Is it really only a month? It’s felt like two weeks.
As much as I have tried to convince Karen, the AYA intern, to extend the program, it isn’t working. I am filled with sadness after finishing the third week of the Annenberg Youth Academy. Entering the program and knowing that this will be my last Monday with the amazing people I have met at this program is dreading. As stated in my other journals, I’m grateful for this opportunity and the friends I have made along the way.
My next week will not feel the same as the others, although I will practically be doing the same thing. But for now, let’s focus on what occurred this week.
My Monday morning started like usual, I began with volleyball practice and then made my way to the University of Southern California, stopping to grab an iced coffee as always. When the class began, we reviewed our headshots taken by Professor Rogelio Lopez. These headshots made me feel so professional. After the Communication class, we had a free period. My friends and I used this time to explore more of USC, although we really just ended up walking around in circles. I always enjoy spending time with them, especially as we discuss our passions in life and share a good laugh.
On Tuesday, I felt more in pain that the program was on the verge of ending. The visit from the AYA Alumni Panel was impactful. As I listened to their fond memories of the program and the friendships they made, created a sense of nostalgia within me, even though the program is not over yet. Besides all the sadness that spiraled through me, I felt inspired. The panel highlighted the way that this program really set them on the right path in life and how it granted them various opportunities to network. Many of them they still stay in contact with today. In our Journalism class, we were given a camera, which we were allowed to keep throughout the remainder of the program. Taking pictures after school, allowed me to focus on the beauty of the campus and create ever-lasting memories.
On Wednesday, our journalism class began with the revealing of the video created last week, where I was selected as an anchor. Reviewing this video made me realize that I have so much to learn about broadcast and anchoring, but considering it was my first time…I would say the production team, including myself, did an amazing job. After that, we returned to Studio A, however, this time my other classmates were working on production while my peers and I focused on our Solutions Journalism project. The class ended early, and with the extra hour presented to me and my friends, we decided to visit the village. Although we did not do much shopping, and really only got Starbucks, I still enjoyed every second with them.
I am in awe knowing that next week will be my last with the Annenberg Youth Academy. I will try my best to treasure the last week and create even more memories. I can’t wait to see my Trojan family one last time!!
Written by: Allison Chavez
Communicating Change 