“Today knowledge has power. It controls access to opportunity and advancement.”
- Peter Drucker
Looking back at the past ten weeks, simply in one word . . . wow. If you would’ve told me that I was going to be writing over ten stories, have my own office, fly all over Texas, be published on a Web site and magazine, and have an article in the Dallas Morning News . . . I would have said you were crazy.
Overall this has been just a great opportunity as not everyday does a 21-year old like myself go into a corporate setting and feel like he belongs. I felt the people in this company make it what is as I’m very grateful for that.
Skill-wise I feel I’ve learned what it means to be on a deadline. I use to learn that a lot in the LSL setting at school, but here, if one person is late, we’re all late. In this setting, you really don’t want to let the person next to you down, as in this setting, you won’t just get a F for a course, you’ll simply get fired.
I feel I have matured over these last couple of weeks as being out here has got me out of my comfort zone and let me seen who I really am. I have seen myself budget wisely, and sometimes not too wisely, but for me, it’s good to learn this tip now, then years in the future.
What I feel that is a great thing to have learned is the idea of what it is like to work for a non-profit organization. These people daily are enriching and helping the lives of the less fortunate, they’re not profiting off the poor, not stealing from the rich, but an equal gain in helping those in need. You definitely can’t put that in words.
So as I leave in a matter of days, I hope to take with me the memories I’ve learned here, the people I’ve met, and together make me a much better man in my future.
-William Ryan Brown . . . . . . . . the intern
Friday: must be the haircut
So yesterday as I went down the list calling, emailing, following up and emailing once again, it truly was the BIG day. Today I did my last follow-ups hoping that if I could just get one, my goal would have been met, and my boss would have been proud of me.
Well for starters, I had just gotten a new haricut, so I felt good already as I began to make my follow-up calls. One-by-one, they didn’t have a sure response for me, which was antagonizing, for me at least. When it had come down to my last few outlets my luck changed . . . literally.
WB-33, a WB affiliate, had gotten the press release and seemed interested in sending someone out there but didn’t know for sure. So as I called them and asked for the lineup of stories they were going to cover that day, I nearly jumped out of my seat when I heard my story on that list!!! They were coming
It was hard to keep my happiness inside but as soon as I got off the phone I was thrilled. Soon after that, I got an email from my boss telling me that an article I had written was going to be in the Dallas Morning News!!! Too much exciting news for one day… not.
Overall, what a day. I had news stations coming to our event, one of my articles was going to be seen by thousands in a big-city newspaper, then found out I was going to be sent on another trip to Beaumont next week, simply enough . . . I’m grateful.
Well for starters, I had just gotten a new haricut, so I felt good already as I began to make my follow-up calls. One-by-one, they didn’t have a sure response for me, which was antagonizing, for me at least. When it had come down to my last few outlets my luck changed . . . literally.
WB-33, a WB affiliate, had gotten the press release and seemed interested in sending someone out there but didn’t know for sure. So as I called them and asked for the lineup of stories they were going to cover that day, I nearly jumped out of my seat when I heard my story on that list!!! They were coming
It was hard to keep my happiness inside but as soon as I got off the phone I was thrilled. Soon after that, I got an email from my boss telling me that an article I had written was going to be in the Dallas Morning News!!! Too much exciting news for one day… not.
Overall, what a day. I had news stations coming to our event, one of my articles was going to be seen by thousands in a big-city newspaper, then found out I was going to be sent on another trip to Beaumont next week, simply enough . . . I’m grateful.
Thursday: Media, media, media
Today was yet another busy day, but then again, what’s new. Today my biggest task involved contacting the media outlets in Dallas, sound easy? Think again.
With our “Angels from Abroad” coming tomorrow, my task was to try to get some media to come out when they arrive from Russia. Nowadays, especially the journalism field, everyone is very spaced out and limited on its resources, so my goal was to try to see if I could get at least one to take the time to come out there.
One by one, I called, sending media advisories, press releases and more to let these outlets know about the upcoming event. Through follow-ups I called back to see if they had gotten the press releases and depending on the outcome, send them another and just follow up the next day. From newspapers, radio, to most importantly, tv stations, all were contacted and all were notified of the event . . . let’s see if outlets “bite” stay tuned.
With our “Angels from Abroad” coming tomorrow, my task was to try to get some media to come out when they arrive from Russia. Nowadays, especially the journalism field, everyone is very spaced out and limited on its resources, so my goal was to try to see if I could get at least one to take the time to come out there.
One by one, I called, sending media advisories, press releases and more to let these outlets know about the upcoming event. Through follow-ups I called back to see if they had gotten the press releases and depending on the outcome, send them another and just follow up the next day. From newspapers, radio, to most importantly, tv stations, all were contacted and all were notified of the event . . . let’s see if outlets “bite” stay tuned.
Wednesday: Back to Business
Fully recovered to regular temperatures and air conditioning, it was definitely a great feeling to be back at work. What I am truly grateful for is the fact that I am honored to be taken on trips such as Eagle Pass.
For my job, to do a great job in reporting requires me to be out in the elements, but for some interns they really don’t have to be, which requires no traveling on their part. To be flown and driven to numerous places around Texas has left me grateful yet eager for the next trip.
Now with two stories on hand, I began to start working on my next story, which was about a summer t-ball league in San Antonio. During my interviews, it was really neat to hear about this church in my hometown and how they were making a big difference in their community.
Being a San Antonio native, I know first-hand how much it costs to join a baseball league, especially a CYO (Catholic Youth Organization). Well in this story, South San Filadelphia, a church in San Antonio, saw this expensive price for CYO’s and created its own baseball league for nearly a fourth of the regular price. It was good to see how it benefited the community, as due to the economy, everyone is feeling the pinch.
Overall, I can’t believe it’s already about to be school. With this internship days from ending, it’s time to finish strong . . . . . stay tuned.
For my job, to do a great job in reporting requires me to be out in the elements, but for some interns they really don’t have to be, which requires no traveling on their part. To be flown and driven to numerous places around Texas has left me grateful yet eager for the next trip.
Now with two stories on hand, I began to start working on my next story, which was about a summer t-ball league in San Antonio. During my interviews, it was really neat to hear about this church in my hometown and how they were making a big difference in their community.
Being a San Antonio native, I know first-hand how much it costs to join a baseball league, especially a CYO (Catholic Youth Organization). Well in this story, South San Filadelphia, a church in San Antonio, saw this expensive price for CYO’s and created its own baseball league for nearly a fourth of the regular price. It was good to see how it benefited the community, as due to the economy, everyone is feeling the pinch.
Overall, I can’t believe it’s already about to be school. With this internship days from ending, it’s time to finish strong . . . . . stay tuned.
Tuesday: Bye Bye Eagle Pass
Well after numerous interviews, photos, cups of water (it was 108 degrees out there), the day seemed to go by pretty fast. What I learned is that in the little time we did have in Eagle Pass we truly made the best of it whether helping out, playing with the kids, talking with the volunteers, and much more.
Being so close to the border, there are some things that I thought were pretty unique. Whether the signs being in Spanish, border patrol being everywhere, a legal casino ran by Kickapoo Indians on a reservation, some things will be remembered for sure about this trip.
What was interesting was that there were tons of kids who came as a form of missions trip for them. They had been working all day and rarely complained as honestly, there were more adults complaining than teenagers. Nevertheless it was a great site to see not only adults and teenagers but children to even senior citizens all working together to help build the lives of families one house at a time.
Overall, Eagle Pass was one of my favorite trips in many ways. Not only did it step me out of my comfort zone, teach me how to become more efficient on a road assignment, but it made me realize the little things I take for granted, definitely a rewarding experience and now it’s a 3-hour drive to San Antonio and a flight to Dallas . . . stay tuned.
Being so close to the border, there are some things that I thought were pretty unique. Whether the signs being in Spanish, border patrol being everywhere, a legal casino ran by Kickapoo Indians on a reservation, some things will be remembered for sure about this trip.
What was interesting was that there were tons of kids who came as a form of missions trip for them. They had been working all day and rarely complained as honestly, there were more adults complaining than teenagers. Nevertheless it was a great site to see not only adults and teenagers but children to even senior citizens all working together to help build the lives of families one house at a time.
Overall, Eagle Pass was one of my favorite trips in many ways. Not only did it step me out of my comfort zone, teach me how to become more efficient on a road assignment, but it made me realize the little things I take for granted, definitely a rewarding experience and now it’s a 3-hour drive to San Antonio and a flight to Dallas . . . stay tuned.
WEEK TEN: Not my normal Monday
Well for starters I woke up in a hotel bed this morning, it sure beats the floors at my relatives house. Arriving yesterday, me along with my “partner-in-crime” arrived into Eagle Pass ready to embark on the story that lied ahead.
Today was an overall beneficial day. Today we went to the sites of where our story would be, a community known as Rosita Valley. Eagle Pass, is one of the nation’s poorest rural counties, as it lies right on the Mexican Border. A tornado in 2007 completed wiped out parts of the town and left hundreds homeless. We were there because some churches wanted to build this community back up.
What was neat about this assignment was the collaboration amongst churches from all over Texas, as they all played a vital role in this program called Kid’s Heart. Our goal was to cover the families who were getting new homes, the volunteers who helped, and the directors who made it happen.
Already in day one, just by going to these sites and seeing how some of these families just makes you feel blessed. Sometime we become so full within our own lives that we don’t ever stop to see how much worse we as Americans could have it. Little things like running water, a toilet, electricity, we sometimes take for granted, so one when I see things like that it truly shows how thankful I am . . . . . . . stay tuned.
Today was an overall beneficial day. Today we went to the sites of where our story would be, a community known as Rosita Valley. Eagle Pass, is one of the nation’s poorest rural counties, as it lies right on the Mexican Border. A tornado in 2007 completed wiped out parts of the town and left hundreds homeless. We were there because some churches wanted to build this community back up.
What was neat about this assignment was the collaboration amongst churches from all over Texas, as they all played a vital role in this program called Kid’s Heart. Our goal was to cover the families who were getting new homes, the volunteers who helped, and the directors who made it happen.
Already in day one, just by going to these sites and seeing how some of these families just makes you feel blessed. Sometime we become so full within our own lives that we don’t ever stop to see how much worse we as Americans could have it. Little things like running water, a toilet, electricity, we sometimes take for granted, so one when I see things like that it truly shows how thankful I am . . . . . . . stay tuned.
Friday: Getting into the “groove” of things.
After I ate lunch I was in for a real treat as I got to see the other aspect of Broadway Baptist church, it’s after school program.
It was really neat as some of the kids looked real familiar as I has seen them a week ago at the sports camp. It was really cool to see them in their environment whether outside in their playground, in their classes, and especially where they spent most of their time, their indoor gymnasium.
During my visit there the kids were doing many activities whether sports, crafts, games, along with others. I would have to say that my favorite activity that they did would have to be their “dance contest,” in which different age groups performed and were critiqued in a “American Idol” format with judges. It was definitely fun to see as the kids were having fun, which is what the program is all about.
Overall, my trip to Broadway was a success. Not only did I get my interviews I needed amongst the staff, but was able to see what made Broadway unique among other community centers. As I leave this community center, my weekend will lead me straight to another . . . In Eagle Pass . . . Stay tuned
It was really neat as some of the kids looked real familiar as I has seen them a week ago at the sports camp. It was really cool to see them in their environment whether outside in their playground, in their classes, and especially where they spent most of their time, their indoor gymnasium.
During my visit there the kids were doing many activities whether sports, crafts, games, along with others. I would have to say that my favorite activity that they did would have to be their “dance contest,” in which different age groups performed and were critiqued in a “American Idol” format with judges. It was definitely fun to see as the kids were having fun, which is what the program is all about.
Overall, my trip to Broadway was a success. Not only did I get my interviews I needed amongst the staff, but was able to see what made Broadway unique among other community centers. As I leave this community center, my weekend will lead me straight to another . . . In Eagle Pass . . . Stay tuned
Thursday: Broadway Baptist Church
So it’s lunchtime here and I’ve been doing quite a lot within the day. Fort Worth was quite the trip, not too far, but far enough to realize you weren’t in Dallas anymore. Was never a big fan of the GPS system, but since I’ve moved to Dallas for this summer, it has become one of my best friends lol.
With the help of the GPS, I finally made it Broadway Baptist Church, which was conveniently located in downtown Fort Worth. It was a very big church, definitely from the architecture could tell it had been in the city for awhile.
What was very unique is I walked into the food pantry center and just sat down and looked around as it was very busy and the people that I needed to talk to were occupied. Due to that, I figured I would just sit down and try to get the feel for Broadway. That is where I caught myself helping out.
The church, which was located near a lot of the homeless agencies, fed a wide array of homeless people, most who spoke only Spanish. What was odd is the ladies at the pantry could not speak Spanish and that’s where I stepped in (with the Spanish I knew). I didn’t know a lot but was able to translate what the client was trying to tell the ladies. That was a nice way to introduce myself.
So through the beginning of the day I interviewed with the ladies out there about the food pantry, what they were doing out there and more. They also told me about a new program they were doing, which was definitely good to see.
Overall, the day has gone really good. After lunch I get to see the kids, which are the meat of my story, so we’ll see how that turns out. . . . . Stay tuned
With the help of the GPS, I finally made it Broadway Baptist Church, which was conveniently located in downtown Fort Worth. It was a very big church, definitely from the architecture could tell it had been in the city for awhile.
What was very unique is I walked into the food pantry center and just sat down and looked around as it was very busy and the people that I needed to talk to were occupied. Due to that, I figured I would just sit down and try to get the feel for Broadway. That is where I caught myself helping out.
The church, which was located near a lot of the homeless agencies, fed a wide array of homeless people, most who spoke only Spanish. What was odd is the ladies at the pantry could not speak Spanish and that’s where I stepped in (with the Spanish I knew). I didn’t know a lot but was able to translate what the client was trying to tell the ladies. That was a nice way to introduce myself.
So through the beginning of the day I interviewed with the ladies out there about the food pantry, what they were doing out there and more. They also told me about a new program they were doing, which was definitely good to see.
Overall, the day has gone really good. After lunch I get to see the kids, which are the meat of my story, so we’ll see how that turns out. . . . . Stay tuned
Wednesday: It’s Official, she’s superwoman
So as I now add Eagle Pass on the list of places to travel, I begin to prepare for the flight, drive, and others. When you go on a trip, especially a trip that includes flying and others, a lot of paperwork is needed to make sure you are reimbursed, and the administrative assistant at Buckner is simply “amazing.”
I always wondered what superwoman looked like, and besides my own mom, I have found her twin, she works at Buckner. My department that I work for, is one of the most busiest departments as most of my bosses are gone weeks at a time. And with each of the people gone on their various trips, “Libby” is behind all the paperwork as she always makes sure every fine detail is taken care of. From car rentals, to hotel stays, she is on it in every way. The fact that she does it all in order and in such a organized manner just leaves me in awe, but then again, I guess that’s the life of the corporate world.
So as I was finishing some stuff, she came in and brought me a manila folder, which included all the things I needed for my trip, including my itinerary for the trip along with my flight details and all. She definitely has my respect along with others in that office. Now that I have my itinerary for my Eagle Pass trip I can focus on the trip I have tomorrow. . . Broadway Baptist church in fort worth. . . Stay tuned.
I always wondered what superwoman looked like, and besides my own mom, I have found her twin, she works at Buckner. My department that I work for, is one of the most busiest departments as most of my bosses are gone weeks at a time. And with each of the people gone on their various trips, “Libby” is behind all the paperwork as she always makes sure every fine detail is taken care of. From car rentals, to hotel stays, she is on it in every way. The fact that she does it all in order and in such a organized manner just leaves me in awe, but then again, I guess that’s the life of the corporate world.
So as I was finishing some stuff, she came in and brought me a manila folder, which included all the things I needed for my trip, including my itinerary for the trip along with my flight details and all. She definitely has my respect along with others in that office. Now that I have my itinerary for my Eagle Pass trip I can focus on the trip I have tomorrow. . . Broadway Baptist church in fort worth. . . Stay tuned.
Tuesday: Eagle Pass
As I finished my day off yesterday by touching up stories, I began to get a series of emails from one of my bosses concerning a trip. And when one of bosses usually says “trip,” it involves flying or driving a distance . . . My senses were correct.
As I sat down in my boss’s office, we began to talk about a trip on the border. We had always talked about me going to the border in previous talks . . . Well this was it. There was a group going out to rebuild in Eagle Pass for the first time and they wanted media coverage. For some strange reason my boss wasn’t able to go, so it was going to be along with one of my co-workers, who is a great writer.
Overall, I was very excited to hear the news, as anytime I got to travel was cool. But the more and more I traveled, the more and more I began to realize how much of a great story I had to write. No pressure right? We’ll see . . . . . . Stay tuned.
As I sat down in my boss’s office, we began to talk about a trip on the border. We had always talked about me going to the border in previous talks . . . Well this was it. There was a group going out to rebuild in Eagle Pass for the first time and they wanted media coverage. For some strange reason my boss wasn’t able to go, so it was going to be along with one of my co-workers, who is a great writer.
Overall, I was very excited to hear the news, as anytime I got to travel was cool. But the more and more I traveled, the more and more I began to realize how much of a great story I had to write. No pressure right? We’ll see . . . . . . Stay tuned.
WEEK NINE: SOS at TLU?
Good Morning! Definitely refreshed after a great weekend and came in ready to get back into the swing of things. It was ironic that I had my chapter retreat for Alpha Phi Alpha this weekend, and as we were talking about community events this year . . . I just happened to mention the Shoes for Orphan Souls program. They seemed interested in it, so I wanted to get so more information from the powers that be . . . The director
Through a series of emails and phone calls, we found a time that I could meet with her and her associate as I wanted to see what it would take for possibly us to do this program, and if not APhiA, possibly a program that I could present to my Leadership Studies Certification Program.
During the meeting, I presented to her, what Alpha Phi Alpha was, our programs, our events, our numbers and what we wanted to bring to the table. After a series of talks, we realized that our goal which was (1000 shoes) was perhaps to big for just a group of 5 guys. Over a few minutes we began to talk about previous groups and that’s when I saw that perhaps this may be a project that would not be beneficial for just a small group to do . . . But more of a city-wide project. So with the information I took, perhaps I can show this not to just my fraternity but other groups at TLU as well. Only time will tell . . . Stay tuned.
Through a series of emails and phone calls, we found a time that I could meet with her and her associate as I wanted to see what it would take for possibly us to do this program, and if not APhiA, possibly a program that I could present to my Leadership Studies Certification Program.
During the meeting, I presented to her, what Alpha Phi Alpha was, our programs, our events, our numbers and what we wanted to bring to the table. After a series of talks, we realized that our goal which was (1000 shoes) was perhaps to big for just a group of 5 guys. Over a few minutes we began to talk about previous groups and that’s when I saw that perhaps this may be a project that would not be beneficial for just a small group to do . . . But more of a city-wide project. So with the information I took, perhaps I can show this not to just my fraternity but other groups at TLU as well. Only time will tell . . . Stay tuned.
