Hello! Happy Beverly Homecoming, everyone! It's the only celebration in the North Shore which features over 80 events including lip sync contests, lobster costume contests, and truck loads of fried dough.
So, yeah, this week is Beverly Homecoming and I've been assigned to attend different events around the city. Here's the layout of what I've covered so far . . .
Airport Day: Last Saturday, I covered Airport Day which was held at the Beverly Municipal Airport. It provided North Shore residents with the opportunity to go fly in one the airport's many aircrafts. There was a parachute event also planned, but it was canceled due to the weather (lame!). I, of course, did not take a ride on an airplane, but I did snap some nice photos and I got to chill out at the airport cafe. The best part? My editor granted me permission to write an opinion/commentary piece on my little adventure.
Lip Sync Extravaganza: This was . . . uh . . . interesting. I actually got lost on my way to this event. I stopped at a Rite-Aid to ask for directions and this elderly woman came up to me and offered to show me the way. And she actually did. My faith in humanity is restored. Anyway, the Lip Sync Extravaganza is the most popular event at the Beverly Homecoming. The contest features children from the city's camp and park programs competing against each other by performing their lip sync and dancing routine. I wasn't sure what to think about this contest. On one hand, I understand they are children and they're just having fun. But then again, it made me relive those painful memories of elementary school talent shows. I winced on more than one occasion.
Lobster Festival: Probably the lowest moment of this internship came at Lobster Festival, the Beverly Homecoming's signature event. Instead of writing a story on the event, I had to walk around the festival holding a gigantic front page of a newspaper and ask people to take their photo with their face sticking out of the front page. Basically, I looked like an ass clown. I got so desperate for volunteers that I decided to walk around the festival shouting, "Step right up! Take your photo with the Beverly Citizen!" Everyone either laughed or rolled their eyes at me as I wept on the inside. At least I got a nice lobster lunch out of the deal.
Welp, with the Beverly Homecoming now nearing its end, so is this internship. It's been a wild ride filled with parades, lobster, and general Beverly hokum. I remember way back while I was still in Dublin and thinking I'd struggle to get an internship but here I am, nearing the end of one and ready to start the next chapter of my life. Overall, this was a tremendous opportunity and I'm so thankful for the experience it has provided. I'm sad it's over, but at least I don't have to drive through downtown Beverly anymore.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Kristen--Post 5
Art From The Heart is still going well and I’m still
constantly immersed in projects and ideas and activities. There is certainly no slowing-down-feeling or anything. It all feels so
natural to me now that I forget I’m sort of “working” while I’m at the
hospital. I fit into the routine (chaos) and bounce from room to room so well
that I don’t stop to think of how fast everything goes anymore.
An interesting thing that happens now is the fact that I’ve
actually gotten to know some of the kids and their families. There are some regular
kiddos that I’ve seen many times over the summer and it’s both sad because it means they’re in the hospital as often as I am
some weeks, and great because I have very special connections with them. Of course I don’t feel any less connected or inspired
by the children I only see once, but it would be false to say there aren't obvious advantages to knowing the
kids a little more personally over a period of time.
It's a little harder for me to tell you about what exactly I'm getting out for writing material. I love reading about what you all are writing and getting out there. To speak of writing specifically, I'm meeting with someone from design and layout from Burlington City Arts to create hard copy booklets for the fill-in stories this week. The most exciting part about that for me is to have the chance to give the kids something to write and hold on to afterward as a sense of accomplishment and, whether they know it or not, brilliant writing opportunity. The Inspired By Emily project is still moving forward and I will be meeting with the mother more as the year goes on to make sure she's supported and has all the writing help she needs but it is a very complex, very emotionally heavy process and I am there more as encouragement and delegation of tasks rather than a driving force.
As for "What now?" I’m actually continuing my time at the hospital with AFTH when school
starts and for the entire year. I’ll be cutting back on the outside writing and
projects of course, but I’m still very serious about keeping one morning shift
a week going. Some of the things I’ll be getting into are: month of
September events for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, helping with the
Inspired By Emily project and hopefully creating some content for it, creating
displays on the children’s floor of art and hopefully writing, writing and
developing more fill-in stories, and as always, finding more ways to be involved
with the creative aspects of children’s hospital stays.
I will never wish I had done something else as my internship and I will never stop doing whatever I possibly can for the betterment and creative opportunities for these kids here or anywhere else I ever live or spend time. This has been one of the most important things I have ever, ever done with myself and now that I have a way in, I'd have to be dragged out by force to ever, ever stop.
Jillian- Fifth (and last) Post
Hard to believe this is the last post!
My internship ends on Friday, and the last two weeks have
been sort of bittersweet. On the one hand, I am kind of glad it’s over, because
it wasn’t what I expected and I did not enjoy it as much as I thought I would.
But on the other hand, I learned a lot about my writing and my goals, so that
is really important, a worthwhile endeavor.
Plus, my Ireland article made the front page this week. That
in itself was pretty awesome.
I spent most of my time the last two weeks organizing briefs
and writing them up. One thing I actually hate here is the system of
organization—they use folders for the briefs labeled “Future” and then a few
with specific issue numbers. Then there is a third folder that is basically
just another “Future” folder, and it is a serious pain in the ass when writing
to see three press releases on the same thing in all three folders.
On the one hand, putting the same thing in three places
ensures that it won’t be overlooked, so from a PR perspective, it works. But from
the point of view of the person entrusted to not only organize but write-up the
briefs, it is rather annoying. On Tuesday I was writing some for this week’s
issue and in all three folders, certain briefs had different information, so
that required extra fact checking, and when I would call to ask, these people
would say that they had sent an e-mail with the most recent information and
told the papers to disregard previous messages.
Not the most productive way for the other organizations to
conduct themselves, but it would be so easy to avoid that kind of delay on my
end if there was a better system. Like maybe flag an e-mail as soon as it come
in and throw it immediately into the correct folder. Or mark something as
already received, so that if you get another message from the same source, you
can go through the folder and trash the other information that is no longer
relevant.
A big thing I noticed this week is the level of computer
literacy. After myself and the other intern, who is the editor’s son, there is
one writer who is in his late twenties, then after that there is at least a
ten-year age gap between him and the other workers. Maybe this is just my age
talking, but it seems so much simpler to organize things on computers as
opposed to by hand. On Tuesday nights—the night we go to print—much of the
staff is here until after midnight working on the paper, and a part of me
wonders if it wouldn’t be simpler to put all the articles and ads in place on a
digital document and make changes that way as opposed to using highlighters and
stickynotes on a physical copy.
So maybe my feelings are a little more bitter than sweet,
actually. I am looking forward to having this done, and it has given me a lot
to think about regarding my own plans for the future, but that’s what an
internship is supposed to do, so I guess in that respect, mine was definitely a
success.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Almost last post, I think? --Christina
Getting stuff done this week is really hard. I'm in Ocean City, MD with my boyfriend's family, in an internetless condo. I can send emails from my phone but I can't access Google Docs or any of the stuff I need for research unless I'm on my laptop. I've been escaping to random places with free WiFi--coffee shops, a library, Denny's, and the lobby of the Comfort Inn (I think they're starting to notice that I'm not actually staying there)--every once in a while to try to get some work done.
Other than my internet struggles, things have been going pretty well. Because my internship is almost over, Brian had to set some deadlines to make sure that all three e-books get done before I go. Amanda and I have to write one each week for the next three weeks. We decided to start with the introductory level e-book, since it is our first attempt. We have split it up into two sections so we can each do our own work, while still working toward a cohesive piece of writing.
So far I've been doing mostly research, and very little writing. I'm hoping to jump into some actual writing by Thursday, and have a rough draft by Monday. After the draft is done, Amanda and I will start writing the next e-book, while revising the first one at the same time.
Other than my internet struggles, things have been going pretty well. Because my internship is almost over, Brian had to set some deadlines to make sure that all three e-books get done before I go. Amanda and I have to write one each week for the next three weeks. We decided to start with the introductory level e-book, since it is our first attempt. We have split it up into two sections so we can each do our own work, while still working toward a cohesive piece of writing.
So far I've been doing mostly research, and very little writing. I'm hoping to jump into some actual writing by Thursday, and have a rough draft by Monday. After the draft is done, Amanda and I will start writing the next e-book, while revising the first one at the same time.
Post 1 million (or something) - Sarah Frazier
This is early. Here ya go.
Last week unfortunately I had a
family emergency and was not in work from the 29th-31st
of July. Everyone was very nice and accommodating about it, which really helped. Lucky for me I’m doing WAY over my amount of hours required by the
internship so it won’t affect anything for credit. This week I worked on two
major features. The first was focused on three events: Iona Fest, the 14th
annual street painting festival, and the lighting ceremony at Waterfire. I did
that pretty much in a day, due to people getting back to me so fast, so that
was great. The second article I was involved in was another On the Menu
feature. September is focusing on the closing of the farmer’s markets as the
summer comes to an end and charity work for an organization called Food for Good. I love that they let me keep with this
feature through the summer. I definitely felt they trusted my judgment.
Other writing I've been doing has been mostly web related. They like to produce a few short articles throughout the month and I helped with that. One of the other interns got to do an article called "10 Things We Care More About Than The Birth of the Royal Baby". I was jealous, ha.
Next week is OFFICIALLY my last
week, with my last day being Wednesday. Reflecting back to all I’ve done and
the people I’ve been able to interact with, I can only say that I feel extremely
lucky to have had this internship. I can’t imagine it going any better than it
did. I learned a lot and every time I told people what I got to do at work they
proclaimed their jealousy.
Today we got two taste tests done –
one was apple pie, the other Almond Joy pancakes. Leaving this place is going
to be a damn shame.
Sarah Frazier
Sarah Frazier
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Post 4: A New Hope - Cameron Williams
So, uh, I did it.
Did what, you ask?
Well, I finally asked my editor, Natalie, if I could write a couple of opinion pieces before the internship is over. Ah! Wow! Shocker! But yeah, I asked her if I could write opinion pieces and she told she'd think about it. Good enough answer for me. I hope she caves in and lets me do it. As you might or might not know, I see ultimately see myself becoming a columnist when I "grow up" and I feel writing commentary-based pieces for the Beverly Citizen would serve as great experience.
In other news, this is actually a relaxed week for me. I only have one story to write. I have to contact the Beverly Police Department and discuss a charity event they held a few days ago. Why the relaxation? Well, it's because next week is Beverly Homecoming, a ten-day event featuring over 80 events around the city. Events include Beverly residents performing in a lip synching contest (fingers crossed I cover this event), a lobster festival, classic car shows, and a lobster costume contest where participants dress in their best lobster dress (yep, this actually exists). As you can tell, there's a lot of lobster going on and I can't wait for it.
I actually had to write a story last week which highlighted new events at the Beverly Homecoming this year. The story is significant because I spoke to a guy who might've been one the worst interviewees I've had since this internship began. It was total role reversal for me. For once, I wasn't the awkward one in the interview. The guy is hosting an event at Beverly's historic Carriage House and the phone interview just dragged because he stumbled, slurred, and mumbled his way through the entire thing. I'm probably being mean and I'm certainly sounding like a hypocrite here, but, ugh, that interview was rough.
Did what, you ask?
Well, I finally asked my editor, Natalie, if I could write a couple of opinion pieces before the internship is over. Ah! Wow! Shocker! But yeah, I asked her if I could write opinion pieces and she told she'd think about it. Good enough answer for me. I hope she caves in and lets me do it. As you might or might not know, I see ultimately see myself becoming a columnist when I "grow up" and I feel writing commentary-based pieces for the Beverly Citizen would serve as great experience.
In other news, this is actually a relaxed week for me. I only have one story to write. I have to contact the Beverly Police Department and discuss a charity event they held a few days ago. Why the relaxation? Well, it's because next week is Beverly Homecoming, a ten-day event featuring over 80 events around the city. Events include Beverly residents performing in a lip synching contest (fingers crossed I cover this event), a lobster festival, classic car shows, and a lobster costume contest where participants dress in their best lobster dress (yep, this actually exists). As you can tell, there's a lot of lobster going on and I can't wait for it.
I actually had to write a story last week which highlighted new events at the Beverly Homecoming this year. The story is significant because I spoke to a guy who might've been one the worst interviewees I've had since this internship began. It was total role reversal for me. For once, I wasn't the awkward one in the interview. The guy is hosting an event at Beverly's historic Carriage House and the phone interview just dragged because he stumbled, slurred, and mumbled his way through the entire thing. I'm probably being mean and I'm certainly sounding like a hypocrite here, but, ugh, that interview was rough.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Kathryn-- Cest
This has been a really odd week for me. It's the second-to-last week I'll be spending in Sarajevo, and the last full week of my program. I wish I could say something like "I'm equal parts excited and sad" or "it's bittersweet"....but I don't want to lie to you. There is no bitter to this sweet, and the excited outweighs the sad by an overwhelming margin. And here's why:
-With the exception of being home for the holidays, I have been abroad since early August 2012. It is now about to be August 2013. It took me until last month to start to feel homesick, but now that it's hit, it's damn near overwhelming.
-While my internship has been an incredible opportunity, I would not recommend this particular program I participated to ANYONE. Not a chance. I am so, so grateful I was able to experience the Balkans BEFORE beginning this program; I fear that if this had been my only exposure to the region, it would have completely ruined it for me. There are so many problems with the program, but I think it's all best summed up with the fact the only things they do consistently are over-promise and underachieve.
-There are so many things to look forward to in the states! Once I get home I'll be going on a road trip with my boyfriend and then I'll be moving into my new apartment. I have so many reasons to be impatient.
-The novelty has worn off. I hate to say it, but it's true-- once Sarajevo stops becoming something foreign and unfamiliar and oriental and exotic, it loses a lot of it's appeal. Because under that east-meets-west veneer lies an ugly daily life reality. The cost of living here is astronomically low compared to the rest of Europe, but it's like that for a reason. Well, many reasons-- most of which begin and end with imposed international "support". Living here as an international places me in an interesting situation in that way.
So much about Bosnia and Herzegovina is difficult (if not impossible) to explain, much less understand, even after living here. I'm sure my experience here is something that I will continue to reflect on and write about for years to come.
-With the exception of being home for the holidays, I have been abroad since early August 2012. It is now about to be August 2013. It took me until last month to start to feel homesick, but now that it's hit, it's damn near overwhelming.
-While my internship has been an incredible opportunity, I would not recommend this particular program I participated to ANYONE. Not a chance. I am so, so grateful I was able to experience the Balkans BEFORE beginning this program; I fear that if this had been my only exposure to the region, it would have completely ruined it for me. There are so many problems with the program, but I think it's all best summed up with the fact the only things they do consistently are over-promise and underachieve.
-There are so many things to look forward to in the states! Once I get home I'll be going on a road trip with my boyfriend and then I'll be moving into my new apartment. I have so many reasons to be impatient.
-The novelty has worn off. I hate to say it, but it's true-- once Sarajevo stops becoming something foreign and unfamiliar and oriental and exotic, it loses a lot of it's appeal. Because under that east-meets-west veneer lies an ugly daily life reality. The cost of living here is astronomically low compared to the rest of Europe, but it's like that for a reason. Well, many reasons-- most of which begin and end with imposed international "support". Living here as an international places me in an interesting situation in that way.
So much about Bosnia and Herzegovina is difficult (if not impossible) to explain, much less understand, even after living here. I'm sure my experience here is something that I will continue to reflect on and write about for years to come.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Kristen--Post 4
This week, I think I have reached Overwhelmed Status.
I know we all hate deadlines and have to really pull through to meet them sometimes, but I'm struggling with the opposite right now--nothing has a deadline and there is a lot happening at once. I have so many ongoing projects and ideas that is hard to make sure I'm making headway in all of them without having a certain assignment or "rule" that certain things must be done by certain times. I have so much control and flexibility over what I do. I suppose an obvious solution to this is to just create pseudo-deadlines and organize a tangible plan. I am just worried about using my Art From The Heart time as said planning time since I am so encompassed with everything while I'm there. To remedy this portion anyway, Rebecca and I have talked about me only going one morning a week and using the other time to do my work from home.
[Together Rebecca and I have talked through more ideas for the fill-in-the-blank stories that I'm really excited about and even more excited to see happen. We are thinking about printing them out in booklet-style fashion so the children have a more tangible finished product and more of a feeling of their own ability to write and create. My favorite part about this concept is visualizing how proud the kids will be to have their own little books that they made while they were in the hospital. They love showing off their art projects and games and anything we do together and I can't wait to make some of these and get them out there.]
I am also very frustrated lately with my "real" job (meaningless retail work at a corporation we won't name here) and can feel myself just getting stuck there all day with far less motivation. At the hospital, I am working in the best way I ever have. The inspiration and love from our kids and their families and caregivers surround me while I'm there and follow me home every single day. If I could be there with them instead of working I wouldn't even think twice. I'm in it for them now and the LAST thing I care about is cashiering where I have oh-so-important duties like making sure somebody's frozen dinners are all in the same bag or that tiny little coupons scan through correctly.
But overwhelming feelings aside, it is time to be calm and reflect as I get ready for a shift tomorrow morning at the hospital. I tacked up some of the paintings and art I've done in the last two months and it was a nice quiet way to remember everything I've accomplished and admired because of the silly kiddos over there. I read some news on an update site that one I've spent a few different mornings with is going through a very rough treatment week and I'm keeping him and his family close in thought as I get ready for another day.
I know we all hate deadlines and have to really pull through to meet them sometimes, but I'm struggling with the opposite right now--nothing has a deadline and there is a lot happening at once. I have so many ongoing projects and ideas that is hard to make sure I'm making headway in all of them without having a certain assignment or "rule" that certain things must be done by certain times. I have so much control and flexibility over what I do. I suppose an obvious solution to this is to just create pseudo-deadlines and organize a tangible plan. I am just worried about using my Art From The Heart time as said planning time since I am so encompassed with everything while I'm there. To remedy this portion anyway, Rebecca and I have talked about me only going one morning a week and using the other time to do my work from home.
[Together Rebecca and I have talked through more ideas for the fill-in-the-blank stories that I'm really excited about and even more excited to see happen. We are thinking about printing them out in booklet-style fashion so the children have a more tangible finished product and more of a feeling of their own ability to write and create. My favorite part about this concept is visualizing how proud the kids will be to have their own little books that they made while they were in the hospital. They love showing off their art projects and games and anything we do together and I can't wait to make some of these and get them out there.]
I am also very frustrated lately with my "real" job (meaningless retail work at a corporation we won't name here) and can feel myself just getting stuck there all day with far less motivation. At the hospital, I am working in the best way I ever have. The inspiration and love from our kids and their families and caregivers surround me while I'm there and follow me home every single day. If I could be there with them instead of working I wouldn't even think twice. I'm in it for them now and the LAST thing I care about is cashiering where I have oh-so-important duties like making sure somebody's frozen dinners are all in the same bag or that tiny little coupons scan through correctly.
But overwhelming feelings aside, it is time to be calm and reflect as I get ready for a shift tomorrow morning at the hospital. I tacked up some of the paintings and art I've done in the last two months and it was a nice quiet way to remember everything I've accomplished and admired because of the silly kiddos over there. I read some news on an update site that one I've spent a few different mornings with is going through a very rough treatment week and I'm keeping him and his family close in thought as I get ready for another day.
Post 4--Christina
So I haven’t been able to meet with Brian in the past few
weeks (scheduling issues and such), but we have been communicating through
email.
I’ve started working on that project I mentioned last time.
Amanda and I are going to be writing three short e-books together on the value
of storytelling in marketing. Each e-book will contain the same general points,
but each one will go more in depth, targeting people with different levels of
marketing knowledge. The first one is introductory level, which will be pretty
general. The intermediate one will be a
little more detailed, and the advanced one will have a lot of facts and
information for people who already know a lot about the subject. We’ve made an
outline already (via Google Doc), and Brian has already given us some feedback
on it. He mainly just wants us to go into more depth in the intermediate and
advanced sections.
Working with Amanda has gone well so far. We’re both busy
with work, so we haven’t gotten a chance to talk in person, but Google Docs and
Facebook have been working for us. We do our own research, then add things to
the Google Doc and chat on Facebook if anything is unclear. Our next steps are
to rework the outlines to include Brian’s suggestions, and then agree on a
plan/timeline to get some actual writing done.
Jillian- Fourth Post
It is so hard to believe the summer is already almost over. Counting today I have twelve days left of my internship, and then it's time to begin the hellacious packing for going back to school. Crazy!
But I don't really feel like things are any crazier in the office, actually. I am used to the hustle and bustle on Tuesday because we go to print that day, and then the lethargic feel of things on Wednesday because most of the staff was here until late. It is routine to me now, which I like to think means I have carved a niche for myself, and as an intern you can't really ask for much more than that.
I finished writing an article yesterday about my trip to Ireland, which they are going to include in next week's issue, I think. I am really lucky that I have been encouraged to write articles about things that interest me, because I get to see many different sides of the same job. Plus, who doesn't like writing about themselves?
I am still trying to get in contact with a guy who is in charge of the end-of-summer fair in Washington County. Even with my woe-is-me intern-schtick (a strategy my boss recommended) he isn't returning my calls or e-mails. I have to say that when I go back to school, that is one part of the job I won't miss.
So even though the summer is winding down, I will have the Ireland article and the Washington County Fair article included in upcoming editions. Plus I am going to a Jason Aldean concert in a few weeks (awesome sauce) and I think I will write about that, too.
I am seriously addicted to seeing my name in print. It's awesome.
Until next time!
But I don't really feel like things are any crazier in the office, actually. I am used to the hustle and bustle on Tuesday because we go to print that day, and then the lethargic feel of things on Wednesday because most of the staff was here until late. It is routine to me now, which I like to think means I have carved a niche for myself, and as an intern you can't really ask for much more than that.
I finished writing an article yesterday about my trip to Ireland, which they are going to include in next week's issue, I think. I am really lucky that I have been encouraged to write articles about things that interest me, because I get to see many different sides of the same job. Plus, who doesn't like writing about themselves?
I am still trying to get in contact with a guy who is in charge of the end-of-summer fair in Washington County. Even with my woe-is-me intern-schtick (a strategy my boss recommended) he isn't returning my calls or e-mails. I have to say that when I go back to school, that is one part of the job I won't miss.
So even though the summer is winding down, I will have the Ireland article and the Washington County Fair article included in upcoming editions. Plus I am going to a Jason Aldean concert in a few weeks (awesome sauce) and I think I will write about that, too.
I am seriously addicted to seeing my name in print. It's awesome.
Until next time!
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
POST 3423232 (I don't remember) - Sarah
Hiya! So I’ll make mention about two things because it’s all I can
remember at the moment.
-My
boss Julie gave me and Jacleen, another intern who I love, a pretty amazing
assignment that would make a lot of girls swoon. For the month of September the
Providence Monthly does a StyleWeek photo shoot. This upcoming issue, Miss
Rhode Island is modeling the clothes, which come from boutiques and stores all
over Rhode Island. Julie gave me and Jacleen the assignment to basically travel
all over Rhode Island for two days and go shopping for the photo shoot –
essentially we were stylists. They’d pay for gas and lunch so it was a no
brainer. So last week me and Jacleen set off on our adventure. It was AWESOME.
Not going to lie, we bought a few things for ourselves. I’m not saying I’m into
fashion or anything, but it was seriously fun. Interns have never been allowed
to do this, so it was really a super opportunity.
-Okay,
the other thing isn’t exciting. I feel like I haven’t complained about
anything, but now I can. One of my articles I wrote had a tiny mistake in it,
though (I’m sure many of you would feel the say) it might as well have been a
big rainbow-colored sign jumping up and down. I was annoyed more so by the fact
that I REMEMBERED fixing it and this stuff should get read like a million times
before it goes to press. BAH! Luckily,
this is an article that goes into more than one magazine, and the other
magazine isn’t published yet, so we were able to correct the mistake for that.
Those are the two biggies that have
recently happened. Shazaam!Hiya!
Monday, July 15, 2013
Kathryn-- Dva i Tri
Goodness-- I can't believe how time has flown. Not including today, I have 17 days left in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Here are some of the things I have been tasked to work on between now and then:
-Editing, editing and more editing. Actually, I'm doing a bit less of that now, since we hired a new intern last week and he will be here for 6 months-- therefore is automatically higher on the food chain, or so it appears.
-Writing (finally). I'll be interviewing at least two people and write up a success story from one of Internews' recent projects for publication on their website and the website of their sponsor, USAID.
-Drafting. This week is when the quarterly report goes out, so I'll be assisting with the drafting of some of those sections.
I'm sure there will be other tasks thrown in, but those are the ones I know about.
Outside of my internship I've been kept really busy. Last week I spent nearly the entire week in Srebrenica, commemorating the genocide that happened there on July 11, 1995. For those of you who don't know much about this genocide, there really is no accurate way to sum up what happened in Bosnia on that day and I highly recommend reading the relevant chapter in "A Problem from Hell" by Samantha Power to get some more context. The situation is highly politicized and controversial here, and there have been many obstacles in establishing the truth of the events that took place. What is known is this: despite being declared a "safe area" under protection of the United Nations, over 8,000 Bosniak (Bosnian Muslim) men and boys were systematically murdered and hidden in mass graves throughout the region, and over 25,000 women were forcibly deported. It was the mass rape of women during this genocide that changed international law to include rape as a tool of torture and a recognized weapon of war.
Every year, on the anniversary of these events, those caskets of bodies that have been recovered and identified through DNA are brought to the Srebrenica-Potočari Memorial and Cemetery to Genocide Victims. There, they are laid out in rows in the old battery factory where these men had been corralled before being slaughtered, and assigned numbers. The families of the victims locate their loved one based on these numbers, and, one by one, carry the casket out to the cemetery to be buried. When I was there, there were over 400 caskets being buried. This is one of the lowest numbers so far.
There is no unseeing this. I have studied genocide for 4 years, but never has the impact of what I am studying hit so hard, so home, as when I witnessed these ceremonies.
This weekend, there will be a trip to Plitvica National Park, which will be far more lighthearted. I'm really looking forward to it-- seriously, google image search will tell you all the reasons why.
Cheers!
Kathryn
-Editing, editing and more editing. Actually, I'm doing a bit less of that now, since we hired a new intern last week and he will be here for 6 months-- therefore is automatically higher on the food chain, or so it appears.
-Writing (finally). I'll be interviewing at least two people and write up a success story from one of Internews' recent projects for publication on their website and the website of their sponsor, USAID.
-Drafting. This week is when the quarterly report goes out, so I'll be assisting with the drafting of some of those sections.
I'm sure there will be other tasks thrown in, but those are the ones I know about.
Outside of my internship I've been kept really busy. Last week I spent nearly the entire week in Srebrenica, commemorating the genocide that happened there on July 11, 1995. For those of you who don't know much about this genocide, there really is no accurate way to sum up what happened in Bosnia on that day and I highly recommend reading the relevant chapter in "A Problem from Hell" by Samantha Power to get some more context. The situation is highly politicized and controversial here, and there have been many obstacles in establishing the truth of the events that took place. What is known is this: despite being declared a "safe area" under protection of the United Nations, over 8,000 Bosniak (Bosnian Muslim) men and boys were systematically murdered and hidden in mass graves throughout the region, and over 25,000 women were forcibly deported. It was the mass rape of women during this genocide that changed international law to include rape as a tool of torture and a recognized weapon of war.
Every year, on the anniversary of these events, those caskets of bodies that have been recovered and identified through DNA are brought to the Srebrenica-Potočari Memorial and Cemetery to Genocide Victims. There, they are laid out in rows in the old battery factory where these men had been corralled before being slaughtered, and assigned numbers. The families of the victims locate their loved one based on these numbers, and, one by one, carry the casket out to the cemetery to be buried. When I was there, there were over 400 caskets being buried. This is one of the lowest numbers so far.
There is no unseeing this. I have studied genocide for 4 years, but never has the impact of what I am studying hit so hard, so home, as when I witnessed these ceremonies.
This weekend, there will be a trip to Plitvica National Park, which will be far more lighthearted. I'm really looking forward to it-- seriously, google image search will tell you all the reasons why.
Cheers!
Kathryn
Friday, July 12, 2013
Cameron's Internship - Part 3-D
Hey! I hope all everyone's internships are going well and allowing all of you to grow as writers.
Thing have returned to normal at the Beverly Citizen following the July 4 mayhem and lack of communication from a few select contacts. I'm attending a motorcycle tutorial tomorrow at Beverly High School where I'll interview bikers. It should be interesting. As long as it doesn't turn out to be a Hell's Angels meeting, I think I'm good.
One of the funnest moments from this internship came on July 4 when I attended Beverly Farms' annual Horribles Parade, which mocks local and national events. The floats at the parade were a lot more R-rated than I expected. Amongst the topics up for skewering were the recent New England Patriots scandal involving Aaron Hernandez, the Animal Planet's fake mermaid documentary, and American Idol contestant and Beverly resident Angie Miller (complete with a dude dressed up as Angie). The grossest float at the parade was the one that spoofed the Carnival cruise ship disaster. In case you're not aware, a Carnival cruise ship was stranded at sea in February for two weeks and the toilets on the ship backed up. You can pretty much do the math about what the float looked like. The parade started at 8 AM and a good half of the parade's participants appeared intoxicated already. An old guy wearing a bikini on the cruise ship float drunkenly exclaimed, "I love this holiday!" Yeah, you and everyone else, pal.
Anyway, I arrived at the parade's starting point super early. My editor told to interview a few residents in the crowd but since I arrived at the parade early, I got to speak with the people who were actually involved with the parade. I got to speak with Rick Lord, who serves as president for the Horribles Parade and all of its insanity. I didn't expect to interview him, so my interview with Rick was on-the-fly. It was also extremely hot that day, so I sweated a ton. Just thought y'all should know.
So, yeah, I hope to go to the Horribles Parade next year and I'll definitely be including the feature story I wrote about it in my final portfolio.
Thing have returned to normal at the Beverly Citizen following the July 4 mayhem and lack of communication from a few select contacts. I'm attending a motorcycle tutorial tomorrow at Beverly High School where I'll interview bikers. It should be interesting. As long as it doesn't turn out to be a Hell's Angels meeting, I think I'm good.
One of the funnest moments from this internship came on July 4 when I attended Beverly Farms' annual Horribles Parade, which mocks local and national events. The floats at the parade were a lot more R-rated than I expected. Amongst the topics up for skewering were the recent New England Patriots scandal involving Aaron Hernandez, the Animal Planet's fake mermaid documentary, and American Idol contestant and Beverly resident Angie Miller (complete with a dude dressed up as Angie). The grossest float at the parade was the one that spoofed the Carnival cruise ship disaster. In case you're not aware, a Carnival cruise ship was stranded at sea in February for two weeks and the toilets on the ship backed up. You can pretty much do the math about what the float looked like. The parade started at 8 AM and a good half of the parade's participants appeared intoxicated already. An old guy wearing a bikini on the cruise ship float drunkenly exclaimed, "I love this holiday!" Yeah, you and everyone else, pal.
Anyway, I arrived at the parade's starting point super early. My editor told to interview a few residents in the crowd but since I arrived at the parade early, I got to speak with the people who were actually involved with the parade. I got to speak with Rick Lord, who serves as president for the Horribles Parade and all of its insanity. I didn't expect to interview him, so my interview with Rick was on-the-fly. It was also extremely hot that day, so I sweated a ton. Just thought y'all should know.
So, yeah, I hope to go to the Horribles Parade next year and I'll definitely be including the feature story I wrote about it in my final portfolio.
Jillian- Third Post
Happy Friday, everyone!
I don’t have a lot to share this week, as I’ve only been
back to work for a few days, but they have been relatively busy. I spent two
days doing office tasks and only a little bit of writing, one of the downsides
of being an intern. But one of the cool things about a weekly paper like this
is the way that everyone at one point or another has to partake in the menial,
secretarial part of the job. I like the equality there, as opposed to a bigger
newspaper where specific people are designated filers and press kit
put-togetherers. That type of camaraderie is something I’ll look for in any job
I may have in the future.
Yesterday and today I spent time calling local restaurants
and eateries in preparation for next issue’s annual Dining Magazine. It is free
publicity for all the restaurants, and I stressed that to each person I called,
but that did not save me from a few hang-ups and a few more disgruntled owners
and managers. I suppose I can’t really blame them, as I’ve been known to hang
up on advertisers and telemarketers a time or two, but it is frustrating when
all I’m working to do is help them out. The Dining Magazine is a hugely popular
addition to the newspaper each summer, and many locals refer to that for their
year-round dining, and sometimes it was really challenging to not share that
with the angry owners in a confrontational way.
Customer is always right and all that.
If nothing else I suppose I am honing my people skills, and
my interpersonal skills in general. There will always be crotchety people in
the workplace, even people I’ll be trying to help, so figuring out the best way
to deal with them now can only help me in the long run. I tend to take hang-ups
way too personally, but by the time I finished today I was kind of angry with
all of them, too, so maybe it will be like moving through the five stages of
grief—I’ll get to acceptance eventually and then it won’t bother me anymore.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Christina-- Posts 2 and 3
Post 2
This post is from June 28—sorry it’s taken me so long to get
it up here.
Working remotely has been going really well until this week.
My family and I have had a lot of guests coming and going, and I haven’t been
keeping to my schedule. It’s been hard for me to manage my time well between my
other internship and spending time with my relatives. This week, I’ve crammed
all of my work into a few days, instead of spacing it out. I haven’t left
myself enough time to do as much research as I should, and I am planning to
change that from now on.
I haven’t missed a deadline because Brian doesn’t really set
deadlines, but my usual schedule has been thrown off. Thankfully, Brian has
been understanding, and has rescheduled our meeting for the week so that I have
more time to write and spend time with my family.
I only have one week left in the UK and then I will be going
back to the US, where it will be much easier to manage my time and focus more
on my work.
Post 3
Things are still going pretty well. I just got back to the
states on Saturday, so I’m still adjusting to the time change and trying to
figure out my new schedule. I think it’s going to be easier to find time for my
internship because now I’m working fewer hours at my job.
I’m spending a little more time on my internship work now.
Instead of writing about a topic that Brian has assigned, I’ve started choosing
my own topics. Since I don’t have a background in marketing, it’s a little hard
to decide what to write about and then find information on it. I have been
writing a lot about social media as a marketing tool, since that’s what I know
the most about. I have been doing a lot more research than usual, and I have
ended up spending more time on research than on writing. For me, research is
the least fun part of writing projects but, since the subject matter is
unfamiliar, I know that I need to be doing a lot of research, and there will
only be more to come.
Brian mentioned that he is going to ask me to do a
collaborative project in the next few weeks with Amanda Schroth, who is also
interning at TTS. I’m a little nervous about it because I generally don’t like
to write collaboratively. Luckily, I know Amanda and, although I haven’t worked
with her before, I know that’s she’s a good writer and a nice person, so I’m
hoping that the project will go well.
Sarah - Part 3
Hey!
Things are still going well on my end. I actually only worked once the week of the 4th of July which was nice since I was traveling to Maine. So, obviously when I got back there was LOTS to do. I was asked to do the On the Menu feature again, though it took a little longer due to the lack of speedy reply to interviews. This week there was plenty of editing and fact-checking to be done, mostly because people got pretty lazy with their writing due to the holiday.
Things are still going well on my end. I actually only worked once the week of the 4th of July which was nice since I was traveling to Maine. So, obviously when I got back there was LOTS to do. I was asked to do the On the Menu feature again, though it took a little longer due to the lack of speedy reply to interviews. This week there was plenty of editing and fact-checking to be done, mostly because people got pretty lazy with their writing due to the holiday.
I also did two articles yesterday
for our online magazine presences. One of the articles I did was for these high
school students who have an organization called the Westerly Innovative Network
or Team WIN, and are promoting their mission Project TGIF (Turn Grease Into
Fuel). Essentially, they get restaurants to sign up to recycle wasted cooking
oils which are distributed throw charities into heat for needy families, aka “biofuel”. They were looking for more
publicity aimed at the surrounding restaurants, and I emailed them back letting
them know we were definitely interested. Rhode Island is known for a lot of
fried summery treats, so it was a great opportunity for them to use their left
over cooking oils for energy. It is crazy what these kids have done with this
organization: traveling the world, called Young Wonders on CNN Heroes, winning
grants left and right, going to DC. Makes my high school days look like a
criminal waste of time.
There was also a promotional event on Tuesday called The Superlative Party. It was free for us to go, and it was super fun, beautiful and entertaining. There were synchronized swimmers, acrobatic dancers, a photo booth, and great food. Lots of interesting people from all around RI. Interns worked shifts for the photo booth, but not long.
I guess my only
complaint thus far is the amount of interns they have on Wednesday, it gets cramped.
I would say at the moment me and the other intern Jackie get the most writing assignments since we've been there the longest,
or at least the biggest ones. I would probably be more annoyed at the increase of
interns if there was a lack of work because of it. There was also a promotional event on Tuesday called The Superlative Party. It was free for us to go, and it was super fun, beautiful and entertaining. There were synchronized swimmers, acrobatic dancers, a photo booth, and great food. Lots of interesting people from all around RI. Interns worked shifts for the photo booth, but not long.
That's it for now, can't believe we are already in the second week of July. Fin.
Kristen--Post 3
Hi everyone.
I'm dedicating this week's post to an outside project that my internship at Art From The Heart has brought me to and that I will be involved with over the next several months. There was a patient at FAHC that often stayed on the same floor I spend a lot of time on now, and who actually painted with AFTH whenever she had the chance, who passed away late last year.
Her name was Emily Lyman and her mother, Monica, is collaborating with the entire community to create a book project based on Emily's poetry, writings, and life. Emily was 15 and had been fighting cancer since she was a toddler with on and off relapses.
Emily wanted to be a writer when she grew up, but it's very obvious that she already was. What I've seen from the project so far is the packet of about 40 of Emily's poems and letters that she wrote at different points in her life. Some of them are extremely silly 1st grade observations and some are serious as she questioned herself and others; but most are just honest, poetic pieces about a variety of topics everyone can relate to. Since her poems are so visceral and full of unique images, Monica has decided to create a very visual book.
Monica's plan is to have people, anyone who wants to, read one of Emily's pieces and then create something visual based on what they may have been thinking about or inspired to do. These pieces can be art or photos or anything else creative. A Child Life Specialist gave this project to us at AFTH to see if we could help and of course, the moment I heard about it I knew I needed to be involved. First of all, the concept of gathering visual art from a vast collection of people based on Emily's words is brilliantly powerful and through AFTH, I will be able to involve volunteers and hospital affiliates very easily. (Unfortunately, we will not be able to involve current patients with the project unless there is an obvious request to do so because of the emotional weight of the content and the fact that we need to stay true to AFTH and make sure our patients are doing what they wish to do creatively.)
On the other hand, too, is the obvious presence of writing here--Monica is going to need assistance and input as to how to put this project together, where her own writing needs to go and where it's all Emily's, editing, placement layout, and when the time comes, publishing. I contacted Monica first through email and now we've emailed and spoken on the phone with plans to meet in person sometime this month. She was very appreciative to hear from AFTH and me personally with a writing background and says that she definitely welcomes the help since this project just seems to grow and grow with each step.
So, I will be working with this project during the rest of my internship and through this next school year and potentially afterwards if necessary. My biggest goals with it are to be sure Monica has the writing support she needs, help her find people to create art, and most importantly, be inspired and allow others to be inspired by these poems and by Emily herself.
Monica is very open to sharing this project and has given me permission to do so however necessary. If you'd like to read some of Emily's work, have any ideas, or want to create something feel free to respond to me anytime. For now, I'll let some of Emily's words end here:
"I've never known exactly what I want to be when I grow up. I would like to go into something that involves reading and writing because that's what I love to do in everyday life....My overall goal though, whether it is accomplished through a job or something else, is to be remembered. I have always wanted to do something to insure that one day in the future teachers will tell their students that today they will be learning about Emily Lyman. I want this dream to come true because otherwise, eventually, I will be forgotten and to me that would make the things that I've done in my life a lot less meaningful."
I'm dedicating this week's post to an outside project that my internship at Art From The Heart has brought me to and that I will be involved with over the next several months. There was a patient at FAHC that often stayed on the same floor I spend a lot of time on now, and who actually painted with AFTH whenever she had the chance, who passed away late last year.
Her name was Emily Lyman and her mother, Monica, is collaborating with the entire community to create a book project based on Emily's poetry, writings, and life. Emily was 15 and had been fighting cancer since she was a toddler with on and off relapses.
Emily wanted to be a writer when she grew up, but it's very obvious that she already was. What I've seen from the project so far is the packet of about 40 of Emily's poems and letters that she wrote at different points in her life. Some of them are extremely silly 1st grade observations and some are serious as she questioned herself and others; but most are just honest, poetic pieces about a variety of topics everyone can relate to. Since her poems are so visceral and full of unique images, Monica has decided to create a very visual book.
Monica's plan is to have people, anyone who wants to, read one of Emily's pieces and then create something visual based on what they may have been thinking about or inspired to do. These pieces can be art or photos or anything else creative. A Child Life Specialist gave this project to us at AFTH to see if we could help and of course, the moment I heard about it I knew I needed to be involved. First of all, the concept of gathering visual art from a vast collection of people based on Emily's words is brilliantly powerful and through AFTH, I will be able to involve volunteers and hospital affiliates very easily. (Unfortunately, we will not be able to involve current patients with the project unless there is an obvious request to do so because of the emotional weight of the content and the fact that we need to stay true to AFTH and make sure our patients are doing what they wish to do creatively.)
On the other hand, too, is the obvious presence of writing here--Monica is going to need assistance and input as to how to put this project together, where her own writing needs to go and where it's all Emily's, editing, placement layout, and when the time comes, publishing. I contacted Monica first through email and now we've emailed and spoken on the phone with plans to meet in person sometime this month. She was very appreciative to hear from AFTH and me personally with a writing background and says that she definitely welcomes the help since this project just seems to grow and grow with each step.
So, I will be working with this project during the rest of my internship and through this next school year and potentially afterwards if necessary. My biggest goals with it are to be sure Monica has the writing support she needs, help her find people to create art, and most importantly, be inspired and allow others to be inspired by these poems and by Emily herself.
Monica is very open to sharing this project and has given me permission to do so however necessary. If you'd like to read some of Emily's work, have any ideas, or want to create something feel free to respond to me anytime. For now, I'll let some of Emily's words end here:
"I've never known exactly what I want to be when I grow up. I would like to go into something that involves reading and writing because that's what I love to do in everyday life....My overall goal though, whether it is accomplished through a job or something else, is to be remembered. I have always wanted to do something to insure that one day in the future teachers will tell their students that today they will be learning about Emily Lyman. I want this dream to come true because otherwise, eventually, I will be forgotten and to me that would make the things that I've done in my life a lot less meaningful."
Friday, June 28, 2013
Post Deux - Cameron Williams
Wowzers! I'm so busy today. The July 4th festivities are coming up which means deadlines have been pushed up a bit. It also means I'm pulling my hair out in frustration.
My story on the Porter Mills exhibition made the front page of the Beverly Citizen and I'm tickled pink over it. I don't think it has sunk into my mind yet, reading my name on the front page of news publication and such. It won't occur to me until a few months later when this internship is over and I'll finally think to myself, "Wait, I made the front page? Holy shit." That's just how my mind works.
My editor is now starting to have me take pictures to go along with this story, which is hilarious because I have to pretend I'm a professional photographer while snap photos with the camera on my iPod touch. One of my photos was published in last week's Citizen and it came out well, so go me. My editor will sometimes send photographers to the places I'm assigned to go and I'll spot them snooping around taking photos. It's like I have this weird camaraderie with them. I'll nod to them whenever I see them as if we're part of this secret brotherhood or something.
Contacting people for stories can be frustrating, especially when someone doesn't bother to pick up their phone or check their email for days. If everything goes smoothly, it's quite easy work. However, one missed phone call can send everything into chaos. I'm working on a story right now and I finally heard back from someone after days without a response, so now I'm on a time crunch when trying to write the story. Not fun.
The best news I've heard all week is when my editor informed me at our story meeting that I get to attend a July 4th parade called The Horribles. It's a parade in Beverly that makes fun of current news events. I'm hoping for a float dedicated to the Kanye West/Kim Kardashian pregnancy fiasco, but that's just me. Anyway, I never get to do enough on America's birthday, so this assignment is more than welcome.
My story on the Porter Mills exhibition made the front page of the Beverly Citizen and I'm tickled pink over it. I don't think it has sunk into my mind yet, reading my name on the front page of news publication and such. It won't occur to me until a few months later when this internship is over and I'll finally think to myself, "Wait, I made the front page? Holy shit." That's just how my mind works.
My editor is now starting to have me take pictures to go along with this story, which is hilarious because I have to pretend I'm a professional photographer while snap photos with the camera on my iPod touch. One of my photos was published in last week's Citizen and it came out well, so go me. My editor will sometimes send photographers to the places I'm assigned to go and I'll spot them snooping around taking photos. It's like I have this weird camaraderie with them. I'll nod to them whenever I see them as if we're part of this secret brotherhood or something.
Contacting people for stories can be frustrating, especially when someone doesn't bother to pick up their phone or check their email for days. If everything goes smoothly, it's quite easy work. However, one missed phone call can send everything into chaos. I'm working on a story right now and I finally heard back from someone after days without a response, so now I'm on a time crunch when trying to write the story. Not fun.
The best news I've heard all week is when my editor informed me at our story meeting that I get to attend a July 4th parade called The Horribles. It's a parade in Beverly that makes fun of current news events. I'm hoping for a float dedicated to the Kanye West/Kim Kardashian pregnancy fiasco, but that's just me. Anyway, I never get to do enough on America's birthday, so this assignment is more than welcome.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Kristen--Post 2
Hello everyone,
I hope you are well and finding time in your busy schedules to enjoy the summer, too.
I have been very busy lately getting more and more into the Art From The Heart program and integrating it into outside projects as well. The outside projects are really the more direct "writing-related" aspects of what I'm doing; however, every time I'm at the hospital I'm using my writing skills through communication, stories, or distractions.
Since our last posting, I've started doing some reading and writing with some of the kids. Last week, I made my first fill-in-the-blank story--it was intended for a very young age spectrum, say 3 to 7, and fit on the front side of a construction paper sheet. What I did here was move a story through a beginning, middle, and end but didn't actually regulate much of the content. About 70 percent of the story was blank, with instructions under each blank as to what kind of word/thing they should put there. (Obviously, for younger children this will be done with the help of someone else.) I'll show you an example of one sometime soon so maybe it will be a clearer picture.
Here's what's interesting about these blank stories, though: it seems like it would be really easy and almost lazy to write a story with so many empty spaces, but it's actually very difficult. I have to make sure that the story will make (somewhat) sense regardless of what anyone chooses to put in the blank based on the instruction for that particular blank and also have to make sure that following blanks will allow a story to be cohesive enough to either send a message, be funny, be impactful...anything. I have other story ideas too, but this is the one I've practiced already and have found helpful. The biggest motivator for these stories with blanks is one with a bigger meaning that I've learned in the hospital in my time there.
In the hospital, kids don't really get to make many choices. There is not a wide array of options for them to either approve or disapprove of what's going on in their lives and with their own bodies that they may or may not understand all too well depending on their age and development. So, volunteers and people like me working with them find that when you ask them a question pertaining to what they want to do...they wait for more direction or slink back, not being confident in their ability to control much. Thus, these blank stories and several other activities I do with the kids myself, allow kids to recognize their creative ability and furthermore their creative ability in a hospital setting where either they or someone they know is being hospitalized and controlled.
Here's a better example maybe: I was painting with a little girl last week and asked her what she wanted to paint and like almost all of them, she said she didn't know. So instead of offering a list of examples of what she could paint, I just got her talking about things she was interested in. Butterflies came up so I suggested she paint one if she wanted. She said yes and got the paint ready...but then hesitated again and asked me if I could draw the caterpillar part and she could draw the wings. Now, it would be incredibly easy for me to paint a "caterpillar part," but I instead put my hand over hers and had her essentially do it on her own. This way, she realized she could actually paint that portion of it and had control the whole time over the picture.
I'm realizing now that I've probably written enough and should leave you all to go on and read other posts. To wrap it up, my goals for next time are to have done more blank stories and started a new reading or writing project, to continue the consistency of being at the hospital two or three mornings a week, to remain involved in the outside writing project (I still can't tell you about it but I will be getting official permission and consent this week so I will be able to next time) and to of course, remember that at the core of all of these things I am doing with this internship is the well-being of patients and their families and how I am honored to be a part of their lives each and every time.
Everyone have a safe and fun holiday week!
-KO
I hope you are well and finding time in your busy schedules to enjoy the summer, too.
I have been very busy lately getting more and more into the Art From The Heart program and integrating it into outside projects as well. The outside projects are really the more direct "writing-related" aspects of what I'm doing; however, every time I'm at the hospital I'm using my writing skills through communication, stories, or distractions.
Since our last posting, I've started doing some reading and writing with some of the kids. Last week, I made my first fill-in-the-blank story--it was intended for a very young age spectrum, say 3 to 7, and fit on the front side of a construction paper sheet. What I did here was move a story through a beginning, middle, and end but didn't actually regulate much of the content. About 70 percent of the story was blank, with instructions under each blank as to what kind of word/thing they should put there. (Obviously, for younger children this will be done with the help of someone else.) I'll show you an example of one sometime soon so maybe it will be a clearer picture.
Here's what's interesting about these blank stories, though: it seems like it would be really easy and almost lazy to write a story with so many empty spaces, but it's actually very difficult. I have to make sure that the story will make (somewhat) sense regardless of what anyone chooses to put in the blank based on the instruction for that particular blank and also have to make sure that following blanks will allow a story to be cohesive enough to either send a message, be funny, be impactful...anything. I have other story ideas too, but this is the one I've practiced already and have found helpful. The biggest motivator for these stories with blanks is one with a bigger meaning that I've learned in the hospital in my time there.
In the hospital, kids don't really get to make many choices. There is not a wide array of options for them to either approve or disapprove of what's going on in their lives and with their own bodies that they may or may not understand all too well depending on their age and development. So, volunteers and people like me working with them find that when you ask them a question pertaining to what they want to do...they wait for more direction or slink back, not being confident in their ability to control much. Thus, these blank stories and several other activities I do with the kids myself, allow kids to recognize their creative ability and furthermore their creative ability in a hospital setting where either they or someone they know is being hospitalized and controlled.
Here's a better example maybe: I was painting with a little girl last week and asked her what she wanted to paint and like almost all of them, she said she didn't know. So instead of offering a list of examples of what she could paint, I just got her talking about things she was interested in. Butterflies came up so I suggested she paint one if she wanted. She said yes and got the paint ready...but then hesitated again and asked me if I could draw the caterpillar part and she could draw the wings. Now, it would be incredibly easy for me to paint a "caterpillar part," but I instead put my hand over hers and had her essentially do it on her own. This way, she realized she could actually paint that portion of it and had control the whole time over the picture.
I'm realizing now that I've probably written enough and should leave you all to go on and read other posts. To wrap it up, my goals for next time are to have done more blank stories and started a new reading or writing project, to continue the consistency of being at the hospital two or three mornings a week, to remain involved in the outside writing project (I still can't tell you about it but I will be getting official permission and consent this week so I will be able to next time) and to of course, remember that at the core of all of these things I am doing with this internship is the well-being of patients and their families and how I am honored to be a part of their lives each and every time.
Everyone have a safe and fun holiday week!
-KO
Post Dos
Hello there,
So this week at least was rather slow since it was the end of the July publishing cycle for us. Therefore, I did some out of the office work, which is on freelance time. Probably the biggest news I have is the cover story I asked to write up for one of our magazines. It's rare that interns do the cover stories, so I was pretty souped. Anywhoo, it is on urban agriculture and East Side community gardens.
My favorite part of the story was when I got to converse with people at Brown University on their community garden. They have some pretty awesome technology over there, so they sort of stood out. Obviously the part that was difficult was being able to get in contact with all these different places, given that it isn't a full time commitment with everyone. However, I got the story in a full week before the deadline, so I guess I did okay.
Besides that, a-okay. I am currently watching Arrested Development as I am doing this and contemplating the potential of terrific or shitty TV storytelling that is made possible by the lack of ratings pressure that comes with Netflix. Wowy-zowy.
Fin.
Sarah
So this week at least was rather slow since it was the end of the July publishing cycle for us. Therefore, I did some out of the office work, which is on freelance time. Probably the biggest news I have is the cover story I asked to write up for one of our magazines. It's rare that interns do the cover stories, so I was pretty souped. Anywhoo, it is on urban agriculture and East Side community gardens.
My favorite part of the story was when I got to converse with people at Brown University on their community garden. They have some pretty awesome technology over there, so they sort of stood out. Obviously the part that was difficult was being able to get in contact with all these different places, given that it isn't a full time commitment with everyone. However, I got the story in a full week before the deadline, so I guess I did okay.
Besides that, a-okay. I am currently watching Arrested Development as I am doing this and contemplating the potential of terrific or shitty TV storytelling that is made possible by the lack of ratings pressure that comes with Netflix. Wowy-zowy.
Fin.
Sarah
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Jillian- Second Post
Hey everyone!
So I am in the middle of some hardcore last-minute packing for Ireland, and while I was throwing things in my bag I stumbled across the latest edition of The Chronicle. In the issue I have one rather large piece about a local softball team winning a state championship, and if I had to pick something I am most proud of this summer so far, that would be it.
I live in a small town, and Fort Ann is even smaller, so for the girls to win a state title is rather awesome all on its own, but the same day a baseball team from the same school won a state title as well.
For that reason I was super intimidated at the idea of writing an article that was so important to the community. It was challenging, and I had to conduct a phone interview in the office with zero privacy. But I was able to get some really great quotes from the coach, and he encouraged me to keep in touch in the future if I needed anything, so I think I made a good impression, which is always a plus.
When it came time to actually write it, I was unsure where to start, because even though The Chronicle encourages each writer to showcase his or her individual style, they are formulaic in a lot of ways. So I went searching through the archives for a copy of a previous edition for an example or a similar piece, per the orders from my boss, and I got to work.
The editor and owner of the paper was very pleased with the final piece, and admittedly so was I. It came out well from the get-go and had really minor edits. But when the paper came out last Thursday, I was pissed, not gonna lie.
Another writer on staff tackled the boy's team while I wrote about the girl's, and while I had been restricted to a specific formula while writing, he was not. His lede was witty where mine was super blah, unimpressive. The article was more personal and less who-what-when-where-why-how in comparison to mine.
It probably bothered me more than it should, given that I'm an intern and I'm still really new to journalism overall, but still. I am a good writer, and I wish I had gotten the chance to show them.
That said, I'm still really proud of the article, and I am still enjoying my experience overall. I just want the freedom to do my own thing, and while I recognize that I was given a huge opportunity in writing the article at all, I just think there was so much more I could've done with it.
So I am in the middle of some hardcore last-minute packing for Ireland, and while I was throwing things in my bag I stumbled across the latest edition of The Chronicle. In the issue I have one rather large piece about a local softball team winning a state championship, and if I had to pick something I am most proud of this summer so far, that would be it.
I live in a small town, and Fort Ann is even smaller, so for the girls to win a state title is rather awesome all on its own, but the same day a baseball team from the same school won a state title as well.
For that reason I was super intimidated at the idea of writing an article that was so important to the community. It was challenging, and I had to conduct a phone interview in the office with zero privacy. But I was able to get some really great quotes from the coach, and he encouraged me to keep in touch in the future if I needed anything, so I think I made a good impression, which is always a plus.
When it came time to actually write it, I was unsure where to start, because even though The Chronicle encourages each writer to showcase his or her individual style, they are formulaic in a lot of ways. So I went searching through the archives for a copy of a previous edition for an example or a similar piece, per the orders from my boss, and I got to work.
The editor and owner of the paper was very pleased with the final piece, and admittedly so was I. It came out well from the get-go and had really minor edits. But when the paper came out last Thursday, I was pissed, not gonna lie.
Another writer on staff tackled the boy's team while I wrote about the girl's, and while I had been restricted to a specific formula while writing, he was not. His lede was witty where mine was super blah, unimpressive. The article was more personal and less who-what-when-where-why-how in comparison to mine.
It probably bothered me more than it should, given that I'm an intern and I'm still really new to journalism overall, but still. I am a good writer, and I wish I had gotten the chance to show them.
That said, I'm still really proud of the article, and I am still enjoying my experience overall. I just want the freedom to do my own thing, and while I recognize that I was given a huge opportunity in writing the article at all, I just think there was so much more I could've done with it.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Internship at the Beverly Citizen - Cameron Williams
Hello to all my fellow interns! I hope all of you are having an adventurous, rewarding summer!
I'm interning at the Beverly Citizen where I'm writing 2-3 feature stories per week about various events occurring in the city of Beverly, Massachusetts. Even though Beverly is only a twenty minute drive from my hometown, I'm admittedly more unfamiliar with the city than you might think. All I ever knew about Beverly before this internship was that driving in the downtown area is always a huge pain in the ass (which is a proven fact). But that's what I love about this internship. It encourages me to explore unfamiliar territory, meet interesting people, and explore new areas in the Bay State I never knew existed. And the best part? On top of everything, I get to do what I love—to write.
It's difficult to pinpoint the exact reason why I wanted an internship this summer. There were just so many elements factoring into my decision. First of all, I grew desperate to not have to experience yet again the typical summertime doldrums of a college student, which mostly includes slaving at a soulless part-time job and then spending the remainder of the summer sleeping/watching movies on Netflix (although those two things are quite enjoyable). I wanted something new and I realized if I didn't attempt to get an internship, I'd spend the summer as a miserable couch potato, wondering why my friends are doing cool career-related things as I waste my life and refuse to do a thing about it. Also influencing my decision to get an internship was my semester abroad in Dublin, Ireland. I was forced to encounter all my little fears and anxieties about living in a foreign country over the course of five months and when it ended, I said to myself, "Well, if I can conquer all of that in five months, what else can I tackle in my life?" I fear less things now than ever before, and the thought of getting an internship didn't make me shake in my boots as much as, say, when I first arrived in Dublin.
The Beverly Citizen was actually the first place I applied to, so I'm somewhat lucky in that regard. My editor, Natalie Miller, is young and energetic. I wasn't expecting someone so young to be the editor of a news publication. I don't spend much actual time in the Beverly Citizen offices. When I say I'm out in the field, I am literally out in the field, driving around Beverly and speaking to people. I do have to go into the offices every Wednesday at 3 for story meetings. Wednesday is also deadline day, and it's important I'm more alert and attentive than usual.
I'd tell you about the stories I've been working over the past few weeks in lengthy paragraphs, but I'd rather not bore you with all of that and thought it would be better I told you through bullet points because I have a perverted obsession with bullet points.
* Jason Maxwell Honored at the One Hundred: Jason Maxwell is a Beverly business owner who, after years of watching his family and friends suffer from cancer, launched the nonprofit fundraising venture Fed Up With Cancer. Fed Up With Cancer has raised over $10,000 in cancer research and awareness over the past three years. Maxwell was honored Massachusetts General Hospital's One Hundred event, which honors 100 people each year for their efforts in the fight against cancer. It's really inspiring stuff. I got to speak with Maxwell personally, who was honored to have his story told.
* Beverly Farmer's Market: Okay, this was fun. I got to attend the Beverly Farmer's Market on its opening day and speak with a few of the vendors. The most interesting vendor I spoke with was an herbalist who sells herbs that improve well being. The herbalist said her favorite herb was schizandra, an adaptogen that relieves stress. Man, I need that stuff.
* Casa de Moda Unveils Mural: Casa de Moda is an alternative gift store known for selling cards, art supplies, and accessories. They unveiled a new mural on the side of their store called "Calle Casa" painted by Phillip Coleman, a local artist. The mural is inspired by the street art of various European cities, which made me happy to hear because it reminded me of the mural I saw on my trip to Belfast. The real highlight of this story was me getting lost on my way to the store and violating traffic laws.
*Porter Mill Art Exhibition: Porter Mill is an art gallery housing four floors of studios featuring fifty artists around the North Shore and Greater Boston area. They hold an exhibition every summer. I got to speak with several of Porter Mill's artists and gaze at their beautiful artwork. One artist is a fashion photographer who took photos of models wearing plastic animal masks in abandoned cottages in Rhode Island. It's weird but, hey, I like weird.
Now, here's a tiny list of things I'm not enjoying right now . . .
* Bouncing between my Comcast and Champlain email has been rough so far. I've mainly worked on my Comcast email yet that means I miss important messages in Champlain email. I need to get better at managing that. But, right now, it's frustrating.
*Bouncing between my internship and part time job at a grocery store has also been rough. It's an interesting dilemma— do I spend more time doing something career-oriented I enjoy and don't get paid or do I spend more time doing something I don't enjoy yet get paid? Hmmmm . . .
*Also, driving through downtown Beverly is a pain in the ass. Did we already establish that?
I'm interning at the Beverly Citizen where I'm writing 2-3 feature stories per week about various events occurring in the city of Beverly, Massachusetts. Even though Beverly is only a twenty minute drive from my hometown, I'm admittedly more unfamiliar with the city than you might think. All I ever knew about Beverly before this internship was that driving in the downtown area is always a huge pain in the ass (which is a proven fact). But that's what I love about this internship. It encourages me to explore unfamiliar territory, meet interesting people, and explore new areas in the Bay State I never knew existed. And the best part? On top of everything, I get to do what I love—to write.
It's difficult to pinpoint the exact reason why I wanted an internship this summer. There were just so many elements factoring into my decision. First of all, I grew desperate to not have to experience yet again the typical summertime doldrums of a college student, which mostly includes slaving at a soulless part-time job and then spending the remainder of the summer sleeping/watching movies on Netflix (although those two things are quite enjoyable). I wanted something new and I realized if I didn't attempt to get an internship, I'd spend the summer as a miserable couch potato, wondering why my friends are doing cool career-related things as I waste my life and refuse to do a thing about it. Also influencing my decision to get an internship was my semester abroad in Dublin, Ireland. I was forced to encounter all my little fears and anxieties about living in a foreign country over the course of five months and when it ended, I said to myself, "Well, if I can conquer all of that in five months, what else can I tackle in my life?" I fear less things now than ever before, and the thought of getting an internship didn't make me shake in my boots as much as, say, when I first arrived in Dublin.
The Beverly Citizen was actually the first place I applied to, so I'm somewhat lucky in that regard. My editor, Natalie Miller, is young and energetic. I wasn't expecting someone so young to be the editor of a news publication. I don't spend much actual time in the Beverly Citizen offices. When I say I'm out in the field, I am literally out in the field, driving around Beverly and speaking to people. I do have to go into the offices every Wednesday at 3 for story meetings. Wednesday is also deadline day, and it's important I'm more alert and attentive than usual.
I'd tell you about the stories I've been working over the past few weeks in lengthy paragraphs, but I'd rather not bore you with all of that and thought it would be better I told you through bullet points because I have a perverted obsession with bullet points.
* Jason Maxwell Honored at the One Hundred: Jason Maxwell is a Beverly business owner who, after years of watching his family and friends suffer from cancer, launched the nonprofit fundraising venture Fed Up With Cancer. Fed Up With Cancer has raised over $10,000 in cancer research and awareness over the past three years. Maxwell was honored Massachusetts General Hospital's One Hundred event, which honors 100 people each year for their efforts in the fight against cancer. It's really inspiring stuff. I got to speak with Maxwell personally, who was honored to have his story told.
* Beverly Farmer's Market: Okay, this was fun. I got to attend the Beverly Farmer's Market on its opening day and speak with a few of the vendors. The most interesting vendor I spoke with was an herbalist who sells herbs that improve well being. The herbalist said her favorite herb was schizandra, an adaptogen that relieves stress. Man, I need that stuff.
* Casa de Moda Unveils Mural: Casa de Moda is an alternative gift store known for selling cards, art supplies, and accessories. They unveiled a new mural on the side of their store called "Calle Casa" painted by Phillip Coleman, a local artist. The mural is inspired by the street art of various European cities, which made me happy to hear because it reminded me of the mural I saw on my trip to Belfast. The real highlight of this story was me getting lost on my way to the store and violating traffic laws.
*Porter Mill Art Exhibition: Porter Mill is an art gallery housing four floors of studios featuring fifty artists around the North Shore and Greater Boston area. They hold an exhibition every summer. I got to speak with several of Porter Mill's artists and gaze at their beautiful artwork. One artist is a fashion photographer who took photos of models wearing plastic animal masks in abandoned cottages in Rhode Island. It's weird but, hey, I like weird.
Now, here's a tiny list of things I'm not enjoying right now . . .
* Bouncing between my Comcast and Champlain email has been rough so far. I've mainly worked on my Comcast email yet that means I miss important messages in Champlain email. I need to get better at managing that. But, right now, it's frustrating.
*Bouncing between my internship and part time job at a grocery store has also been rough. It's an interesting dilemma— do I spend more time doing something career-oriented I enjoy and don't get paid or do I spend more time doing something I don't enjoy yet get paid? Hmmmm . . .
*Also, driving through downtown Beverly is a pain in the ass. Did we already establish that?
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Dobar dan! (Kathryn's first post)
Greetings from Bosnia and Herzegovina!
It's gonna be interesting meeting that noon posting deadline, 'cause I'm six hours ahead of all of you, but we'll see how that goes. Also, sorry I'm late on this post-- in addition to forgetting what my gmail account was, when I did manage to log in, everything defaulted to Serbian. Joys of living abroad.
I am currently an intern at Internews in Sarajevo, the capital city of BiH. They're a really cool international organization that specialize in working with post-conflict societies and societies in transition (think Orange Revolution) in establishing and supporting independent, local media.
So far, most of my work has been editing reports. Since our mission is to support LOCAL media, most of the people who work here speak English as a second language, so it's my job to re-read the work they write and make it sound more fluent and native. I've also sat in for a couple meetings for this project called Innovation Lab. I don't know much about it yet, other than they want me heavily involved. It'll be happening sometime around the end of July, so I anticipate my workload increasing over the next month.
I'm also taking four classes through American University at BiH, so I work here 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week, and then take classes in the evenings. It's a pretty packed schedule, but I really feel like I'm making the most of my time here.
Cao for now!
Kathryn
It's gonna be interesting meeting that noon posting deadline, 'cause I'm six hours ahead of all of you, but we'll see how that goes. Also, sorry I'm late on this post-- in addition to forgetting what my gmail account was, when I did manage to log in, everything defaulted to Serbian. Joys of living abroad.
I am currently an intern at Internews in Sarajevo, the capital city of BiH. They're a really cool international organization that specialize in working with post-conflict societies and societies in transition (think Orange Revolution) in establishing and supporting independent, local media.
So far, most of my work has been editing reports. Since our mission is to support LOCAL media, most of the people who work here speak English as a second language, so it's my job to re-read the work they write and make it sound more fluent and native. I've also sat in for a couple meetings for this project called Innovation Lab. I don't know much about it yet, other than they want me heavily involved. It'll be happening sometime around the end of July, so I anticipate my workload increasing over the next month.
I'm also taking four classes through American University at BiH, so I work here 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week, and then take classes in the evenings. It's a pretty packed schedule, but I really feel like I'm making the most of my time here.
Cao for now!
Kathryn
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Jillian- First Post
My internship is with The Chronicle, a small weekly newspaper in upstate NY. I started at the very end of May, and they sent me to a local theme park to attend the official opening a new ride. It was super exciting to be given that sort of opportunity at the very beginning of my time at the paper--literally it was the first things I did--but also be the only writer to cover the launch.
Since then I have been doing quite a few different things, from writing briefs to writing articles. I have three written at this point and all three are relatively substantial subjects in that they are big events or issues in our area, so I am definitely learning a lot.
I have also been assisting in various office tasks, like filing and putting together press kits and handing out the paper in the community. Small papers like this really interest me because everyone is expected to contribute to the mundane parts of a company, like the filing and the press kits, and there's a sense of equality that isn't really present in bigger papers.
That said, before the first day was over I could see that everyone had a ton of experience and knowledge I could benefit from, and I'm enjoying the learning process. Cathy, my supervisor, has been a huge help with edits and any other questions I may have.
Everyone is really accommodating with my schedule, because I have plans to travel to Ireland for two weeks at the end of June, and I have another job that consumes my nights and weekends. I got really lucky in that I can fit my fifteen hours in during the morning, three hours per day during the week, and they always have something new for me to try and do when I come in the next day.
Since then I have been doing quite a few different things, from writing briefs to writing articles. I have three written at this point and all three are relatively substantial subjects in that they are big events or issues in our area, so I am definitely learning a lot.
I have also been assisting in various office tasks, like filing and putting together press kits and handing out the paper in the community. Small papers like this really interest me because everyone is expected to contribute to the mundane parts of a company, like the filing and the press kits, and there's a sense of equality that isn't really present in bigger papers.
That said, before the first day was over I could see that everyone had a ton of experience and knowledge I could benefit from, and I'm enjoying the learning process. Cathy, my supervisor, has been a huge help with edits and any other questions I may have.
Everyone is really accommodating with my schedule, because I have plans to travel to Ireland for two weeks at the end of June, and I have another job that consumes my nights and weekends. I got really lucky in that I can fit my fifteen hours in during the morning, three hours per day during the week, and they always have something new for me to try and do when I come in the next day.
Christina- Post 1
So my internship is with True Tone Studios, in Richmond, VT. It is a relatively new company that helps small businesses promote themselves through video, audio, etc. I am helping with their new project, MyTrueBrand. It hasn't officially launched yet, but when it does it will help individual people promote themselves by using video and audio clips instead of, or in addition to, traditional resumes.
I am going to be writing articles for the website, which will be used as resources for the clients. I will also be editing and re-writing pieces written by the clients, which will then be used in audio or video clips.
I started at the beginning of June, and I have written two articles so far. Generally, Brian (my supervisor) will find an article about something that is relevant to the company, and send it to me. I read it and find similar articles, then write my own based on the information I find. Brian reads my articles and then we meet via Skype on Thursdays to discuss them. Then I do some revision and send them back.
As of now, everyone at TTS works from home. This works really well for me because I'm in London for another three weeks. I get to make my own schedule, which is awesome, since I have another internship here and a job at school. I've been working for TTS about ten hours a week so far, but it's probably going to be more like fifteen hours a week when I get back to Vermont. I usually spread the work out over three or four days.
I am going to be writing articles for the website, which will be used as resources for the clients. I will also be editing and re-writing pieces written by the clients, which will then be used in audio or video clips.
I started at the beginning of June, and I have written two articles so far. Generally, Brian (my supervisor) will find an article about something that is relevant to the company, and send it to me. I read it and find similar articles, then write my own based on the information I find. Brian reads my articles and then we meet via Skype on Thursdays to discuss them. Then I do some revision and send them back.
As of now, everyone at TTS works from home. This works really well for me because I'm in London for another three weeks. I get to make my own schedule, which is awesome, since I have another internship here and a job at school. I've been working for TTS about ten hours a week so far, but it's probably going to be more like fifteen hours a week when I get back to Vermont. I usually spread the work out over three or four days.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Sarah - Post-1-tada
I will follow Kristen.
Hiya, let’s just jump right in.
This summer I am
interning at Providence Media as an editorial intern. They are essentially the
publishing house of a variety of magazines in the state of RI (where I’m from),
which include Providence Monthly, East
Side Monthly, The Bay, SORhodeIsland, and SoBlockIsland. I work under the Executive Editor, Julie Tremaine,
and the Associate Editor, Grace Lentini. They are hella good bosses, and my
work relationship with them is laidback, casually cool and informative. There
isn’t any of that tight-ass professionalism, more of a mutual respect for their
experience and insight. They are both relatively young, quirky and insert the
occasional, humorous, well-timed swearing smack down at the frustrations and
pressures that come with the publishing business. Best boss scenario.
I’ve
actually been working at Providence Media since May 6th; and I work
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10-4pm. The times are super accommodating
due to the hell ride that is Providence traffic (Despite the name, the office
is in Pawtucket, which is past Providence). There were fewer interns when I
originally began because we get out so early, but now there is a healthy gang
of us. Having worked so many summers alongside people 20-30 years my age, some
other people in my own psychotic age group is nice. Favorite people so far are
Courtney and Jacks, two other editorial interns who are widely entertaining.
Lunch time consists of reading missed connections on craigslist for kicks, or
picking something up from the vegan ice cream truck that randomly parks itself
outside the building.
So what do
I do there? Lots! I copy edit, edit and fact-check pages, from start to finish
for the different magazines; I write blurbs for our dining guides on various
restaurants in the area; I do photo requests and credits from small local
business to production companies; I pick up taste test for us(get reimbursed);
I conduct interviews and write articles, blurbs and front matter stuff as well.
Once in a blue moon I do basic clerical stuff like answer phones and weigh the
mail. The writing style varies with each magazine. East Side Monthly is more casual, while Providence Monthly is more professional. I guess you can kind of
think about each magazine in terms of Seven
Days-ish-ness, but monthly. The office is funky and colorful; the people
are creative and quirky. The only complaint I can think of is the meetings they
have in the mornings that drag on sometimes. But honestly, it just lets me
focus on doing this side of the internship and the logs.
Honestly,
the fact that I’m enjoying this internship so much sort of reinforces the focus
I think I’m drifting towards with my writing. It’s such an outgoing side of
writing, and as stressful as it may seem at times, it makes the day
entertaining.
One of my
favorite things we do at my work is the monthly taste tests. We pick a foodie
theme for each month to write about in The
Bay, Providence Monthly, and SORhodeIsland.
We call four businesses and ask them if they would like to donate food for
about ten people for us to write about. We schedule pickups throughout the
month, and we write notes on what we like about the things we try. I’m sorry,
but what’s better than having some of the best food in the state for free?
BOOM, NOTHING! Last month we did smoothies, but I wrote this month’s on clam
cakes and clam chowder; delicious! For SORhodeIsland
we are doing crab cakes this month, I think.
Given the
freedom of the publications, there is no real politics involved in what we do
and do not write. From gay marriage to environmental cleanup to food – it varies!
I look forward to going to work,
what’s better than that?
Friday, June 14, 2013
Kristen Post 1
I guess I'll go first.
Hello all—I hope you are well and enjoying your summers so
far.
I am interning with Rebecca Schwarz, the coordinator of a
program at the Fletcher Allen Hospital called Art From The Heart, an incentive
to engage pediatric hospital patients and their families through any kind of
art or creative communication. The program is extremely flexible to each
volunteer, so it is easy and natural to change the activities of the program to
fit our individual interests and strengths. This being said, while AFTH is
primarily art projects like painting, drawing, and so on, I am going to be
implementing reading and writing once I get going.
There will be obvious gaps in my ability to write about this
experience or provide specific examples because of patient confidentiality
rules and obligations, but I promise that it will not hinder communication too
much.
Last week was my first integration into the program and it
was a whole lot of information and policies and sanitation guidelines to take
in all at once. Most challenging of all, being the should-be-simple act of
navigating the hospital. Let me just tell you that most hospitals make
sense—once you figure out one floor and how it functions you can usually take
that understanding and incorporate it to every floor. Not here. Every floor is
different because there are technically three separate hospitals and buildings
happening that are connected by a series of tunnels and talking elevators with
different names. Luckily, so far I have been partnered with people who know
where they are going so one instance where I walked confidentially in the wrong
direction and right towards the morgue—I could be stopped.
Anyway, training went well—Rebecca took myself and the
second intern, a psychology-art major from Connecticut through all the steps
and we learned the behind the scenes functions of the Art Cart, proper hand
washing, and our service to every single person we meet in the hospital
environment. We were also lucky enough to be able to squeeze our Contact
Precaution training in, too. This means that we will be allowed in hospital
rooms that require us to wear PPE for our own health safety and that of the
patients.
After training last week I went on two Shadow Shifts, meaning I tag
along with the scheduled AFTH volunteers and jump right into the program but
have their seniority to fall back on. I've done three shifts this week--they are for about 3 1/2 or 4 hours in the morning. The first part of the morning is always
spent on the inpatient ward, where children stay overnight (or many nights) and
can either occur in the playroom or their individual rooms if they are not well
or interested enough to go to the playroom. We are given a list of children’s
first names, rooms, and any precautions that we have to take specific to each
room. We are not allowed access to specifics such as why they are in the
hospital or anything like that—that way, when we walk into a room, it doesn’t
matter what’s “wrong” with the children, we’re just there to play.
This is probably the most awkward part of the day because we
walk around and knock on each door and ask the patient or their parents if
they’d like to come to the playroom or if we can come inside to do any kind of
art activity they want. I’m learning that in some situations it’s very easy and
comfortable to ask and that in others I’m an unwelcome interruption. Two other
big lessons so far are that 1) most pre-teens and teens are still very much
asleep at 9 AM and 2) my biggest competition is, and will probably remain to
be, iPhone products.
The second part of the morning happens in the Children’s
Specialty Center, where patients go for appointments that they don’t have to be
hospitalized for but where they still welcome distractions. Our first priority
there is the infusion room—that’s where things like chemotherapy happen.
Outside of that, we occupy the waiting room and grab any child’s attention we
can.
If there aren’t any patients who are up for art-making in
either place, there is time to organize the Art Cart or make Art Kits—little
paper bags filled with a pre-determined project for children or whomever wants
to create an art project on their own.
You select a few craft supplies that might somehow go together and write
a tag-line on the bag that someone can follow. I made one Tuesday morning where
I made an astronaut out of construction paper and pipe cleaners and put some
more paper and fun things in the bag with the tag-line “Create a Super
Spaceship for the Astronaut.” I’m thinking that these kits might be a good
opportunity for stories. For example, if I write a small story appropriate for
content and age of the ward and then ask them to draw a picture of the
characters or something like that. I’m also going to create some interactive
stories…like stories where there are blank parts and instructions of what kind
of noun to put in the blank so the children are actually creating their own
stories. This is one of my goals to have going by the next time we post.
Other than that, I’d like to get to know the program a
little better and how I can change or help it where necessary. There are some
extra writing opportunities on the side that I’ll be able to be involved with
too, such as a separate blog for AFTH, writing for a coloring book, and
potentially a very special project involving poetry that I can’t tell you about
yet. Of course I’d like to also get better at going place to place and avoiding
getting hopelessly lost. I need to be more wary of Insta-Foam, too—when exiting
a patient’s room Monday I got sprayed in the face whilst trying to sanitize my
hands. Most importantly though, I’m excited to continue to have the opportunity
to connect with the kids and take a little of the burden and emotional impact
off the parents for even the smallest moments.
Here’s a few short stories I can share that will tell you a
bit about what I’m up to:
On Tuesday my partner and I were laughing with a boy who accidentally threw the paper airplane we had just made over a railing
and down onto a lower floor.
Another time I played with a sibling of a patient so the
parent could relax a little. This one was
too young to do art or anything, so we just made a tower out of blocks and
knocked it over.
At the Specialty Center I had been working with a girl for a
while and she decided to ask if I would help her make a Father’s Day card. We
did—complete with two poems and cut-outs of things her father likes and a
special message.
What happens in these moments is that I can feel the
hospital disappear. It disappears for all of us, and for a few minutes, it
doesn’t matter that the hospital has brought us together or that we have to
play around IV poles and cords or that anybody’s sick at all. No one is
thinking about what we are doing there—we’re just playing. If that had to be my
only accomplishment for a whole month, I’d take it.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
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