Many people, as it seems are mean to each other. Everyone in this program is successful and has a lot to contribute in the future world of journalism. However, I see many people judge too quickly if they notice anything out of the ordinary. I don’t want to name names or give examples, but if you can see what I see, hear the snickers, the slight smiles students make, it is kind is disheartening. We can’t rush judgments on a lot of things. Personality is one of them. Everybody is so kinetic and wants to get most out of their time here in Washington, but at the same time, some are ignoring the basic principle in life: To treat people the way they wanted to be treated.
I've noticed that we are in a program for future journalists. Ironic thing is, these journalists have a huuuge opinion to the point where they pontificate every single statement they make. Some feel that what they say is always right and should be considered as the final word. It's not right. And it's saddening to see that some wannabe journalists are like that. If you are a dick, not gonna lie, but nobody would want to talk to you. It's true. I've read some blogs of fellow students and I am surprised out of my wits. It is good to have an opinion, but you absolutely cannot be a jerk about it.
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Today, I had a long cry. Yes, I broke down. It was just a combination of things really. My trigger? Because I’m everywhere. I don’t have time to think. I am always in motion, and getting upset about the littlest things. Don’t get mad at me if you are from Washington, but it seems to me that Washington drivers are assholes. I’m a walker, in case you didn’t notice. And I love walking everywhere. (I’m not a public transportation kind of person, but unfortunately, because my internship is in Maryland, I have been succumbed to the depths of the ominous metro system.) But with the times that I have been walking, drivers aren’t so courteous to pedestrians. I am from Pennsylvania (born in New York City, raised both in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania and in NY) and, pedestrians ALWAYS had the right of way. It’s not “who’s first or second,” pedestrians take the gold here. Drivers have always been so rude and some have nearly hit me, when I was clearly crossing the street. Maybe they are in a rush or something, but there is absolutely no need to be a bitch.
Another reason why I broke down today was because of my internship. Don’t get me wrong, but I am having an interesting time. But where I am right now, it isn’t necessarily journalism. It is a branch of journalism, but a really small branch. There is no interviewing, going out on the scene, meeting people, storytelling. It is just straight facts from the stock market. I hear stories from people in my program who dwell on the briefing they’ve been to, or the event they reported, or the various pitches they are making to their supervisor. I get projects, but they aren’t much journalism projects. I am not sure how to classify it. Perhaps it is fact checking? I don’t even know. And, whenever I need to talk to my supervisor, he is out of his office to the point where I don’t know if he is coming back or not. It’s a bit frustrating and I’m not sure if I should stay or leave. I want to be the best intern that I can, but if I am in a program that is entitled “The Institute of Political Journalism” and there is no politics or journalism, I get sort of antsy.
My ethics professor, Professor Reynolds, and the retired Executive Editor of USA Today, Bob Dubill told us the same thing, a mantra that everyone should live by. We live in a kinetic society indeed. Washington DC is no stranger to that. Sometimes we don’t stop and think. We don’t think about the things we are doing, we don’t understand it, but we just do it. Sometimes, we do it to succeed. We are succumbed by our electronics: our iPods, iPhones, cellphones, blackberries, computers, blow up dolls (just kidding haha), we don’t really feel the world. We don’t feel that fresh air, the birds chirping, the clouds. We just pass by it as if it’s nothing, never taking the time to smell what’s going on. I think as young people, we should understand to feel the world and take time to think about it. My ethics professor said, “Don’t be somebody you’re not to get ahead. Because if you have to change yourself, then getting ahead is not worth it.” It’s true.
I am feeling better now. I have some ideas to grasp on these opportunities. For now, a shower is needed. With the humid Washington weather, my body is in need of one. My boyfriend calls me “Sweaty” as a joke. He’s right… sadly enough!
28 more days until I see the love of my life.. We've been through everything and I am so glad to have him! =) I love you hunny!
In other news, Yo-Yo Ma played at the Kennedy Center today. I am so jealous for the ones who were fortunate enough to go. That just means I need to see Yo-Yo even more at Bethlehem's Zollener Arts Center (aka where my philharmonic orchestra practices.) And I also need to see him in Carnegie Hall..*wink*wink*
Yes, I am a music nerd!
I did a lot this week and as much as I want to talk about it, I will later. I promise.
