No easy feat being a journo
WHEN I first submitted my application for the BRATs young journalist camp, I imagined journalism to be simplistic and straightforward – interviewing people and replicating the information offered in the form of an article.
However, within the first hour of taking part in the four-day camp last August, I realised how utterly wrong my perception of journalism was.
In reality, the people responsible for those well-written pieces are meticulous, hardworking journalists who have to be constantly active, both physically and mentally, in order to extract newsworthy information that caters to their readers’ interest.
Throughout the BRATs camp held in Awana Hotel in Genting Highlands, all 22 of us budding journalists were kept on our toes.
We were given thought-provoking field assignments and expected to adhere to strict guidelines and rules while writing articles and editing videos. We were also expected to meet tight deadlines, just as in the real world.
The most challenging factor for us was obtaining newsworthy information through interviews and compiling them into an article that was carefully examined.
Thankfully, we had the support of each other throughout the exciting adventure.
From brainstorming ideas late into the night for an article due the next morning, to stuffing ourselves with sweets and caffeine as an effort to stay awake, we established strong bonds of friendship between us.
Among our assignments included those that enabled us to connect with nature. My team – Team Hansel – trekked into the jungle where we spotted frogs, snakes and geckos – creatures I wouldn’t normally venture close to!
Other assignments we carried out gave us the opportunity to gain insights into the inner workings of various sectors within the hospitality industry such as hotel housekeeping.
The camp was the closest I’ve come to the world of journalism thus far. It has given me a better understanding of what to expect in the future, if I intend to take this career path.
Be it staying awake at unusual hours to meeting strict deadlines or breaking a sweat from playing out an interview scenario and anticipating possible outcomes from interviewees’ responses, it made me realise that being in the news industry is no mean feat.
Thanks to the guidance of mentors from The Star’s award-winning R.AGE team, I believe my interviewing, writing and video-editing skills have improved tremendously.
Now, there’s no way I can read an article without scrutinising its news value and appreciating the hard work put in by the writer!
Overall, I learnt that journalism is not as easy as many perceive it to be. It certainly is a blessing to be able to go through such an intense yet fun-filled experience. Now, it is up to us to take what we have learnt and use it wisely.
For more articles written by participants of the BRATs camp, grab a copy of The Star’s Newspaper- in-Education (NiE) pullout this Wednesday. To subscribe, call the toll free number 1-300-88-7827 (Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm). NiE is published on Wednesdays and available only through subscriptions of The Star. For more information on the BRATs programme, go to rage.