Understanding the full catastrophe in Haiti after their 7.0 earthquake and aftershocks is actually quite difficult via controlled and edited media. Everything we read, hear, and learn about is governed through filters in broadcast control. Not only are numerous sightings too graphic for network television, but there is also the fact that the news we receive is heavily delayed by communication and post-production.
I’m trying to discover the career path I want to follow in life. I sometimes doubt my interest in news, broadcasting, and technology. But then a horrible event like Hurricane Katrina, the 2004 Indonesian Tsunami, and most recently the Haitian catastrophe cause me to reconsider my stance. It is times like these that I so badly want to be part of a major news team and travel to these countries – experience and immerse myself in all that is happening, and be able to compel emotions, feelings, and visuals through writing, photography, and even technology. For example, right now I would really like it if I wasn’t in college and was working with a news organization and had the chance to cover the events in Haiti. I want to help people, but I am no doctor, no relief worker, no medical student, no bringer of peace. But what I can do is utilize my skills in what I know best to compel those who view my work to donate money for organizations, and perhaps even inspire others to follow my same path.
This has actually just occurred to me. I had a brief conversation on Twitter with @BrianBarker, an ex-KATU’er, now Public Information Officer for TVF&R. He explained to me how he convinced KATU to send him to New Orleans after the Hurrican Katrina disaster in 2006. He commented on the bodies he saw laying around the streets, the horrible things he has seen, and the experienced that was life-changing. His story is what has inspired me to keep following my love for journalism. I don’t want to grow up to be a reporter, a director, or some script writer… Maybe something regarding new media communications… Yet in fact, I do not know what I want to do, but if events like these tug at my heart to be there and capture the mood and details, I know something is there for me to pursue.
Help victims of the Haitian Earthquake disaster… click on the SocialVibe widget to the right of this page. There is no sign-up necessary, and all you have to do is answer questions and complete basic activities.
You can also aid those in Haiti by text messaging “Give10″ to 20222. This will add $10 to your wireless account bill and will be donated to services in need of funding, but keep in mind that this monetary support can take up to 90 days for organizations to receive and process. Donating online is the quickest way to expedite support to the Haiti disaster response and recovery, but keep your eyes out for cyber-scammers looking to steal your money. The best route to take is locating donation websites via major news sources such as your local television stations or network channels like CNN, FOX, ABC, or through trusted re-tweets on Twitter.
