As I sit to write this week’s reflection, I’m filled with conflicting emotions. This week has truly shown me why AYA is such an amazing, impactful program and I’m immensely grateful for the time I’ve spent here so far. And yet, I’m slightly disappointed that we’re already entering our third week. When coming into this program, I never anticipated gaining so much information or wishing it could last longer, and yet here I am.
This week had some of my favorite moments so far. On Monday we heard from my favorite speaker so far, Taj Fraizer. His lecture style was really engaging and he opened the floor for discussion in a way that other speakers hadn’t before. I also really enjoyed his ideas and the video he showed us about the global culture that is Krumping. It was especially inspiring for me to see how he creates media out of things he is truly passionate about. I spent quite a bit of time going through the book he co-wrote with Ben Caldwell, KAOS Theory: The Afrokosmic Ark of Ben Caldwell. The photography and the stories embedded in the book are something that will stay with me long after the program. I also really enjoyed hearing from Mark Schoofs. Learning about the Watergate Scandal and the inherent power that the press holds was super fascinating. I had never delved into the world that is investigative journalism and learning about how to go about an “interview” truly opened my eyes.
In our COMM class this week, we learned about how Hip Hop has historically been used as Civic Media. Legends like Tupac Shakur used their music to address social issues and advocate for change, highlighting systemic injustices and the struggles faced by marginalized communities. More recently, artists like Childish Gambino have continued this tradition, with songs like “This Is America” providing powerful commentary on contemporary social and political issues. I especially liked learning about how music plays a role in civic engagement, as I have a deep love for music as a medium for art and social commentary.
Another interesting thing that we did this week was a scavenger hunt. This turned out to be a lot more difficult than I had anticipated but it was fun nonetheless. I enjoyed getting to know people better in my group and taking in the surroundings at USC. Getting to experience the campus on a more expansive level is amazing and a privilege I’m grateful for.
Our Journalism class was very eventful this week. We learned how to write voice-overs and scripts, which was a fun and collaborative process. Visiting the media center was super fascinating, as we got to see college-level studios and equipment up close. Recording our script in these professional settings was an exciting way to wrap up the week, solidifying everything we learned and created together. Overall, it was a really cool experience that combined creativity and teamwork.
Looking back, it’s incredible how much we’ve packed into just two weeks. The blend of creativity, passion, and learning has made this journey unforgettable so far. While I’m a bit sad that we’re already heading into our third week, I’m excited for what lies ahead and grateful for the memories and knowledge I’ve gained so far.
Communicating Change 