Best journey of her life
LAST February, I had just taken part in Sports’ Day activities when my English teacher, Ms Rosyada, handed me a page she had pulled out from a copy of The Star. It was a call-out for teenagers to join the BRATs Young Journalist Programme.
The page had a photograph of happy, smiling teenagers on it. Judging by the T-shirts they were wearing, they were members of the BRATs family.
Fast forward nine months later and here I am: a proud member of the ever-growing family.
The things I have achieved over the past few months through BRATs have been unbelievable.
I have been featured in the newspaper multiple times and even had my byline printed in Sunday Star twice in a month! I have learnt every aspect of journalism from the masters of the trade, met amazing people, seen new places, and gained so much experience – remarkably at just the age of 16.
Being a part of the BRATs programme has been a rollercoaster ride and quite frankly, it has shaped up to be the best journey of my life.
If you were to ask me about the best decision I have ever made, in a heartbeat, I would answer: signing up for BRATs.
Honestly, I didn’t think about what was in store for me when I was signing up. I simply submitted my details along with the required essay.
Little did I know, the essay would change my life! I jumped for joy when I got the e-mail notifying that I had been accepted into the programme.
I prepped myself for the March camp in Genting Highlands. I knew I had landed an opportunity that mustn’t be missed.
On the morning of the first day, all the BRATs camp participants walked into the function room in Awana Hotel. We hit it off with each other right away, and that scene set the stage for the whole camp.
Over the course of four days, we were taught the basics of modern journalism. Through workshops, we learnt the dos and don’ts of writing, videography, photo-taking and conducting interviews.
We were given exciting hands-on assignments, too. My team, dubbed Team Claire, were tasked with covering Genting’s new “fashion forest”. We also interviewed butlers who have served VIP clients, including royalty and presidents, at the Genting Grand and Crockfords Maxims hotel suites.
We learnt the value of teamwork, leadership and good work ethics. Time management was crucial, as we only had a day to produce an article, a slideshow and a video-documentary.
We divided the projects and stayed up till the wee hours to get the work done. It was intense but our efforts paid off.
The camp was a wonderful bonding time for the participants and the helpful and friendly facilitators. To this day, I refer to this group as my second family. I have also made some of my best friends here.
When the camp came to an end, my journo journey was far from over. Being a BRAT opens many doors.
After the camp, I continued as a writer for the BRATs section of The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (NiE) pullout. It is a platform for BRATs writers to publish their articles.
I contributed as often as possible. When we were given assignments, I made sure I gave 101% to my work. I got to do interview pieces and reflective articles that allowed me to polish all the skills I had picked up from the camp.
Seeing my articles in print never failed to put me on cloud nine, as I began to establish myself as a young journalist.
Recently, I had a chance to go on an all-expenses-paid weekend trip to Genting Highlands with several other BRATs participants. We got to enhance our photography skills at the workshop, and had a blast exploring the highlands again. I’m grateful for being a part of this amazing family.
Growing up, I knew I had a knack for telling other people’s stories. BRATs has played a major role in helping me grow in that regard.
Each BRAT can say he has a promising career ahead of him. I’m filled to the brim with BRATs pride. I’m confident we will be the successors of today’s media community.
Star- NiE is looking for teenagers (aged between 14 and 19 in 2018) to be part of our 2018 BRATs Young Journalist Programme.
Throughout the year-long programme, participants will experience life as a journalist, contributing ideas, conducting interviews, and completing writing assignments.
Active participants will earn a certificate of participation at the end of the year. Top performers will win a coveted internship spot with The Star at the end of the programme.
To apply, send a 500-word self-description that screams “Pick Me!” to brats@thestar.com.my before Nov 30 with a snazzy photograph that best reflects your life. Title your e-mail “I’m a BRATs Young Journalist!”.
Articles written by BRATs participants are published in The Star’s Newspaper-inEducation (NiE) pullout on Wednesdays. It is available only through school subscriptions. For more information on Star-NiE’s BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.