The whole point of going to the Connecticut School of Broadcasting (CSB) is to learn by doing. This means that we learn how to use all the equipment in staged situations inside the classroom. However, this also means that since CSB is well known in the community we get calls regarding news tips and the teachers send students out to get raw footage of the event as it occurs. Today, one such event unfolded while we were in class working on our final projects. We received a call that someone had jumped off a bridge less than a mile from the school. The teachers asked for at least 2 people to go and tape some footage of the scene. I did not want to go but I also did not want it to look bad that I was unwilling to go. Would it jeopardize me being recommended for a job because I hesitated to go? I didn't go...I just couldn't handle a scene like that. I mean, my stomach just dropped at the words that someone jumped. I don't know if I was more surprised that hardly anyone volunteered or that 2 people actually did volunteer. So, the 2 volunteers grabbed a camera and headed down the road. When they returned they shared their stories and then we had to watch the footage of the scene. I didn't want to. It was pretty graphic and it was real. It wasn't a movie, it happened less than a mile away. The way the teacher was talking about the camera work, how he should have gotten a different angle on this shot or the lighting was wrong on that shot, like it was all staged. The teacher has been a camera man for a long time and I'm sure as a reporter or camera man you have to have a thick skin to handle situations like that. I just don't think I want to be that thick-skinned. I mean, a man was so hopeless that he felt he had no other choice but to end his life. I can't imagine that. And now his family has to hurt and grieve. I don't know the reasons why the other students didn't volunteer to go. I'm just wondering if my instructors will tell me I'm too sensitive for this business. I think if I ever lose my sensitivity, that's the time to get out. Just give me the stories about the kitten being rescued from a tree.
*Side note: Some of you have asked about the Andy Phillips interview and other things. I will update you on that in my next blog.*
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9 comments:
Hi Shavonne,
I don't blame you one bit for not going. I'm assuming that your future in broadcasting will be filled with tough decisions like this. In one way, it's a good thing to have been confronted with this situation now...while you're in school. That's what school is - a testing ground. It's where you find out what your strengths and weaknesses are, what you want to retain, what you want to get rid of, and what direction you want to go in. Your passion has always been sports (baseball in particular). You don't have to be the person to cover the tragic and dangerous scenes. There are plenty of others out there who can and will do this stuff. You stick to your kittens. :)
Hi Shavonne,
I think you are on the right track about things like this and especially the part about how, if you ever loose your sensitivity it will be time to get out of the business. In our day, people are calloused toward violence, death, destruction and tragedy; and so, the implications and aftermath of this suicide is lost in the hype. Your classmates might not have wanted to go but went because they now look better to the instructor than the others who did not volunteer; and the instructor looked beyond the event to the technicalities of filming. One might say that this event resulted in each of their consciences becoming a bit more hardened.
You on the other hand, along with all who did not volunteer were repulsed by the event as anyone with compassion would be; and by choosing not to go, you preserved your conscience; and a conscience is a terrible thing to waste.
The two who filmed the event may receive a better grade for their choice from the instructor; but you receive a better reward from the greater instructor-Jesus-who you serve for making the right moral choice. And in the end, who comes out on top? The ones who gain the best human grades after forfeiting their consciences or the ones who, with intact consciences live life with soft hearts, and the ability to 'mourn with those who mourn'?
I think Jesus would say 'The latter, for sure.'
Grace and Peace...
Mike B
Hey Shavonne! That's pretty terrible. But one thing we have to remember is that we ARE human and God gives us emmotions and sensitivity for a reason. Don't think that you are weak because of it. Well I hope that all is going well! Thanx for the comment. =) God Bless!
Hi hon,
I'm proud of you!! Praise God you are who you are and that you are because He lives in you. It's society that tells us this is ok but when you live for Christ and walk with Him daily He is your guide. Follow Him and you will make it!!! I love reading your stories and look forward to all your updates. Take care love...
Ginny
Hey , girl I check this daily (favorite) that is next to tools still wondering about Andy ,well for the Jump people , film them like their naked ( lol ) .... this happens everyday .... your a gifted woman keep your head up cuz your the BEST.........UNCLE B...... you go........
Dear Shavonne,
I applaud your decision and your kind heart. As I am sure you know, God is working in your life and teaching you with situations such as this one. This is a way for you to decide if this is your future and/or what part of broadcasting you will be involved in. I am not sure how I would have reacted in a similar situation. We see so much violence in both real life and fiction, I hope you never become immune to the sadness of it. Ps 116:1-2 "I love the LORD, because He has heard My voice and my supplications. 2)Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live." Just keep calling on our God you loves and protects you. Blessings, Jann
Well, you can come to San Diego and report on whales giving birth at Sea World. Or maybe you can do documentaries on local surfers. I believe there is a market for that plus you would meet a lot of guys. Gratuitous violence is a FOX news thing and certainly does not appeal to everyone.
Jason
hey, Shavonne,
It's good to catch up with you. hang in there, sometimes you have to make hard choices based on princple or faith, but I believe god always honors you when you stand( lovingly) on your comvictions. I wish you well!
God Bless,
Steve Lively
Friend and fellow manager
hey, Shavonne,
It's good to catch up with you. hang in there, sometimes you have to make hard choices based on princple or faith, but I believe god always honors you when you stand( lovingly) on your comvictions. I wish you well!
God Bless,
Steve Lively
Friend and fellow manager
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