Reflection of Multimedia Journalism

In this field I’ve learned it’s better to know more than you need to and if possible master it. This will make you a more attractive candidate for any job.

Of course, this class focuses on the basics of multimedia journalism which is very common and is preferred. I knew this from the start, hence why I took this class to gain a better understanding and hoping to obtain and level up on certain skills such as photography, video editing, audio skills, and etc.

As a junior, I’ve already had some experience with interviewing, writing, web design, and photography but I’ve seen the growth in each since taking this class. All of the labs and blog posts challenged me to do more research, to apply not only myself but the new methods and tricks learned through the assigned readings and lectures.

I enjoyed learning about audio stories the most since it was something I was unfamiliar with and didn’t care to dabble in before. However, through the exercises and examples that were given, I feel very confident in this new skill that I love. I’ve even been contemplating starting my own podcast do to this new found love of mine.

From my initial audio story about patience to my most recent audio story about vertigo, which I am very proud of, I see the growth and love of this newfound skill. There is still room for growth and that’s what I will continue to do so I can master this skill. I am excited to share and create important stories using audio.

I’ve also learned to love researching for data-driven stories. I was never a fan of such stories but being passionate about a certain story or issue can really motivate you like it did in my recent story. It was very eye-opening and exciting when researching sources and related material to help enhance my story which is something I’d never thought I’d say.

Through this and the constructive feedback from professor Schneeweis has really shaped and directed my comfortability and style of writing. I feel more confident with my writing, video editing, audio skills, photo editing, and photography and I’m eager to work more to further enhance these skills.

I’ve learned to also appreciate other people who excel in these certain skills and their beautiful work that has been brought to my attention through this class and through my own discovery.

I truly believe the best part of this class is being able to become so versatile in your work which I feel is so important especially in journalism. There are so many stories that need to be told but the right media can make all the difference when telling your story.

Lab 7: Immigration In Numbers

Systemic Racisms Aid In The Spread Of COVID-19 Amongst The Black Community

The racial tension over the summer with the death of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor has sparked another wave of Black Lives Matter protests reminding everyone of the numerous social injustices and systemic racism that continue to plague the black community.

Although there are numerous parts of systemic racism within the black community, with the COVID-19 pandemic, systemic racism within healthcare has been a hot topic.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been a huge discrepancy between cases, deaths, and rates of exposure between the black community and others.

Amid the spread of COVID-19, many were left unemployed, sent to work from home, or left on the frontlines as essential workers.

However, the majority of black or African Americans are essential workers putting them more at risk for contracting COVID-19. According to the Economic Policy Institute, black and African Americans make up one in every six essential workers.

Graph from the Economic Policy Institute.

And for those who lost their jobs, they face eviction leaving them homeless and unprotected from the COVID-19 virus.

Even more, many black and African Americans live in very populated and compact areas where most big outbreaks have occurred.

Black and African Americans are twice as likely to contract the virus if they have underlying conditions like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes which is very common within the black community, some due to environmental factors.

Some of these specific environmental factors are direct causes of systemic racism as well.

With the lack of healthcare, these underlying issues can grow worse putting black and African Americans more even at the risk of contracting the virus or dealing with it.

Graph from KFF.

The older systems and practices that have been put in place have failed the black community during the COVID-19 pandemic. If this doesn’t change, the members of the black community will continue to die at the hands of the racism laced within these systems and practices.

Graph from the Economic Policy Institute.

Life With Vertigo

Simple Digital Story

You can listen to the podcast here!

Looking outside, Graciela Sifuentes, 82, sits with her chihuahua, Dulce, in the living room watching her grandchildren play outside on Oct. 30th, 2020. Mrs. Sifuentes came to visit her 5 grandchildren before her doctor's appointment the next day. (Photo from Marcela Sifuentes)

About 40 percent of the U.S. population may suffer from vertigo or vertigo-associated diseases at least once in their life. Underlying conditions like head injuries, inner ear damage, and, etc. can cause vertigo or vertigo associated diseases ranging from minor to severe cases.

Many symptoms that come with vertigo or with vertigo associated disease but the most common symptoms are dizzy spells, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. The severity of this health condition is a case by case deal.

Graciela Sifuentes, 82, shares her personal story with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) through her son Juan Sifuentes, 46, who helped communicate and translate with her.