For my media participation project, I contributed to a number of publications on the Maryland campus. The first publication that I approached was Unwind Magazine, a fashion & style magazine. They only publish once a month and their meetings are open to any writer that is interested. I attended the first meeting of the year back in September and wrote a Fall Playlist, where I gathered 5 songs and wrote a short description on each one. I wrote for Unwind later in October, where I reported on the line of holiday products for the business LUSH. I visited nearby shopping centers and interviewed the workers and managers on the products, even asking them for a demonstration in order to tell the readers how each one was used and the effects it had on the skin.
The variety of articles that I wrote prepared me for any type of situation--whether it was writing about the music industry to covering beauty products. However, the most influential experience that I've had in UMD has been reporting for the Writer's Bloc, a digital publication which covers a wide spectrum of topics.
I joined the Bloc in late November. My first assignment was reviewing Congo dancer and storyteller Faustin Linyekula's performance at the Clarice. It definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone, as I had never seen an act quite like his. Afterwards, I became one of the reporters in charge of covering the Ferguson protests on campus. Becoming a participant as well as a journalist during these events revealed my abilities and focus, highlighting my determination. It also showed me that in order to become a journalist you have to get both sides of the story, no matter if you are uncomfortable with the situation.
I have learned immensely through these two mediums and others. I will continue participating in them and broaden my horizons as a journalist.
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