Monday, December 15, 2008
BeadforLife at High Point University
Sorority sells jewelry to raise money for impoverished women
By Megan Keany
Although their philanthropy is juvenile diabetes, the sisters of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority at High Point University couldn’t resist having a BeadforLife party last spring to sell colorful jewelry and help raise money for impoverished Ugandans.
Many of the sisters were unaware of the organization, but once they heard that hosting a jewelry party could make such a difference in the lives of others, they loved the idea and started planning the event right away.
“I wasn’t sure if I would like jewelry made from paper, but once I saw the colorful beads and learned how much effort was put into making them, they meant a lot more to me,” says sophomore Alpha Gamma Delta member, Bri Tell.
The event was open to the whole university and the jewelry was set up on long tables covered with black cloth to bring out the color of the beads.
Fact sheets on Ugandan women who have been lifted out of poverty were displayed on the tables to alert students about poverty and real women who have been affected by AIDS, violence, hunger, unemployment and more.
“Uganda seems so far away and in my daily life it doesn’t cross my mind that there are people suffering there,” senior Kimmy Freer admits.
An educational video on BeadforLife was set on repeat and the sisters of Alpha Gamma Delta, along with other students socialized and watched the video while looking through and purchasing the jewelry.
“It is incredible to hear about how these women roll the beads and to actually look at them and how carefully they are put together. They are truly very pretty and a work of art,” says Bri.
Alpha Gamma Delta successfully raised over $300 from their party and are planning on having another one this spring semester.
“It was something fun and different to do and I still wear my jewelry all the time,” says Leah Fahey who received a bracelet as a gift from her sister.
Not only was the event fun to host for the members of Alpha Gamma Delta, but they were happy to learn something themselves, spread awareness and create better lives and opportunities for their sisters in Uganda
By Megan Keany
Although their philanthropy is juvenile diabetes, the sisters of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority at High Point University couldn’t resist having a BeadforLife party last spring to sell colorful jewelry and help raise money for impoverished Ugandans.
Many of the sisters were unaware of the organization, but once they heard that hosting a jewelry party could make such a difference in the lives of others, they loved the idea and started planning the event right away.
“I wasn’t sure if I would like jewelry made from paper, but once I saw the colorful beads and learned how much effort was put into making them, they meant a lot more to me,” says sophomore Alpha Gamma Delta member, Bri Tell.
The event was open to the whole university and the jewelry was set up on long tables covered with black cloth to bring out the color of the beads.
Fact sheets on Ugandan women who have been lifted out of poverty were displayed on the tables to alert students about poverty and real women who have been affected by AIDS, violence, hunger, unemployment and more.
“Uganda seems so far away and in my daily life it doesn’t cross my mind that there are people suffering there,” senior Kimmy Freer admits.
An educational video on BeadforLife was set on repeat and the sisters of Alpha Gamma Delta, along with other students socialized and watched the video while looking through and purchasing the jewelry.
“It is incredible to hear about how these women roll the beads and to actually look at them and how carefully they are put together. They are truly very pretty and a work of art,” says Bri.
Alpha Gamma Delta successfully raised over $300 from their party and are planning on having another one this spring semester.
“It was something fun and different to do and I still wear my jewelry all the time,” says Leah Fahey who received a bracelet as a gift from her sister.
Not only was the event fun to host for the members of Alpha Gamma Delta, but they were happy to learn something themselves, spread awareness and create better lives and opportunities for their sisters in Uganda
Bead for Life ( revised)
Ugandan jewelry helps end poverty
By Megan Keany
December 15, 2008
University of Colorado senior, Chelsea Burns, is among tens of thousands of people in North America who have partnered with impoverished Ugandans to help combat extreme poverty.
During her sophomore year of college, Chelsea wanted to be a part of something related to Africa when her professor recommended attending an interest meeting regarding a student group called BeadforLife.
“I went to the interest meeting and right away I knew I wanted to get involved” says Chelsea. She spent the semester learning everything she could about the organization, all the ins and outs of how the non-profit was run, where Uganda is located, and what political and social events were occurring in the country.
Chelsea began hosting bead parties where jewelry made by Ugandan women is sold. The profit made is sent back to BeadforLife which invests the money into community development projects in Uganda. The income generated helps the beaders by providing them with medicine, housing, sustainable life skills and health services and education.
The organization is unique because it strives teach Ugandans how to work their way out of poverty forever. They focus on community development as opposed to other charity associations which help Africans with clothing, food and other necessities, but doesn’t teach them how to rebuild their lives and survive on their own.
“We try to lead with relationship between the beader and the women who buy their beads. There is an element of sharing stories and participating together to create a better world,” says one of the founders of BeadforLife, Torkin Wakefield.
Bead parties are held in homes, churches, schools and at a variety of other venues where guests can purchase BeadforLife jewelry, including, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, as well as loose beads, music CDs and note cards.
There is no cost to the party host and the organization sends everything he or she need to have a fun and successful party including: educational materials, Ugandan recipes, biographies of the beaders, African music CD, pricing, pre-paid return label, gift tags and an inspirational DVD.
“You can feel good, not guilty, about what you buy whether the jewelry is for you or for others as gifts,” says University of Notre Dame student, Erin Murphy who attended her first bead party in 2007 and has been involved with the organization ever since.
Each bead in the piece of BeadforLife jewelry is hand cut, rolled and totally unique. The process of taking a recycled poster or magazine page and making it into a beautiful, glossy piece of jewelry is one that takes time, hard work, attention to detail and a great amount of skill.
BeadforLife began in September of 2004 as a volunteer effort with the goal to support a small group of women in Uganda who were refugees from Northern Uganda’s brutal civil war. Torkin and the other two founders decided their first group would include 90 women. The group included women for the Acholi Quarters who had fled their homeland where rebels burned their villages, abducted children for soldiers or sex slaves, and tortured or killed thousands of adults. Each woman told of terror and brutality, but remained optimistic and determined to survive.
In December of 2004 BeadforLife was mentioned in a small article in O – The Oprah Magazine which generated interest across North America. People, like Chelsea and Erin, were anxious to partner with women in Uganda to help lift their families from poverty.
Chelsea has hosted numerous bead parties and became so involved with the organization that she traveled to Uganda last summer to visit with the workers and learn more about BeadforLife from the other perspective.
“I had seen how the whole administrative process worked on the American end, but it was incredible to see the process from start to finish. I got to meet many of the beaders, hear their personal stories, sit with them in their homes, and even learn how they rolled the beads.”
Since her visit to Uganda, Chelsea has continued to be involved with BeadforLife in Colorado, raising awareness and encouraging others to host parties.
“My experience with BeadforLife in Colorado has been amazing. It's been great to work with so many wonderful people who care a lot about the empowerment of women and poverty eradication” says Chelsea.
“It is neat to see how the profits from one bead party can really change a life” Erin adds.
Chelsea also loves getting people involved in wanting to alleviate poverty around the world and informing them about the political turmoil that has been happening in Northern Uganda for the past 20 years.
The turmoil began in 1971 when Idi Amin seized power over Uganda ruling the country with military force for the next decade. Amin’s rule cost an estimated 300,000 Ugandans’ lives and devastated the economy. Yoweri Musevini is the current president of the African nation and has been in power since 1986. Since Musevini came into office, respect for human rights in Uganda had advanced significantly, but there is still conflict in the country, especially in the North due to opposing military forces. The number of internally displaced persons is estimated at 1.4 million. Torture and attacks on political freedom are still occurring. Because of this, organizations such as BeadforLife have come to aid citizens of Uganda.
Chelsea’s most memorable day from her trip to Uganda was visiting a village that BeadforLife completed for over 70 of the women. “I met around 10 of the beaders and each one invited me into their home, gave me some sort of a beaded present, and wanted to show all they had achieved because of BeadforLife. Not only were they thankful, but they were proud. Each person has their own job that goes into the process of making the beads, and each person's life has become exponentially better since they've joined the team.”
Learning how the organization was making a difference in these women’s lives and seeing the smiles on their faces when they talked about BeadforLife was inspiring to Chelsea to stay committed to the cause.
Her experience with BeadforLife has been incredibly moving. Chelsea’s favorite thing is walking around the University of Colorado campus and being able to say "Hey, nice beads" and knowing she’s made a difference.
Beadforlife hopes to help many more people leave poverty behind. For Torkin, the greatest reward from creating the organization is seeing the enthusiasm, appreciation and hopefulness of the beaders.
She says, “Its fun to gather together with a purpose and have a great product like the beautiful necklaces.” Spreading awareness of poverty and helping others in a fun and meaningful way is what makes BeadforLife so successful and rewarding for everyone.
-30-
By Megan Keany
December 15, 2008
University of Colorado senior, Chelsea Burns, is among tens of thousands of people in North America who have partnered with impoverished Ugandans to help combat extreme poverty.
During her sophomore year of college, Chelsea wanted to be a part of something related to Africa when her professor recommended attending an interest meeting regarding a student group called BeadforLife.
“I went to the interest meeting and right away I knew I wanted to get involved” says Chelsea. She spent the semester learning everything she could about the organization, all the ins and outs of how the non-profit was run, where Uganda is located, and what political and social events were occurring in the country.
Chelsea began hosting bead parties where jewelry made by Ugandan women is sold. The profit made is sent back to BeadforLife which invests the money into community development projects in Uganda. The income generated helps the beaders by providing them with medicine, housing, sustainable life skills and health services and education.
The organization is unique because it strives teach Ugandans how to work their way out of poverty forever. They focus on community development as opposed to other charity associations which help Africans with clothing, food and other necessities, but doesn’t teach them how to rebuild their lives and survive on their own.
“We try to lead with relationship between the beader and the women who buy their beads. There is an element of sharing stories and participating together to create a better world,” says one of the founders of BeadforLife, Torkin Wakefield.
Bead parties are held in homes, churches, schools and at a variety of other venues where guests can purchase BeadforLife jewelry, including, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, as well as loose beads, music CDs and note cards.
There is no cost to the party host and the organization sends everything he or she need to have a fun and successful party including: educational materials, Ugandan recipes, biographies of the beaders, African music CD, pricing, pre-paid return label, gift tags and an inspirational DVD.
“You can feel good, not guilty, about what you buy whether the jewelry is for you or for others as gifts,” says University of Notre Dame student, Erin Murphy who attended her first bead party in 2007 and has been involved with the organization ever since.
Each bead in the piece of BeadforLife jewelry is hand cut, rolled and totally unique. The process of taking a recycled poster or magazine page and making it into a beautiful, glossy piece of jewelry is one that takes time, hard work, attention to detail and a great amount of skill.
BeadforLife began in September of 2004 as a volunteer effort with the goal to support a small group of women in Uganda who were refugees from Northern Uganda’s brutal civil war. Torkin and the other two founders decided their first group would include 90 women. The group included women for the Acholi Quarters who had fled their homeland where rebels burned their villages, abducted children for soldiers or sex slaves, and tortured or killed thousands of adults. Each woman told of terror and brutality, but remained optimistic and determined to survive.
In December of 2004 BeadforLife was mentioned in a small article in O – The Oprah Magazine which generated interest across North America. People, like Chelsea and Erin, were anxious to partner with women in Uganda to help lift their families from poverty.
Chelsea has hosted numerous bead parties and became so involved with the organization that she traveled to Uganda last summer to visit with the workers and learn more about BeadforLife from the other perspective.
“I had seen how the whole administrative process worked on the American end, but it was incredible to see the process from start to finish. I got to meet many of the beaders, hear their personal stories, sit with them in their homes, and even learn how they rolled the beads.”
Since her visit to Uganda, Chelsea has continued to be involved with BeadforLife in Colorado, raising awareness and encouraging others to host parties.
“My experience with BeadforLife in Colorado has been amazing. It's been great to work with so many wonderful people who care a lot about the empowerment of women and poverty eradication” says Chelsea.
“It is neat to see how the profits from one bead party can really change a life” Erin adds.
Chelsea also loves getting people involved in wanting to alleviate poverty around the world and informing them about the political turmoil that has been happening in Northern Uganda for the past 20 years.
The turmoil began in 1971 when Idi Amin seized power over Uganda ruling the country with military force for the next decade. Amin’s rule cost an estimated 300,000 Ugandans’ lives and devastated the economy. Yoweri Musevini is the current president of the African nation and has been in power since 1986. Since Musevini came into office, respect for human rights in Uganda had advanced significantly, but there is still conflict in the country, especially in the North due to opposing military forces. The number of internally displaced persons is estimated at 1.4 million. Torture and attacks on political freedom are still occurring. Because of this, organizations such as BeadforLife have come to aid citizens of Uganda.
Chelsea’s most memorable day from her trip to Uganda was visiting a village that BeadforLife completed for over 70 of the women. “I met around 10 of the beaders and each one invited me into their home, gave me some sort of a beaded present, and wanted to show all they had achieved because of BeadforLife. Not only were they thankful, but they were proud. Each person has their own job that goes into the process of making the beads, and each person's life has become exponentially better since they've joined the team.”
Learning how the organization was making a difference in these women’s lives and seeing the smiles on their faces when they talked about BeadforLife was inspiring to Chelsea to stay committed to the cause.
Her experience with BeadforLife has been incredibly moving. Chelsea’s favorite thing is walking around the University of Colorado campus and being able to say "Hey, nice beads" and knowing she’s made a difference.
Beadforlife hopes to help many more people leave poverty behind. For Torkin, the greatest reward from creating the organization is seeing the enthusiasm, appreciation and hopefulness of the beaders.
She says, “Its fun to gather together with a purpose and have a great product like the beautiful necklaces.” Spreading awareness of poverty and helping others in a fun and meaningful way is what makes BeadforLife so successful and rewarding for everyone.
-30-
Sunday, December 14, 2008
End of the Semester
The semester flew by! I have made progress with my final article and finished up the interviews and am working on the mini story which will focus on Bead for Life at HPU. I also got a few good interviews from people who have hosted and attended bead parties and from one of the organization's founders as well. I will be adding a video and more pictures and links tomorrow.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Bead for Life
Megan Keany
December 9, 2008
Bead for Life
Can poverty really be eradicated one bead at a time? That is the slogan of BeadforLife, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of impoverished Africans in Uganda.
Ugandan women turn colorful recycled paper into beautiful beaded jewelry which is then sold by concerned world citizens. The profits are returned to BeadforLife which invests the money into community development projects in Uganda. The income generated helps people work their way out of poverty by providing them with medicine, housing, sustainable life skills and health services and education.
In the United States, BeadforLife is based out of Boulder, CO. University of Colorado senior, Chelsea Burns, became involved with organization her sophomore year of college. She wanted to be a part of something related to Africa when her professor recommended attending an interest meeting regarding a student group called BeadforLife.
“I went to the interest meeting and right away I knew I wanted to get involved. I spent that semester learning everything I could about the organization, all the ins and outs of how the non-profit was run, where Uganda was, and what political and social events were occurring in the country,” says Chelsea.
BeadforLife began in September of 2004 as a volunteer effort with the goal to support a small group of women in Uganda who were refugees from Northern Uganda’s brutal civil war. The founders decided their first group would include 90 women. The group included women for the Acholi Quarters who had fled their homeland where rebels burned their villages, abducted children for soldiers or sex slaves, and tortured or killed thousands of adults. Each woman told of terror and brutality, but remained optimistic and determined to survive.
In December of 2004 BeadforLife was mentioned in a small article in O – The Oprah Magazine which generated interest across North America. People, like Chelsea, were anxious to partner with women in Uganda to help lift their families from poverty.
Chelsea hosted numerous bead parties and became so involved with the organization that she traveled to Uganda last summer to visit with the workers and learn more about BeadforLife from the other perspective.
“I had seen how the whole administrative process worked on the American end, but it was incredible to see the process from start to finish. I got to meet many of the beaders, hear their personal stories, sit with them in their homes, and even learn how they rolled the beads.”
Each bead in the piece of BeadforLife jewelry is hand cut, rolled and totally unique. The process of taking a recycled poster or magazine page and making it into a beautiful, glossy piece of jewelry is one that takes time, hard work, attention to detail and a great amount of skill.
The organization makes money by sending the beaded jewelry from Uganda to people in the United States who then host bead parties to sell the jewelry and return the profits to BeadforLife. BeadParties are held in homes, churches, schools and at a variety of other venues where guests can purchase BeadforLife jewelry, including, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, as well as loose beads, music CDs and note cards. There is no cost to the party host and the organization sends everything he or she need to have a fun and successful party including: educational materials, Ugandan recipes, biographies of the beaders, African music CD, pricing, pre-paid return label, gift tags and our inspirational DVD.
Since her visit to Uganda, Chelsea has continued to be involved with BeadforLife in Colorado, raising awareness and encouraging others to host parties. My experience with BeadforLife in Colorado has been amazing. It's been great to work with so many wonderful people who care a lot about the empowerment of women and poverty eradication” says Chelsea.
She also loves getting people involved in wanting to alleviate poverty around the world and informing them about the political turmoil that has been happening in Northern Uganda for the past 20 years.
The turmoil began in 1971 when Idi Amin seized power over Uganda ruling the country with military force for the next decade. Amin’s rule cost an estimated 300,000 Ugandans’ lives and devastated the economy. Yoweri Musevini is the current president of the African nation and has been in power since 1986. Since Musevini came into office, respect for human rights in Uganda had advanced significantly, but there is still conflict in the country, especially in the North due to opposing military forces. The number of internally displaced persons is estimated at 1.4 million. Torture and attacks on political freedom are still occurring.
Because of this, organizations such as BeadforLife have come to aid citizens of Uganda. BeadforLife is unique because the organization strives to teach the beaders how to work their way out of poverty forever. They focus on community development as opposed to other charity associations which help Ugandans with clothing, food and other necessities, but doesn’t teach them how to rebuild their lives and survive on their own.
Chelsea’s most memorable day from her trip to Uganda was visiting a village that BeadforLife completed for over 70 of the women. “I met around 10 of the beaders and each one invited me into their home, gave me some sort of a beaded present, and wanted to show all they had achieved because of BeadforLife. Not only were they thankful, but they were proud. I got to meet everyone from a paper cutter to a group leader. Each person has their own job that some how goes into the process of making the beads, and each person's life has become exponentially better since they've joined the team.”
Learning how the organization was making a difference in these women’s lives and seeing the smiles on their faces when they talked about BeadforLife was inspiring to Chelsea to stay committed to the cause.
Her experience with BeadforLife has been incredibly inspiring. Chelsea’s favorite thing is walking around the University of Colorado campus and being able to say "Hey, nice beads" and knowing she’s made a difference.
-30-
December 9, 2008
Bead for Life
Can poverty really be eradicated one bead at a time? That is the slogan of BeadforLife, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of impoverished Africans in Uganda.
Ugandan women turn colorful recycled paper into beautiful beaded jewelry which is then sold by concerned world citizens. The profits are returned to BeadforLife which invests the money into community development projects in Uganda. The income generated helps people work their way out of poverty by providing them with medicine, housing, sustainable life skills and health services and education.
In the United States, BeadforLife is based out of Boulder, CO. University of Colorado senior, Chelsea Burns, became involved with organization her sophomore year of college. She wanted to be a part of something related to Africa when her professor recommended attending an interest meeting regarding a student group called BeadforLife.
“I went to the interest meeting and right away I knew I wanted to get involved. I spent that semester learning everything I could about the organization, all the ins and outs of how the non-profit was run, where Uganda was, and what political and social events were occurring in the country,” says Chelsea.
BeadforLife began in September of 2004 as a volunteer effort with the goal to support a small group of women in Uganda who were refugees from Northern Uganda’s brutal civil war. The founders decided their first group would include 90 women. The group included women for the Acholi Quarters who had fled their homeland where rebels burned their villages, abducted children for soldiers or sex slaves, and tortured or killed thousands of adults. Each woman told of terror and brutality, but remained optimistic and determined to survive.
In December of 2004 BeadforLife was mentioned in a small article in O – The Oprah Magazine which generated interest across North America. People, like Chelsea, were anxious to partner with women in Uganda to help lift their families from poverty.
Chelsea hosted numerous bead parties and became so involved with the organization that she traveled to Uganda last summer to visit with the workers and learn more about BeadforLife from the other perspective.
“I had seen how the whole administrative process worked on the American end, but it was incredible to see the process from start to finish. I got to meet many of the beaders, hear their personal stories, sit with them in their homes, and even learn how they rolled the beads.”
Each bead in the piece of BeadforLife jewelry is hand cut, rolled and totally unique. The process of taking a recycled poster or magazine page and making it into a beautiful, glossy piece of jewelry is one that takes time, hard work, attention to detail and a great amount of skill.
The organization makes money by sending the beaded jewelry from Uganda to people in the United States who then host bead parties to sell the jewelry and return the profits to BeadforLife. BeadParties are held in homes, churches, schools and at a variety of other venues where guests can purchase BeadforLife jewelry, including, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, as well as loose beads, music CDs and note cards. There is no cost to the party host and the organization sends everything he or she need to have a fun and successful party including: educational materials, Ugandan recipes, biographies of the beaders, African music CD, pricing, pre-paid return label, gift tags and our inspirational DVD.
Since her visit to Uganda, Chelsea has continued to be involved with BeadforLife in Colorado, raising awareness and encouraging others to host parties. My experience with BeadforLife in Colorado has been amazing. It's been great to work with so many wonderful people who care a lot about the empowerment of women and poverty eradication” says Chelsea.
She also loves getting people involved in wanting to alleviate poverty around the world and informing them about the political turmoil that has been happening in Northern Uganda for the past 20 years.
The turmoil began in 1971 when Idi Amin seized power over Uganda ruling the country with military force for the next decade. Amin’s rule cost an estimated 300,000 Ugandans’ lives and devastated the economy. Yoweri Musevini is the current president of the African nation and has been in power since 1986. Since Musevini came into office, respect for human rights in Uganda had advanced significantly, but there is still conflict in the country, especially in the North due to opposing military forces. The number of internally displaced persons is estimated at 1.4 million. Torture and attacks on political freedom are still occurring.
Because of this, organizations such as BeadforLife have come to aid citizens of Uganda. BeadforLife is unique because the organization strives to teach the beaders how to work their way out of poverty forever. They focus on community development as opposed to other charity associations which help Ugandans with clothing, food and other necessities, but doesn’t teach them how to rebuild their lives and survive on their own.
Chelsea’s most memorable day from her trip to Uganda was visiting a village that BeadforLife completed for over 70 of the women. “I met around 10 of the beaders and each one invited me into their home, gave me some sort of a beaded present, and wanted to show all they had achieved because of BeadforLife. Not only were they thankful, but they were proud. I got to meet everyone from a paper cutter to a group leader. Each person has their own job that some how goes into the process of making the beads, and each person's life has become exponentially better since they've joined the team.”
Learning how the organization was making a difference in these women’s lives and seeing the smiles on their faces when they talked about BeadforLife was inspiring to Chelsea to stay committed to the cause.
Her experience with BeadforLife has been incredibly inspiring. Chelsea’s favorite thing is walking around the University of Colorado campus and being able to say "Hey, nice beads" and knowing she’s made a difference.
-30-
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Dogs are a girls' best friend
Megan Keany
November 25, 2008
Dogs are a girls’ best friend
There is a saying that dog is man’s best friend, and Shanah Fahey is a true believer of that.
When Shanah was 20 years old, she was visiting her friend Brittany in Richmond for a weekend of summer fun. She had really wanted a puppy and when she found out she was living in an apartment for her junior year of college, she had an even bigger motive.
“I’m a very impulsive person. When I say I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it… which can be good and can be bad,” says Shanah.
With her long blonde hair and acrylic nails, Shanah looks like she belongs in Los Angeles at the Playboy Mansion, but she is actually aspiring to go to law school and currently has a job working for a senator in Virginia.
Shanah is a charitable person and always helps others in need, so it is no surprise that she went to the SPCA in Richmond to look for a dog to adopt. Her childhood friend Brittany joined her on the search. As they walked through the putrid hallways lined with cages they saw many dogs, looking miserable as if they were in an orphanage or jail.
The animal shelter was deafening from the loud barks of the dogs. “You just feel so bad for them and their living conditions. My heart ached for all of them and I wish that I could’ve taken all the animals home that day,” Shanah recalls.
She could only choose one dog and when Shanah got to Adyson’s cage, she remembers her sweet eyes and beautiful golden coat. Adyson was 3 months old and in Shanah’s opinion, the cutest dog in the shelter.
“It was love at first sight,” Shanah says.
Although she had wanted a dog, buying Adyson was a spur of the moment thing. “My mom and dad weren’t very happy and cut me of financially for a few weeks,” Shanah says.
Now, 3 years later Shanah’s parents love the 60 pound German Shepard, lab mix and refer to her as their “grand-dog.” Shanah believes that if Adyson could speak she would call them “Mimi” and “Popi.”
Shanah’s parents not only love Adyson, but are grateful because the dog saved Shanah and her boyfriends’ lives last year from a fire.
On October 8, 2007 Shanah was living in an apartment with her boyfriend James and Adyson when at 4:30 a.m. the dog jumped on the bed and woke the couple up.
“It was very unusual because Adyson was potty-trained and I wondered what she could possibly want so early in the morning,” Shanah says of the incident.
Shanah tried to quiet Adyson but to no avail. She walked from the bedroom into the living room and saw that their sliding glass door which connected to a porch was glowing an eerie orange and red color.
“My stomach dropped and I ran in the room to get my boyfriend James,” Shanah says.
The couple and Adyson exited the apartment just in time. Moments after they got out, the glass door imploded and their apartment burned to the ground. The couple lost everything.
Shanah and James feel as though Adyson had an instinct that something was wrong.
“She saved our lives,” Shanah says.
If Adyson hadn’t woken Shanah and James on that early fall morning, who knows what would’ve happened. “It was scary because the fire started on the porch outside, so no alarms went off,” Shanah says.
Although Shanah used to have nightmares from the fire and slept with a nightlight, she isn’t scared anymore, but says that Adyson is.
“My sister lit a candle the other day you could tell Adyson was nervous. It is so sad because she is so innocent and doesn’t know.”
The bond between Adyson and Shanah has become closer because of the fire and Shanah says her favorite part of having Adyson, who she commonly refers to as “Addypoo,” is that she loves her unconditionally and sleeps with her at night which makes Shanah feel safe.
Whenever Shanah is sad, Adyson will sit on her lap and lick her face.
“She is my best friend. I tell her everything and she tells me everything too, like when she warned me about the fire. I am so glad to have Adyson in my life.”
-30-
November 25, 2008
Dogs are a girls’ best friend
There is a saying that dog is man’s best friend, and Shanah Fahey is a true believer of that.
When Shanah was 20 years old, she was visiting her friend Brittany in Richmond for a weekend of summer fun. She had really wanted a puppy and when she found out she was living in an apartment for her junior year of college, she had an even bigger motive.
“I’m a very impulsive person. When I say I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it… which can be good and can be bad,” says Shanah.
With her long blonde hair and acrylic nails, Shanah looks like she belongs in Los Angeles at the Playboy Mansion, but she is actually aspiring to go to law school and currently has a job working for a senator in Virginia.
Shanah is a charitable person and always helps others in need, so it is no surprise that she went to the SPCA in Richmond to look for a dog to adopt. Her childhood friend Brittany joined her on the search. As they walked through the putrid hallways lined with cages they saw many dogs, looking miserable as if they were in an orphanage or jail.
The animal shelter was deafening from the loud barks of the dogs. “You just feel so bad for them and their living conditions. My heart ached for all of them and I wish that I could’ve taken all the animals home that day,” Shanah recalls.
She could only choose one dog and when Shanah got to Adyson’s cage, she remembers her sweet eyes and beautiful golden coat. Adyson was 3 months old and in Shanah’s opinion, the cutest dog in the shelter.
“It was love at first sight,” Shanah says.
Although she had wanted a dog, buying Adyson was a spur of the moment thing. “My mom and dad weren’t very happy and cut me of financially for a few weeks,” Shanah says.
Now, 3 years later Shanah’s parents love the 60 pound German Shepard, lab mix and refer to her as their “grand-dog.” Shanah believes that if Adyson could speak she would call them “Mimi” and “Popi.”
Shanah’s parents not only love Adyson, but are grateful because the dog saved Shanah and her boyfriends’ lives last year from a fire.
On October 8, 2007 Shanah was living in an apartment with her boyfriend James and Adyson when at 4:30 a.m. the dog jumped on the bed and woke the couple up.
“It was very unusual because Adyson was potty-trained and I wondered what she could possibly want so early in the morning,” Shanah says of the incident.
Shanah tried to quiet Adyson but to no avail. She walked from the bedroom into the living room and saw that their sliding glass door which connected to a porch was glowing an eerie orange and red color.
“My stomach dropped and I ran in the room to get my boyfriend James,” Shanah says.
The couple and Adyson exited the apartment just in time. Moments after they got out, the glass door imploded and their apartment burned to the ground. The couple lost everything.
Shanah and James feel as though Adyson had an instinct that something was wrong.
“She saved our lives,” Shanah says.
If Adyson hadn’t woken Shanah and James on that early fall morning, who knows what would’ve happened. “It was scary because the fire started on the porch outside, so no alarms went off,” Shanah says.
Although Shanah used to have nightmares from the fire and slept with a nightlight, she isn’t scared anymore, but says that Adyson is.
“My sister lit a candle the other day you could tell Adyson was nervous. It is so sad because she is so innocent and doesn’t know.”
The bond between Adyson and Shanah has become closer because of the fire and Shanah says her favorite part of having Adyson, who she commonly refers to as “Addypoo,” is that she loves her unconditionally and sleeps with her at night which makes Shanah feel safe.
Whenever Shanah is sad, Adyson will sit on her lap and lick her face.
“She is my best friend. I tell her everything and she tells me everything too, like when she warned me about the fire. I am so glad to have Adyson in my life.”
-30-
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Profile Story "Adyson and Shanah"
I was having internet connection difficulties at my house, but hopefully this time it will work...
Megan Keany
November 25, 2008
Adyson
There is a saying that dog is man’s best friend, and Shanah Fahey is a true believer of that.
When Shanah was 20 years old, she was visiting her friend Brittany in Richmond for a weekend of summer fun. She had really wanted a puppy and when she found out she was living in an apartment for her junior year of college, she had an even bigger motive.
“I’m a very impulsive person. When I say I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it… which can be good and can be bad,” says Shanah.
With her long blonde hair and acrylic nails, Shanah looks like she belongs in Los Angeles at the Playboy Mansion, but she is actually aspiring to go to law school and currently has a job working for a senator.
Shanah is a charitable person and always helps others in need, so it is no surprise that she went to the SPCA in Richmond to look for a dog to adopt. Her childhood friend Brittany joined her on the search. As they walked through the putrid hallways lined with cages they saw many dogs, looking miserable as if they were in an orphanage or jail.
The animal shelter was deafening from the loud barks of the dogs. “You just feel so bad for them and their living conditions. My heart ached for all of them and I wish that I could’ve taken all the animals home that day,” Shanah recalls.
She could only choose one dog and when Shanah got to Adyson’s cage, she remembers her sweet eyes and beautiful golden coat. Adyson was 3 months old and in Shanah’s opinion, the cutest dog in the shelter.
“It was love at first sight,” Shanah says.
Although she had wanted a dog, buying Adyson was a spur of the moment thing. “My mom and dad weren’t very happy and cut me of financially for a few weeks,” Shanah says.
Now, 3 years later Shanah’s parents love the 60 pound German Shepard, lab mix and refer to her as their “grand-dog.” Shanah believes that if Adyson could speak she would call them “Mimi” and “Popi.”
Shanah’s parents not only love Adyson, but are grateful because the dog saves Shanah and her boyfriends’ lives last year.
On October 8, 2007 Shanah was living in an apartment with her boyfriend James and Adyson when at 4:30 a.m. the dog jumped on the bed and woke the couple up.
“It was very unusual because Adyson was potty-trained and I wondered what she could possibly want so early in the morning,” Shanah recalls of the incident.
Shanah tried to quiet Adyson but to no avail. She walked from the bedroom into the living room and saw that their sliding glass door which connected to a porch was an eerie orange and red color all over.
“My stomach dropped and I ran in the room to get James,” Shanah says.
The couple and Adyson exited the apartment just in time. Moments after they got out, the glass door imploded and their apartment burned to the ground.
Shanah and James feel as though Adyson had an instinct that something was wrong.
“She saved our lives,” Shanah says.
If Adyson hadn’t woken Shanah and James on that early fall morning, who
Megan Keany
November 25, 2008
Adyson
There is a saying that dog is man’s best friend, and Shanah Fahey is a true believer of that.
When Shanah was 20 years old, she was visiting her friend Brittany in Richmond for a weekend of summer fun. She had really wanted a puppy and when she found out she was living in an apartment for her junior year of college, she had an even bigger motive.
“I’m a very impulsive person. When I say I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it… which can be good and can be bad,” says Shanah.
With her long blonde hair and acrylic nails, Shanah looks like she belongs in Los Angeles at the Playboy Mansion, but she is actually aspiring to go to law school and currently has a job working for a senator.
Shanah is a charitable person and always helps others in need, so it is no surprise that she went to the SPCA in Richmond to look for a dog to adopt. Her childhood friend Brittany joined her on the search. As they walked through the putrid hallways lined with cages they saw many dogs, looking miserable as if they were in an orphanage or jail.
The animal shelter was deafening from the loud barks of the dogs. “You just feel so bad for them and their living conditions. My heart ached for all of them and I wish that I could’ve taken all the animals home that day,” Shanah recalls.
She could only choose one dog and when Shanah got to Adyson’s cage, she remembers her sweet eyes and beautiful golden coat. Adyson was 3 months old and in Shanah’s opinion, the cutest dog in the shelter.
“It was love at first sight,” Shanah says.
Although she had wanted a dog, buying Adyson was a spur of the moment thing. “My mom and dad weren’t very happy and cut me of financially for a few weeks,” Shanah says.
Now, 3 years later Shanah’s parents love the 60 pound German Shepard, lab mix and refer to her as their “grand-dog.” Shanah believes that if Adyson could speak she would call them “Mimi” and “Popi.”
Shanah’s parents not only love Adyson, but are grateful because the dog saves Shanah and her boyfriends’ lives last year.
On October 8, 2007 Shanah was living in an apartment with her boyfriend James and Adyson when at 4:30 a.m. the dog jumped on the bed and woke the couple up.
“It was very unusual because Adyson was potty-trained and I wondered what she could possibly want so early in the morning,” Shanah recalls of the incident.
Shanah tried to quiet Adyson but to no avail. She walked from the bedroom into the living room and saw that their sliding glass door which connected to a porch was an eerie orange and red color all over.
“My stomach dropped and I ran in the room to get James,” Shanah says.
The couple and Adyson exited the apartment just in time. Moments after they got out, the glass door imploded and their apartment burned to the ground.
Shanah and James feel as though Adyson had an instinct that something was wrong.
“She saved our lives,” Shanah says.
If Adyson hadn’t woken Shanah and James on that early fall morning, who
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Profile and Final Story
For my profile story I interviewed Shanah Fahey who graduated last year from High Point University. I originally intended to write the article about the apartment fire she was in last year, but ended up getting very good information on her companionship with her dog, Adyson, and how the German Shepard mix got Shanah and her boyfriend out of the apartment before it was too late. Adyson has been with Shanah through many experiences such as the death of Shanah's mother a few weeks ago. Hopefully I will be able to accurately portray the relationship between Shanah and Adyson.
For the final story I will be writing about the Bead for Life organization. Their website is beadforlife.org
For the final story I will be writing about the Bead for Life organization. Their website is beadforlife.org
Sunday, November 16, 2008
First-Person and Performance Story
It was interesting to write a story in the first person, as I never had before. I also found it difficult to describe the scene and add enough detail. It was a learning experience and hopefully my article will be interesting to others.
I think it would be beneficial to be able to edit our articles when they are handed back. I find myself learning a lot from the comments, but would like the opportunity to fix my mistakes and have it reviewed again.
I have some ideas on who I would like to write about for the performance story, but am still looking for the most interesting person!
I think it would be beneficial to be able to edit our articles when they are handed back. I find myself learning a lot from the comments, but would like the opportunity to fix my mistakes and have it reviewed again.
I have some ideas on who I would like to write about for the performance story, but am still looking for the most interesting person!
Monday, November 10, 2008
First Person Story
For my next story I would like to write about how I am adopted. I think it is an interesting part of my life that many people like to ask me questions about. In particular I want to write about the day when I received a call from my birth mother when I was 18 and we talked for the first time in my life. Luckily, it is something that I remember very distinctly and remember a lot of details. It is a very personal experience and hopefully I can turn it into a good story that people will enjoy reading.
Death Story
Megan Keany
Dr. El-Tantawy
November 4, 2008
Death Story
“The only two jobs I’ve ever had are life guarding and working at a funeral home,” says Neil Whitaker, director of Sechrest Funeral Home in High Point, N.C.
What he likes about working in the death industry is the personal reward of helping families honor their loved ones and put them to rest. “I don’t want to just know about Mr. Smith, tell me about his hobbies, what did he do? I’m serving his family, but I want to know what I can do to make this tribute more personal to him,” Neil says. He feels that families appreciate that about Sechrest which is the oldest funeral home in High Point.
Neil encountered a personal experience himself a few years ago when he received a call that his friend Michael was dying. He was unaware that his friend was at the point of death until Michael’s wife called Neil to inform him. “Michael wants to talk to you. He has a special request and doesn’t think he can get it,” the wife told Neil. Michael’s wife told Neil to come see his friend. Neil asked if he could go to their home the next afternoon because he had a funeral service to oversee in the morning.
At 3:30 p.m. the next day, Neil arrived at Michael’s house. Michael had terminal cancer and was sitting on his reclining chair. The previous night, after Neil had talked to Michael’s wife, Michael was rushed to the hospital after having a major attack and could no longer speak. He could only acknowledge Neil by shaking his head. The end of Michael’s life was approaching.
Neil sat down next to his friend and said, “I understand you want some specific things.” Michael shook his head.
Neil asked, “Does your wife, Mary, know?” Michael shook his head.
“I’m going to step outside and talk to Mary,” Neil told him.
Neil went outside on this warm, fall day. The sun was shining as Mary told him her husband wanted a cowboy funeral.
“He what? As in cowboys?” Neil asked, confused.
Michael was a unique man. He raised championship mules, which to the average person are just mules, but to Michael were high dollar, world champion animals.
“I found out that one weekend every two months, there is a group of about 150 people from Virginia to Georgia who get together and bring their horses and go on camping trips on the trail. Attorneys, doctors, professionals, all part of this group.” Michael loved attending these camping trips.
The only type of cowboy funeral Neil knew in his mind was the ones he’s seen on T.V.
Mary told him that was exactly what Michael wanted. Michael was a petite man with a handle bar mustache that hung just below his chin.
Neil walked back into the house and told Michael he would take care of his requests. Michael stared at him.
“I’m not saying this just to appease you. I promise you I am going to take care of this, Mike.”
Michael looked over to his wife, Mary and she confirmed, “Neil will do it.”
Michael smiled at Neil as he stood up to leave. Neil returned to the funeral home.
When Neil walked through the glass doors of Sechrest Funeral Home his coworker told him to turn around and go back. Michael had died. “Within 30 minutes of me leaving him, he was dead,” Neil says.
Neil is a collector of old funeral memorabilia. He collects antique caskets and that sort of thing. He wanted to use an old wicker casket he had in his collection to put Michael’s body in, but instead they used a coffin they had at the funeral home that was a smooth, cherry wood. It was old-fashioned and the only way to view the body is to take the top completely off.
They dressed Michael in his western shirt and pants. “They embalmed him like that because that’s what they did in the olden days,” Neil says as he crosses his hands over his chest.
Neil put Michael’s boots on the bottom of the coffin and his cowboy hat on the top. Michael had been a Vietnam veteran and had a military funeral. Neil had a horse saddle strapped on top of the coffin to add another special touch.
They got to the cemetery which was in a rural area. They stopped the funeral coach about 3 quarters of a mile away from the main road to the church. They had a wagon with a buck board and Michael’s two championship mules attached to it.
“We took the coffin out of the coach and put it on the buck board and all of us walked to the gravesite,” Neil recalls.
As Neil speaks of Michael’s funeral, he seems calm, like he is remembering something he is proud of. “It was the right thing to do. It felt natural to do that for Mike,” he says.
At Sechrest Funeral Home, the staff works their hardest to ensure that every funeral is as personal as Michael’s. “It is not a 5 day a week job. It is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week occupation,” Neil says.
After 39 years of working with death, Neil still loves his job because he learns a lot about people. It is a personal and rewarding experience for him. “Not everyone is designed to be a funeral director just like not everyone is designed to be a mechanic or a clothing designer. It is what fit, what worked for me.”
Surely Michael is smiling down on Neil, grateful for Neil’s dedication and agreeing that this is where Neil is meant to be.
-30-
Dr. El-Tantawy
November 4, 2008
Death Story
“The only two jobs I’ve ever had are life guarding and working at a funeral home,” says Neil Whitaker, director of Sechrest Funeral Home in High Point, N.C.
What he likes about working in the death industry is the personal reward of helping families honor their loved ones and put them to rest. “I don’t want to just know about Mr. Smith, tell me about his hobbies, what did he do? I’m serving his family, but I want to know what I can do to make this tribute more personal to him,” Neil says. He feels that families appreciate that about Sechrest which is the oldest funeral home in High Point.
Neil encountered a personal experience himself a few years ago when he received a call that his friend Michael was dying. He was unaware that his friend was at the point of death until Michael’s wife called Neil to inform him. “Michael wants to talk to you. He has a special request and doesn’t think he can get it,” the wife told Neil. Michael’s wife told Neil to come see his friend. Neil asked if he could go to their home the next afternoon because he had a funeral service to oversee in the morning.
At 3:30 p.m. the next day, Neil arrived at Michael’s house. Michael had terminal cancer and was sitting on his reclining chair. The previous night, after Neil had talked to Michael’s wife, Michael was rushed to the hospital after having a major attack and could no longer speak. He could only acknowledge Neil by shaking his head. The end of Michael’s life was approaching.
Neil sat down next to his friend and said, “I understand you want some specific things.” Michael shook his head.
Neil asked, “Does your wife, Mary, know?” Michael shook his head.
“I’m going to step outside and talk to Mary,” Neil told him.
Neil went outside on this warm, fall day. The sun was shining as Mary told him her husband wanted a cowboy funeral.
“He what? As in cowboys?” Neil asked, confused.
Michael was a unique man. He raised championship mules, which to the average person are just mules, but to Michael were high dollar, world champion animals.
“I found out that one weekend every two months, there is a group of about 150 people from Virginia to Georgia who get together and bring their horses and go on camping trips on the trail. Attorneys, doctors, professionals, all part of this group.” Michael loved attending these camping trips.
The only type of cowboy funeral Neil knew in his mind was the ones he’s seen on T.V.
Mary told him that was exactly what Michael wanted. Michael was a petite man with a handle bar mustache that hung just below his chin.
Neil walked back into the house and told Michael he would take care of his requests. Michael stared at him.
“I’m not saying this just to appease you. I promise you I am going to take care of this, Mike.”
Michael looked over to his wife, Mary and she confirmed, “Neil will do it.”
Michael smiled at Neil as he stood up to leave. Neil returned to the funeral home.
When Neil walked through the glass doors of Sechrest Funeral Home his coworker told him to turn around and go back. Michael had died. “Within 30 minutes of me leaving him, he was dead,” Neil says.
Neil is a collector of old funeral memorabilia. He collects antique caskets and that sort of thing. He wanted to use an old wicker casket he had in his collection to put Michael’s body in, but instead they used a coffin they had at the funeral home that was a smooth, cherry wood. It was old-fashioned and the only way to view the body is to take the top completely off.
They dressed Michael in his western shirt and pants. “They embalmed him like that because that’s what they did in the olden days,” Neil says as he crosses his hands over his chest.
Neil put Michael’s boots on the bottom of the coffin and his cowboy hat on the top. Michael had been a Vietnam veteran and had a military funeral. Neil had a horse saddle strapped on top of the coffin to add another special touch.
They got to the cemetery which was in a rural area. They stopped the funeral coach about 3 quarters of a mile away from the main road to the church. They had a wagon with a buck board and Michael’s two championship mules attached to it.
“We took the coffin out of the coach and put it on the buck board and all of us walked to the gravesite,” Neil recalls.
As Neil speaks of Michael’s funeral, he seems calm, like he is remembering something he is proud of. “It was the right thing to do. It felt natural to do that for Mike,” he says.
At Sechrest Funeral Home, the staff works their hardest to ensure that every funeral is as personal as Michael’s. “It is not a 5 day a week job. It is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week occupation,” Neil says.
After 39 years of working with death, Neil still loves his job because he learns a lot about people. It is a personal and rewarding experience for him. “Not everyone is designed to be a funeral director just like not everyone is designed to be a mechanic or a clothing designer. It is what fit, what worked for me.”
Surely Michael is smiling down on Neil, grateful for Neil’s dedication and agreeing that this is where Neil is meant to be.
-30-
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Death Story
In my opinion, this story has been the most difficult, but also exciting and interesting. It was strange contacting a funeral home and the manager asked me to call the day I want to interview someone because in their field of work they never know when they will get business. It is also my first time interviewing someone and asking sensitive questions. I will be calling Neil, the manager of Sechrest Funeral home in the morning to find out when the best time is to come in. I have never been in a funeral home and am interested to see what it looks like and what the employees are like. You have to have a different outlook on life if you work with death everyday and I am fascinated to learn more.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Performance Story and description
I enjoyed class on Thursday because we got to practice for the performance story. At first I couldn't find anyone interesting to write about, but as I sat in Starbucks in Slane, I noticed some pretty interesting people. I wrote about a few different students in line for coffee until I noticed the person who was most interesting. The cleaning lady was mopping the floors and seemed like she was in her own world. Her appearance was interesting and I think I painted a picture for the reader.
I was disappointed in my grade for my article about Avon and thought I was adding enough description until I really thought about it and about the next assignment. I am becoming more aware of how important description is and hope to become a better writer and for my articles to improve.
I was disappointed in my grade for my article about Avon and thought I was adding enough description until I really thought about it and about the next assignment. I am becoming more aware of how important description is and hope to become a better writer and for my articles to improve.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Peer Editing and Performance Article
I really liked Bryan Rothamel's idea for us to edit each others articles before we turn them in. Critiquing the articles in class on the big screen was helpful, but it was sometimes difficult because I hadn't read the article and felt a little lost.
In other classes I have edited my classmates papers and think it works really well because it gives you a chance to learn from others mistakes, see their strengths and correct your own.
I am looking forward to writing the performance article because it is unlike any article I have ever written. I am glad we are practicing in class because as we talked about, it can probably be a little awkward to watch someone and hope they don't notice. I am looking forward to trying it out.
In other classes I have edited my classmates papers and think it works really well because it gives you a chance to learn from others mistakes, see their strengths and correct your own.
I am looking forward to writing the performance article because it is unlike any article I have ever written. I am glad we are practicing in class because as we talked about, it can probably be a little awkward to watch someone and hope they don't notice. I am looking forward to trying it out.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Continuing to work on the Destination Story
I am continuing to research and interview people for my article about Avon, NC. I have found interesting information about the Outer Banks ( Avon is located within) and how it is called the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" because there have been so many shipwrecks over the years. I have scheduled an interview tomorrow with a local man who owns a tackle shop and is very knowledgeable about fishing, tourists, etc. I also am waiting for a response from a real estate agent from Outer Beaches Reality. I am going to also interview a man who has been vacationing in Avon for the past 20 years. I think it will be interesting to see how Avon has changed over the years. I know that about 20 years ago there was only one stoplight in the whole town. Now there are chain stores such as Waves ( they sell beach bags, towels, etc.) and Subway restaurant. I hope this article will be interesting and successful!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Avon, North Carolina
For our destination story I chose Avon, NC. It is a small town in the Outer Banks that has become much more popular over the past ten years with tourism. Before then, there was only one stoplight in the entire town. It is a gorgeous, but small place that, for a long time, was a hidden treasure. I think it will be interesting to get an interview with someone who has been vacationing there for many years. I would also like to get the perspective of a local. Tomorrow I am going to try and contact someone who works at a fishing store, restaurant, a real estate agent, a park ranger or anyone I come along while doing my research. I look forward to finding out interesting information on Avon and relaying it in my article.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Journalism Problems
I had some trouble with my "stranger" story. I didn't realize we had to interview someone local and did a phone interview instead. While it was very interesting and Ever and I spoke to each other in both English and Spanish, I understand the need to conduct an in-person interview. Also, I had trouble with my secondary source. I asked a professor that I know well to answer some questions for me, but she never got back to me. She still hasn't. I am disappointed with how my story turned out. I think it could have been a lot better, but I have learned from my mistakes this time and hope that my next story will be more organized and interesting.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Learning about Feature Writing and preparing for "The Stranger" article
Although I have read many newspapers and feature stories, I never realized how many categories of feature writing there are. A feature story, I've learned, can basically be written about anything that has to do with human interest. The stories are much more interesting besides being factual. I am really looking forward to writing my first feature story on the stranger. I love learning about other cultures and traveling and have studied abroad in both Spain and Argentina. I know what it feels like to be an outsider and have people look at you and think about you differently. I am excited to interview someone who feels this way in the United States. The U.S. is a place where many people come for jobs and a better life. Many people look at the U.S. as a land of opportunity an it will be interesting to see it from their perspective.
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