Memory

WOW! I can not believe it is the last week of USC Annenberg Youth Academy. Time goes quickly! USC Annenberg Youth Academy has been an incredible journey full of learning, exploration, and growth for me. During these four weeks, I experienced many memorable moments, met a fantastic group of people, and felt the fascination of journalism and communication. In addition, I gained a lot from both communication and journalism courses, having the ability to learn about the media industry by listening to different guest speakers and our professors, Rogelio Alejandro Lopez and Professor Miki Turner. It is a great honor to have the opportunity to attend the USC Annenberg Youth Academy. These four weeks at USC with the first-year college course are stressful for me because high school teachers and college professors have a vast difference. With all the lessons Professor Lopez and Professor Turner lectured, I gained a lot from knowing about both Communication and Journalism. Of course, friendship. It’s a great honor to meet a diverse student the same age as me at AYA. I also learned and took away from them by hearing all the perspectives they shared in the Comm 101 course.

Looking back on the whole four weeks of experience at AYA, I realized that I not only learned the knowledge of journalism and communication but also acquired many valuable skills and experiences. I expanded my academic network and gained insight into different aspects of the journalism industry. Furthermore, it is not only the taught courses that are valuable but also the knowledge and experience shared by the guest speakers. I really enjoyed listening to these speakers’ talks and lectures as they gave insight into their careers, experiences, etc. AYA is an excellent opportunity to network with students, professors, and professionals from different regions and schools. I will never forget this experience in my life. This helps me expand my professional network, learn about other cultures and perspectives, and engage in academic and professional discussions with my peers.

I think one of the most interesting topics in Comm 101 is critical media literacy. In this class, we learn how to examine social media messages and think critically about how they affect us. In this class, I realized that I need to have my own judgment and observe the media around me because, through this lecture, I realized that all media would make us have a stereotype, whether it is black or Asian. I recognize that changing stereotypes requires effort and participation from each of us.

Now, we all are leaving AYA, but we are all returning to our high school with energy and motivation. I firmly believe that this summer school experience will be a valuable experience for my future academic and professional development. This is my last journal entry for USC Annenberg Youth Academy and an excellent summary of the journey. With gratitude and contentment, I am ready for new challenges and opportunities.