Challenges

In the last few weeks, I have had the opportunity to view life from a different seat than I'm used to. A broken ankle severely limits your mobility, but it does so much more.

The simplest things have become a challenge, such as getting through a door or narrow places. Cooking is impossible (try standing on one foot for 15 minutes) and driving my manual transmission car is forbidden.

I'm thankful that my disability is temporary, but it has raised my awareness to those who have struggles that last a lifetime. We all have things to overcome in our lives; some are temporary and some are permanent. Hopefully through those hard times, we learn lessons or change our perspective and have a greater appreciation for others who have to overcome obstacles in life.

One of the things that Senator Edward Kennedy will be remembered for is his advocacy for those who don't have a voice. Those who are starving, poor, in need of medical help, the homeless, children and the civil rights movement. He put a focused light on these things so everyone else can see them.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112268401&sc=gaw&gclid=CN_kgZfOy5wCFURR2godFDT4Iw

One of the wonderful aspects of being a journalist is that we can show others a perspective that others may not see. We can shine a light on a problem or a concern and teach others that sometimes we DO have influence and compassion for those who obstacles to overcome.

I want you to start thinking about doing a story on someone who has overcome obstacles or someone who has shown great strength in dealing with challenges in life. Someone who is strong in their conviction that despite the fact that they may not have what others have or have to work harder than others that they are an incredible inspiration to us all. Do you know someone like that? Can you think of a story like that?

I'm not talking about someone who has just broken an ankle and has to be in a boot for 8 weeks. I'm talking about things that really bring out the strength in themselves and others. The Crazy Story is a good example. Consider this story of an autistic young man who became his high school's basketball hero.

Comment on this blog what story you have in mind. Surely you know someone who has had to overcome a challenge in life with a strength in them that would make most of us buckle. I'd like to see what kind of journalist you are. Go out there and find a great story and then tell others. Change people's perspective.

Welcome to a new school year!

Welcome To Eagle TV!

Eagle TV is the award-winning broadcasting program here at South Cobb High School and we're really excited to start a new year full of new adventures and REACHING FOR THE STARS!

I hope that you stay tuned to the blog and check out what projects we're working on and news from our studio.

Students in this program learn how to write, interview, shoot video, edit, produce and broadcast all genres of programs, primarily news. Teamwork is essential as well as a strong work ethic. Deadlines are non-negotiable, so students must keep themselves on track and keep producing amazing work. Because of our dedication to our program and our pursuit of excellence, we have garnered three National Student Award of Excellence Awards and two Honorable Mentions from the Southeastern National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (the same people who award the Emmy awards) and three Student Television Network Awards.

We produce numerous community projects through the year in addition to our regular curriculum and students have opportunities to work in the field with professionals every once in a while.

For the past 5 years, a select group of Eagle TV students have attended the national Student Television Network Convention in early spring where they network with news professionals, their peers, take part in rigorous competitions and participate in numerous break out sessions.

The students' experiences build on each other year after year and there is certainly a sense of purpose, ownership and pride in being part of Eagle TV. Let's make this the best year yet!