Before I came to this program I heard there would be multiple projects and activities for students. First week in the USC AYA program was an incredible experience because I never had an experience going to a college program and everything was new to me. I had the opportunity to learn from university professors and experience freshman life in the USC AYA program. Participating in the USC AYA allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and meet new people who are also very interested in communication and journalism. Everyone appeared to have the same feeling of tense anticipation and fervent excitement. With its welcoming atmosphere, everyone gradually grew comfortable with each other and with the program. Every day of the summer program there were a variety of lessons and activities for each subject. In addition, several guest speakers joined us to share their knowledge and experience.
The first day was a pleasant day, not too much pressure, only full of curiosity and tension. Both communication and journalism courses have an orientation by describing the basics of each lesson. We celebrated Juneteenth together on the first day. During the lesson we discussed the relationship between Juneteenth and the media. In communication, we defined and discussed the concepts of communication, encoding and decoding. In addition, we had daily reading in communication; this assignment helped me to a better understanding of the lesson we learn each day. I very much enjoy the conversation about daily reading. In journalism, we learned how to interview other people by using the 5 Ws (Who, What, Why, Where, Why) and all students in the class had to ask Professor Turner a question. The initial day was quite relaxed, I was full with a mix of excitement and nervousness.
In the rest of the week, we dug deeper in the concept of communication and journalism. However, it is still new and interesting and every day I wonder what will happen for the next day. On the second day, the atmosphere was much more active, and it was still full of anticipation and desire. As we changed the tables into a U-shape, each of us can see everyone in the classroom. I really like the arrangement of classroom tables in a U-shape. It facilitates easy communication among classmates and enables us to get to know those around us. It creates a sense of togetherness among everyone involved. On the third day in the communication course Professor Lopez introduced our first creative project: using the phone to record a two-to-three minute podcast about a social issue or cause important to young people, using the concept we have learned in class about civic imagination and civic media. On the fourth day, I felt very relaxed because I gradually became familiar with the process in the program. In the past four days, I met more friends and got to know more people in this program, and learned more about communication. Every Friday is the day I look forward to the most because we have educational field trips. This week we had the opportunity to visit Olvera Street, the oldest street in Los Angeles, with Professor Turner. It was an incredible experience as we walked around the museums within Olvera Street, which has a rich cultural heritage. The street is full of different traditions and a rich culture.
The first week of the communication summer program has been a strange and nervous journey. I have documented the excitement, challenges, and growth experienced during these initial days. The program has deepened my understanding of media and provided valuable hands-experience for communication and journalism. I am grateful to come to this program. I am excitedly looking forward to learning more. I can definitely see how the program will continue to develop and impact me to become better of myself.
Communicating Change 