Our "Parents" at SJP

By Shemaiah Clarke (Philadelphia, PA) It’s amazing what one can accomplish and execute with such little sleep and in so little time! All it takes is a desire to make it to the other side.

This has been my assertion since I first arrived on the Princeton campus, eager to learn, eager to write, and eager to have my life changed forever. Everyone has been such a huge inspiration and has encouraged me to not only pursue my aspirations and desires in life but to offer assistance to me in doing so.

Never have I experienced such loving and genuinely compassionate people who have literally put my needs before theirs and for this I am appreciative. 

What I love most about the program is that even after this program is finished the communication and assistance from the counselors still remains and that just goes to show the level of commitment and dedication these counselors have to us as students in the SJP.

Role Models at SJP

By Lesley Le Platte (Atlanta, GA) 

The counselors of SJP are some of the most amazing people I have ever met. They are creative, intelligent, funny, caring, and patient. Most of the counselors are alumni of this program. Most of the SJP alums are currently in college. Our counselors are an interesting cast of characters that make this experience both fun and memorable.

The counselors are a group of people that you can talk to about various subjects and topics. We have had conversations ranging from the domestication of animals to where to find the best ice cream in the town of Princeton, NJ. The topics we talk about can vary, but the main component of all of our conversation is respect. When you talk to a counselor, they never make you feel stupid or inferior. They respect my beliefs and listen to my arguments. We have debates that get pretty heated, but in the end, it is all in good fun.

The counselors at SJP are all very driven. They attend schools such as Wesleyan, Johns Hopkins, Princeton, and Harvard, as well as other prestigious institutions. The counselors that have graduated from college have great jobs. Some work in the field of journalism, but some do not. All in all, our counselors are awesome people and role models.

Coming From a Public School

By Allyson Chavez (New York, NY)

Coming from a public school in Harlem, one tends to forget what an articulate argument sounds like. SJP is a confluence of different perspectives and beliefs. “We don’t have to tolerate each other but we do have to respect each other,” said Richard Just, one of the four founders of SJP. During our class discussion no one is scared to disagree with anyone else or to defend a controversial argument; at SJP every perspective is accepted. During my high school career I have been deprived of discussions and real-world arguments. During English class, I was always scared to discuss my perspective on topics because after I spoke, no one else would want to follow. SJP is filled with brilliant counselors who beseech us to lose ourselves within our arguments. Before SJP  I did not have anyone to engage in arguments with. SJP has actually made me even hungrier for educated arguments and articulate discussions. I feel like I have found a place where my insight is not only accepted but also cherished.

Finally Getting Back in the Game

By Erick Arzate (Chicago, IL)

My junior year in high school I joined my school’s newspaper, The Cougar Print. The students who get to write for the Cougar Print are those who take journalism as a class. I did not even choose to be put in the class; I was just sort of thrown in there. For me, being put in the journalism class was one of those things that you feel happen for a reason. I’m really glad my school exposed to journalism because I don’t think I would have pursued journalism if it weren't for the class. For the rest of the year I embraced writing for my school’s paper as much as I could but then the seniors, the majority of the journalism class, graduated so there was no June issue published.

By the time I arrived at SJP, it been several months since I had written an article.  The second day at SJP I finally got to dive back into journalism; I wrote an article about Alex Rodriguez, one of the most famous MLB players, and how he could be playing his last game in his career due to a suspension. I loved the adrenaline I got from writing a news article while being in a room filled with journalists. I don’t even follow sports all that much but I was just such a great feeling. What made it feel even better was that I went to the actual game and got to interact with the A-Rod fan and the A-rod haters was just an awesome experience. Not only did I got to dive back into journalism after several months but I dove deeper than I ever did writing for the Cougar Print.

SJP provides this amazing atmosphere that gives me a rush like no other. Everyone here can make you laugh and love journalism as much as I do. I have only been here for four days but it’s already a very memorable experience. This is kind of a cliché, but I will never forget being here. 

Was Ugly Betty's Magazine Real?

By Kina Carney (Philadelphia, PA)

While I sat in a comfortable chair in a conference room at New York Magazine, I was impressed by the phenomenal speakers. When I walked through the white rotating doors, I  immediately thought of the show Ugly Betty! I would imagine that anyone who watches Ugly Betty expected a Daniel, Wilhelmina, Ebony, or even a Betty in this place. Everything here just seemed fun and very relaxing. The scenery description of a meeting at the magazine also reminded of events in the show. This may sound really silly, but this similarity made me very excited and the vibe of this place was amazing!

Unforgettable Experience

By Jhazalyn Prince (New York, NY) 

When you want something really bad, you tend to want it so much that it feels feasible. You can see it, taste it, and even touch it without actually having fully obtained it. This is how I felt during the application process to get into the Princeton Summer Journalism Program. It was something that I was convinced I would attain. I guess that’s why for a lot of the time I was calm. There was both serenity and tension in writing the major article of the application form: a subtle nibble at the fingernails, a frenzy of preoccupation, the vibrating flutter of a heartbeat. 

Then came the interviews at a towering building in the crowded streets of Manhattan. Having to tilt my head back and shield my eyes with the palm of my hand in an attempt to see the rooftop through the blinding stream of light, an elevator humming up what seemed to be an endless number of floors ticking away slowly. Faces that welcomed with a wide smile and questions that caused me to think beyond common knowledge. It was quick and of course there was that doubt that I hadn’t had quite enough to say or I had said a little too much.But now I am here, surrounded by a welcoming community of peers and mentors who have already brought me a long way. Days full of intense activities that challenge my mind. An experience that many others would have loved but unfortunately will not be able to have. I made it.

I'm So Excited!

By Imani Ford (Chicago, IL)

                      

I do not think I have ever been so excited! To be around people like me is a great experience. However, I notice how we are simultaneously alike and different. It's even better that we also share a common love, we all have our own unique and fresh ideas.  When I get a chance to actually stop and think about how life changing this is—which, by the way, is usually at twelve o’ clock at night—I cannot really grasp how lucky we all are. Every experience I have had so far has been an adventure. Whether I am taking part in or listening to fascinating debates between my fellow Summer Princetonians, or helping in the attempt to pry a seemingly locked door open so that we do not leave Xavier in the stacks of Firestone, or laughingly arguing about Harry Potter and Twilight with Asmaa and Lauren, I am soaking it all in.

I also got to know Richard better while discussing Chicago politics, which can be both depressing and fascinating. But I think we all agree most things are intriguing when you are discussing with Richard. Then later talking to Adrian and Lorena about music and politics was illuminating and fun. I feel immersed in intellectual conversation that I realize I have been craving like a breath of fresh air and this program is satisfying that appetite. I know that I am among real intellectuals and this will be a reminder for me when choosing a college and future friends. There is an almost perfect balance between us and I hope to continue to find that in teacher, friends, and mentors for the rest of my life. I find myself excited for the next day, but dreading the end. I think that that is when one knows the true value and greatness of something—like when you are reading a good book, or watching an engaging film, or having a random debate. The best part is that I know that I will always share this experience with the rest of you. Journalism always excites me, but with you guys Journalism and everything else is even more exciting. I cannot wait for all of us to feel that feeling—that “IT!” that Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty went searching for—when we see the 2013 Princeton Summer Journal and we know that anything can happen. I’m so excited!

The Very Beginning

Bianca Uribe (New York, NY)

I know that I am in a great program when I am asked to debate about Edward Snowden and National Security while waiting in a line to get avocado ice cream. The Summer Journalism Program is currently in its 5th day. It feels as if it’s the 5th week. The amount of things that I have been learning in single day has been incomparable to anything I have ever done before. Whether it is watching a movie or debating everything has provoked my deepest thoughts. One of the greatest things about this program is the incredible speakers that come to challenge and intoxicate us with their passion. Personally Griff Witte of the Washington Post was one of the most memorable; He spoke of his work as a foreign correspondent and his words opened my eyes to the infinite places that journalism can take you. He taught me about the sacrifices that a journalist makes in order to give the people a voice. But above all the greatest part about being here these past couple of days is not only sharing this experience with passionate young people but also spending time with the incredibly helpful and enriching counselors.

Slip of the Hand

By Lorena Alvarez (Tustin, CA)

Splitting into news groups is actually one of the many events I look forward to each day. It allows us to have more one on one time with counselors, advisers, and other participants. The conversations you have with your news group are probably the most informative, intellectual, and sincere conversations you will ever have. 

Today was no exception. We went on a mini field trip and visited the Lewis Library Building, designed by Frank Gehry. I had been aware of his work prior to learning that he had actually designed the Lewis Library Building, and finding out a little more about architecture only further convinced me to pursue more knowledge about it. 

Soon after that library, Richard played a major role in our next adventure at Princeton's Firestone Library. The thing about Firestone Library is that it is the largest open-stack library in the entire world, which only made us want to see it more. Richard simply stepped inside the library and told us to wait. Fortunately, he was able to convince those at the front desk to allow us to enter. 

As we explored the underground levels of the enormous library, we found locker-like carrels that students use to work on their senior theses. I thought they looked very claustrophobic!

 One of the students stepped in and slid the door over the entry, and then I shut it compeltely. It didn't cross my mind that it might not open from the inside! At this point we bursted out in laughter since we clearly did not understand the gravity of the situation. Xavier then informed us that he was unable to open from the inside, which made Richard flip out. I could feel my cheeks flush red in embarrassment and in guilt. Luckily, Xavier was able to open the carrel and we laughed it off.

It's usually the little things and events like this that make my day. It will be the event that ties us in on a personal level, which is incredible considering that it is only the fourth day of the program. I am looking forward to many moments like this in the program, because in the end, these are the moments you will recall after the program ends. 

An Amazing Journey

By Mofida Abdelmageed (New York, NY)

The program so far has simply been amazing! The friendships that I gained are astonishing. I learned so much from both the counselors and fellow classmates. I enjoyed every aspect of the program. Although the program lacks hours for sleep, it makes me stronger and exposes me to college life. My favorite part of the day is group discussions because I learn to view situations with different perspectives. The first group discussion was about objectivity in journalism. I realized that 100% objectivity is impossible to gain in journalism because there will always be a bias. My writing skills improved because I learned how to condense my writing. My new friends make every moment enjoyable and memorable. I improved my debating skills and I became more reflective. I did new things such as interviewing baseball fans. Interviewing strangers was a new experience for me, but I loved it. Through this program I keep discovering and exploring new things about journalism and everyone in the program. This program has been a great opportunity.

The Open Mind

By Ashley Jones-Quaidoo (Hyattsville, MD) 

“I still can’t believe I am going to Princeton! This is amazing,” I said to myself as I sat in the “Quiet Car” on the Amtrak train. When I first walked onto the campus, I couldn't help but notice the beautiful and pristine European architecture. It was going to be a new and amazing experience for me. I knew I would meet other students from around the country who had the same interests as me.

Since the age of nine, I knew I wanted to pursue my career as a broadcast journalist. I am eager to learn. One of the reasons I want to pursue journalism as a career is because it allows me to help other people in the world by informing them. Revealing a story can help save someone’s life, help them make better choices, and become well-informed about the world around them.

At the Princeton Summer Journalism Program, we challenge each other to think critically. Though the program is stringent, both mentally and physically, I am glad that I am here. Over the past four days, I've had some of the most brain stimulating conversations about politics, economics, and education. None of us know everything and some of us are misinformed. The debates and daily discussions from foreign policy to ethics in journalism allow us to exchange ideas.

SJP has also had its fun moments. Saturday, we went to cover a story on Alex Rodriguez as he played his last game with the Trenton Thunder. Initially I thought I would be timid and afraid to walk up to strangers, but I jumped into it without fear. The experience showed me that when it comes to journalism, it’s always impelling because you never know what can happen or what could be said. What made it even more exciting is that it was my time to get the story. I felt like a real journalist going to fans in the crowd and asking them questions.

The students here at SJP are very friendly and fun to be around. Our interests differ, but one thing we share in common is our love for journalism.

Light of the Future

By Kathy Kang (Camarillo, CA) 

If I could describe my summer, I would say it was a one big cut of black and white film
 that enabled me to sketch my future. Life before coming to SJP was like an orange-colored tunnel; I drove endlessly, aimlessly in the dark. I blindly did what the education magazines told me to do without having a concrete learning experience. I was never given a chance to experience what real journalism is. SJP, in that way, was like the light at the end of the tunnel. SJP means so much to me; having been able to interact with amazing counselors and mentors I always imagined to have, to communicate with students with similar interests despite such diverse backgrounds each individuals came from, and to experience an amazing atmosphere of intelligence were such a huge blessing for me to have. These wonderful days all together are recollections I will never be able to forget and I am truly excited to spend another week with SJP. 

Un-Witte-ingly Finding Courage

By Hunter Richards (Allegan, MI)

Trekking across the still unfamiliar campus towards ice cream with my news team, I had a sudden sense of where I was and what was I doing. I had been so impressed that I didn't really give myself the chance to process everything. Here I was, just a girl from a very small town in Michigan, walking down the paths of Princeton sharing my thoughts on the college application process and my impressions of the foreign correspondent and extraordinaire Griff Witte. The previous night I had been put into Griff's group to head off the Trenton Thunders game to cover the Alex Rodriguez story. It was in the car on the ride to the stadium that I first heard of Griff's travels to the Middle East and about his reporting. Not only was I sitting next to him, I was also more than welcome to ask him questions, which he encouraged as we were on our way to interview the attendees of the baseball game. 

Griff Witte's welcoming personality made me feel comfortable to ask for advice, which he gladly offered. However, he influenced me the most while I was standing in the crowd next to him.I watched on as my other group members were chasing interviews while I stood there overlooking my questions absent-mindedly because I was too shy and nervous to approach anyone. Griff gave me the confidence that I need to dive into an interview by sharing his experiences. This made me feel more comfortable about asking questions. 

I ended up breezing through my interviews and I excitedly shared my new experiences with Griff . He told me about how he was also normally shy, like myself, and that his notebook and pen is what opens him up. It was relieving to know that a professional like himself actually knew what it meant to stand in my shoes and it inspired me. 

Perhaps my shyness doesn't have to be a disadvantage in regards to how I carry myself as a journalist. Maybe I just need to keep my tools of trade close until I forget why I originally needed them. 

Marvelous McCray

By Navil Perez (Thornton, CO)

I had always wanted to make a documentary. I feel the need to record everything; every moment that is not traced makes me feel like we are letting a piece of our lives be forgotten. The only thing originally keeping me from creating my documentary was the lack of a camera. Junior year, when I finally had to the opportunity to create my documentary as a part of a research project, I let the lack of a camera hold me back—or so I told myself. However, in reality my lack of resources was not the hindering force, because if I wanted a camera all I had to do was ask. I was the hindering force. I was not confident in my ability to create a quality documentary.

Yesterday my confidence was boosted. Melvin McCray came in and talked to us about the process of making a documentary. He also showed us clips of documentaries that he created and ones that students created. The streaming of a Harlem Renaissance student’s documentary was the highlight of the presentation. Being able to see another student’s efforts made me think “If another students was able to make a documentary why the heck do I think I can’t.” I am now more committed than ever to my documentary.

Mirror of the Mind

By Jingwei Zhang (Oakland, CA)

Yesterday in his Television Journalism workshop, Melvin McCray gave us what he considered his life-changing technique: mirror of the mind.

"Mirror of the mind" is a technique where one literally imagines what one wants one's future life to be. According to Melvin, "if one can conceive it, one can achieve it."

Not only did Melvin graduate from Princeton University, but his work at ABC News has also garnered him a lot of acclaim. Melvin envisioned himself teaching and entertaining a large audience, and through hard work and his "mirror of the mind" technique, he managed to become what he had always wanted.

When I applied for the Princeton Summer Journal Program, I knew how competitive the admissions process would be. Even though I did not know about the "mirror of the mind," I completed my application and interview with a sense of confidence, satisfied knowing that I had tried my best. I had envisioned myself at the airport, ready to enter the world of journalism. On Aug. 1, on the plane, I knew that I had made it. 

A Worldly Perspective

By Jhazalyn Prince (New York, NY)

I was very excited today because I was able to hear one of my favorite speakers (so far) from the program: Griff Witte. Witte, an experienced Foreign Correspondent and Foreign Editor of the Washington Post, was able to provide a lot of information from a different and worldly perspective of journalism. Although I am not completely sure if that would be the greatest career for me, it gave me a lot of insight. Before his speech I had never really thought about where we get our foreign news. He was also able to give me a boost in confidence; he admitted to being very shy himself, and it showed me that sometimes you don’t have to be a perfectly confident and boisterous person in order to be a good journalist.

In addition to the speech given by Witte, I also enjoyed the workshop with Britt Peterson of Foreign Policy Magazine. She was the first guest speaker to actually engage us in an activity that gave us a sense of what its like to be in the shoes of an editor. This was particularly helpful for me because I have never been very good at editing my own paper; after the activity I felt I had learned how to catch my own mistakes. She was also very sweet and informative about freelance writers.

In one day I was able to learn so much that I can’t even feel how tired I am, and that speaks for itself.

Remarkable First Few Days

By Christian Cordova-Pedroza (Landenberg, PA)

The first few days at Princeton have been honestly unimaginable and remarkable. The creative and intellectual atmosphere SJP creates makes the program fun, exciting. and comical. The topics, events, and debates we have are brilliant and controversial. Not only are we learning from highly successful journalists and writers, but implementing such ideas in practical real world situations such as when we went to the Trenton Thunder game. We interviewed spectators about their opinions on Alex Rodriguez using performance-enhancing drugs, which was an awesome and unique experience. The best part of the program is meeting similar-minded individuals who share a feeling of camaraderie and enjoy themselves in the process of learning about what it really means to be a journalist in this world.

Program Should be Extended!

By Jeanne Li (New York, NY)

It's been three days since we stepped onto the Princeton campus. Yet, it feels as if weeks had gone by. Within our packed schedule, SJP has had several surprises. Yesterday, we were surprised again. Melvin McCray, formerly of ABC News, had set up two cameras, each in a separate room.  We were going to interview each other about our SJP experience on camera! 

I debated whether to be on camera and eventually decided it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to record my thoughts on SJP thus far into the program.  So I went on camera even though my dark under eye circles had made me look like a panda.  Surprisingly, the interview was so quick that I didn’t even feel it end.

The main thing I remembered deeply was the last question:  What would you change about the program? Although it is only the third day into the program and I am already extremely tired and super sleep deprived, I gave the one answer I know I probably won’t change my mind upon:  please extend the program!

Tests Aren't Everything

By Kina Carney (Philadelphia, PA)

Those of you who are reading this have most likely been to college or are in college, therefore you may be able to relate to what you are about to read. Many teens do not have the proper support in their schools mainly because of the student-to-counselor ratio. A lot of students suffer because of these numbers and many may receive wrong information or no personal attention. One thing students are not aware of is that they can apply to as many schools as they want. Now here is the reason why most counselors don't tell their students that: it is more work for them. A lot of counselors that work in high schools are underpaid and older, therefore students suffer. Another important factor—maybe the most important detail about the college process, especially for those who are not good at taking tests: most colleges are interested in YOU as a person. A student may have strong grades, but have a weak test score—and that is okay! Personally, I have really good college counselors but I think there is definitely a limit on what they have to offer me. I feel very excited about working with my SJP counselors to apply to college!

Advocating for the Global Community

By Daisy Gomez (San Diego, CA)

Whenever I thought of my career in journalism, I always imagined working locally to help non-profits and programs for the underprivileged. Yesterday's speech about foreign correspondence by Griff Witte really made me think about people in other countries. People in the United States may need help, but there are places around the world where people are in desperate need of a voice. If I ever decided to participate or become a foreign correspondence, I would cover more of how war affects women and children or how revolutions affect students in schools. Instead of focusing on the large issues that the public is aware of such as the wars and revolutions, I would focus more about how that affects the people, their education, their health, and even their way of thinking. Although, I must admit that I would be terrified of reporting from a place where I cannot speak the language and one that is really dangerous, I would want to at least write one article as a foreign correspondent. I wanted to become a journalist to advocate for my community, but if I could at least advocate for someone who I know completely nothing about, it would make my job feel a little bit more rewarding.