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KQED
Youth Media Corps
Media
Reality Campaign Team
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Richmond
High school student Eric says, "I think that the media has
influenced me to think as an individual and not by what is on the
screen." This perspective is an unexpected one, considering that the
majority of society is in accordance with the notion that the media
is an influential tool. Yet, remarkably at such a young age Eric continues
to live by his motto: "Protect yourself before you infect yourself."
Eric's individualism plays a key role in the YMC program as he contributes
his ideas, skills and creativity to the group. Currently Eric is holding
a position on the website team and in doing so Eric comments: "I hope
to educate myself and others about the media and how it affects the
economy." Ten years into the future Eric would like to be a part of
an advertising agency creating commercials, but for now he will continue
his schooling and hobbies such as drawing and writing rap lyrics.
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University
High School student Bryan states, "Right now the mass media
is more powerful than it ever has been. The concentration of this
power is in the hands of a few, who possess a real threat to freedom
of choice and information. Media is a powerful tool and because of
its power, it needs to be used responsibly." Bryan is an editor of
his school newspaper and has participated in journalism, but he comments
that the YMC has helped him "become more aware of the media." Bryan
has a thirst for learning and demonstrates this in his participation
in such varied activities as music, writing and reading. He also participates
in clubs such as Juniors State of America and debate. Bryan's personal
quote demonstrates his wisdom and openness to learning: "Who are you?"
said the Caterpillar "I-I hardly know, Sir, just at the present,"
Alice replied rather slowly, "At least I know who I was when I got
up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times
since then." (Lewis Caroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland) |
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Liberty
High school student Elizabeth says "As soon as I saw the word
"media" on the flyer, I knew I would be interested in this program!
I love learning about the media and its influence." This very love
defines the YMC's foundation and mission. Elizabeth believes that
the YMC's campaign is important because, "The media can either hurt
society or make it stronger. Our campaign educates the community.
Making people more aware is a step toward change." Elizabeth's positive
attitude, her ability to share ideas, and aptitude to be open to the
ideas of others, contribute greatly to the effectiveness of the team.
Elizabeth demonstrates the role of a great team member in saying,"I
have learned how to give and take and that nine ideas are much better
than one." She also believes," the toes you step on today are connected
to the butt you kiss tomorrow." Currently, Elizabeth holds a
position on the PR team, while she perfects her writing skills and
develops new ones. Elizabeth states that after this program, "I will
be more aware of the mass media and able share what I have learned
with others who are interested in this field." Elizabeth would like
to apply her experiences and the skills she has learned to her study
of film and the media in college. In the future, Elizabeth would like
to be an independent director or cinematographer. For now, she will
continue her education and hobbies; dancing, writing poetry and skateboarding. |
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Campolindo
student, Noelia strongly believes, "The mass media in its entirety
and power is an unaccredited branch of government. It is an entity
with great potential to make a positive or negative impact on society.
It is clear that in our day, the media can be manipulated in a variety
of ways to obtain specific effects. In order to remedy the dangers
of ignorance, society must take responsibility and use discretion
when utilizing this tool or governing body." This idea has encouraged
Noelia to be part of the YMC team. Currently, she actively holds a
position on the PR team. She enjoys time refining her skills, as well
as learning new skills and concepts. This inclination for exploring
new challenges has influenced her to participate in such programs
as the YMC, YMCA's Youth and Government, California State Academic
Decathlon and John Muir Hospital's student volunteer program. Noelia
supports the campaign's message to think for yourself. Her very own
philosophy reflects that of e.e. cummings: "To be nobody but yourself--
/ in a world doing its best, night and day, to make you like everybody
else--/ means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can
fight, and never stop fighting." Noelia has many plans for the future,
including; graduating from a prestigious university, joining the Peace
Corps, then continuing her education at a graduate school, becoming
a lawyer or figure head in the media. Most of all, she would like
to establish a charity or program to give back to the volunteer programs
that have encouraged her along her journey. |
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Gianze,
James Logan High School student, strongly maintains her motto, orated
by Robin Williams: "Carpe diem, seize the day, make your lives extraordinary."
Thus, she serves as one of the motivating forces on the team, as she
approaches the project with a positive attitude. Gianze maintains
an admirable quality: a methodology of becoming educated in many areas.
As the YMC assists her in becoming more aware of how the media affects
her, she gains a better perspective from which to analyze the media.
Gianze participates in a variety of activities such as dance, golf,
forensics, and music. She is a promising leader among her peers on
the video team, as she states, "Ten years from now I see myself working
for George Lucas; gaining experience and making movies. Then, hopefully,
being able to start my own film company." |
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"The
worst days are those in which you don't laugh," claims Redwood High
School student, Jeff. A lighthearted member of the team, he
brings many attributes to the video team and the YMC as a whole; creativity,
willingness, leadership skills, and ability to work well with others.
Jeff supports the YMC's mission to reach out to the community; to
spread awareness about teens and the media. He believes, "The mass
media has a very large influence on the public as it controls what
enters people's homes and what they see." As a part of the team Jeff
has learned, "Despite our differences in race, where we live, or socio-economic
status; we have similar views and values on the media and society
in general." Jeff has participated in journalism, volunteer work and
sports. He still has not found greater love for any other sports but
golf and skiing. He comments, "I live for skiing and golf. No question."
Ten years from now, Jeff wants to be immersed in the world of journalism,
politics, or business. |
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Urban
School of San Francisco student, Walter defines the YMC's motive
best as he states, "Youth need to look at the media critically because
they are the corporation's 'prime' target." Walter possesses the strength
and ability to observe the reality of a specific situation and make
meaning of it. This quality introduces new perspectives to the group,
as he currently holds a position on the video team. He is inquisitive
and aspirant as he refines his skills and pursues his interests such
as photography, videography and following world news. Walter believes
in Winston Churchill's philosophy: "History will treat me well because
I intend to write it." In his quest to accomplish this great life
time, goal Walter has begun within the YMC. He says, "I was interested
in becoming a part of the group because I wanted to learn more about
the media itself, and how I could use it to get messages across."
In ten years Walter wants to be involved with the media or film production
as a director, cinematographer, or biologist. |
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"This
campaign is important because it increases awareness in the community
about media issues. It encourages people to be responsible consumers
and to be aware of the messages that are being expressed in society,"
says Lauren, who attends the Urban School of San Francisco.
Lauren believes the media possesses positive and negative attributes
that have influenced her. She comments, "The media has influenced
me and helped me form many of my opinions, however, constant images
of materialism and unattainable ideals have had a negative affect
on me as well." This prior experience has shaped her opinion that
currently, the media seems to have lost sight of its true purpose.
She feels it necessary to be a part of the video team and the YMC
in order to make a change in the media. When Lauren is not in school
or in the studio she spends her time painting, and participating in
activities
related to music and film. |
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Zhar
believes, "Information should be given on a need to know basis." This
attitude contributes to the YMC team, for it is her honesty and candidness
that keeps the team on their toes. Zhar always has new ideas. Her
sense of humor and compassion encourages the team to consider other
perspectives and to respect one another. She believes that this campaign
is significant because, "It is very important to have young people's
views about the media. I feel that unless we have the resources ourselves,
this program is the only way we can keep it real." Her creativity
and constructive criticism contributes greatly to the video team.
Zhar enjoys working with a diverse group of people, trying to use
the media as an educational tool, as well as refining her skills in
video production. Zhar states, "I will use the experience and information
I have gained from this program to launch my career as a multimedia
artist". Ten years from now Zhar sees herself, "making movies for
Spike Lee's 40 acres and a mule, as well as for Dream Works Corp."
She also sees herself writing screen plays, and producing and directing
television shows and movies. |
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"I
think it is very important for everyone to have a voice in the community.
Many voices are not heard so it is important to educate people about
how to use the media." This notion primarily serves as YMC's mentor
Maria's motivation to lead the YMC. Maria has worked with many
teens and teachers in her career and has educated them on the many
aspects of the media. She has played an important role in many after
school programs and projects, in both Boston and San Francisco, and
acts as a liaison between the community and the media. Maria's action
in the community and her inclination to teach those around her, greatly
reflect her motto professed by William Keats: "Beauty is truth, truth
beauty -- that is all ye know on earth, and all ye need to know."
In this campaign Maria lays emphasis on that fact that "it is very
important for people to separate themselves, and their core values
from what is out in the media." When Maria is not busily working in
the KQED studios or advising the YMC team she is sewing, swimming,
knitting, writing and producing her own experimental films. |
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