel sorry for a few seconds because that fatality rate is not a number people can wrap their heads around, according to Kristof. I later realized that it was effective to report on these issues because people need someone to angle the idea so people will care.

Screen Shot 2012-12-10 at 3.48.25 PM — From left to right: Paul Rusesabagina, me, his wife Tatiana Rusesabagina

On a related note, I was an intern for the Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Foundation last summer and learned more about the Rwandan genocide in a perspective I could have never imagined. I met Paul Rusesabagina, his wife Tatiana, and his children through that experience. Paul is an inspiring man. He saved about 1,300 refugees by giving them shelter in the hotel he was managing in Kigali during the Rwandan genocide in 1994. The first time I watched the movie “Hotel Rwanda,” based off his story, it made me sympathize and feel sorry for those people. Watching the movie after meeting Paul was a completely different experience. Being able to see what happened while watching the movie a second time and the pain he endured through was almost hard to watch. Feeling sorry for an actor in a movie based off historical events and understanding the pain for a person you met while watching the same movie changes things. Working in that internship helped me to be able to advocate for Paul and people of Rwanda in an active way. It took a burden off my conscience and helped me to be able to understand a complex concept and be able to help in a tangible way. I will remember that experience for the rest of my life, and in Paul’s words:

“History keeps repeating itself but doesn’t teach us any lessons. ‘Never again’ has turned into ‘again and again and again.’…Take Hotel Rwanda as a wake-up call and a message to be our messenger that people are the ones who can change what they want to change.”