First up, we had a newsroom simulation in which we were divided into 6 teams and we would all be coming up with a news broadcast/show to report on the story at hand. In this case, we were reporting on an imaginary oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. There were a multitude of things we had to keep up at the same time: we had to go out to the “conferences” that old us more information, we needed people filming and people editing, we needed people writing the stories, we needed to create social media sites and keep them updated, etc. Anyway, needles to say, it was an incredibly hectic experience. We got it all done - it may not be perfect, but hey, we didn’t kill each other from the stress in the process. However, if I wasn’t sure that I didn’t want to be a journalist before, this activity today confirmed my beliefs! Anyway, go check us out at NSLC Observer!
Leaving the activity, sure the stress had gotten to me and I felt really drained, I wasn’t upset or anything. So, I figured I would call back home, and that’s when the problems started. First, reception sucked and I was trying to get my laundry while on the phone, but mom couldn’t hear and finding a good spot was stressful, and then she started questioning me about all the summer work I haven’t had time to do and the fact I will be tested on them the first day of school (a day and a 1/2 after I get back from SF) and all of a sudden, the stress just got to be too much. I think it was just a combination of sleep deprivation, exhaustion, emotions, and stress. Finally after I calmed down, Nora and I went to lunch where we talked a little and then she worked on her editing and I read quietly for a good hour. It was wonderful - I needed some “me” time.
The next activity though didn’t help my already on-edge emotions. We went to a screening of the documentary Open Heart by the San Francisco Film Society and while the movie itself was beautifully shot and incredibly inspiring, it was far too emotionally draining. It took on the subject of following 8 Rwandan children in critical medical condition as they travel to the Salam Center in Sudan to receive cardiac surgery. The Salam Center is run by the Italian NGO EMERGENCY, which initiated the free clinic in Sudan. Open Heart was actually nominated for an Oscar. While the film was touching, I was crying within the first 5 minutes, and it only got worse as the movie kept going. Afterwards, we spoke with a representative of EMERGENCY and we skype-called one of the producers. Sad but inspiring film - I only recommend it if you have a tissue box nearby!
Today was busy, and it seemed as if we are trying to pack in as much as possible. During our dinner break, Mallika and I went to go get our hair wrapped and had an awesome talk with the guy who did them. He told us to call him Twig and he had really cool stories from when he would spend his summers following around bands as they toured. And I must say, the man knows how to wrap hair! Mallika even has bells on the end of hers!
Lastly, we had a quick leadership session with Mike where we discussed morals and values by playing a game in which we are placed in a situation where there has been a nuclear bomb, 11 people remain, and we must choose the 6 that remain, based on the criteria and details about them available to us. Needless to say, chaos ensued. But afterwards, we got to dance and sing our stress away! Karaoke night was a blast and now we are all worn out, far beyond our limits. We’re lucky tomorrow is a later day and we get to sleep in woo!
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