The Struggles of 2020 becomes Normalized.

Everyone was so ready to start this new year and live life for a better purpose. Little did we all know that continuous deaths, a deadly sickness, and injustice protest was going to be taking over all year. I’ve been trying to hold on to the last bit of my black hair as my stress levels from work, school work, and extra activities have made my life a tad bit hectic. 

WHAT HAS BEEN MY BIGGEST TEST SINCE THE PANDEMIC? 

Ever since the Coronavirus outbreak, I find myself  in a static position. I have been delayed on purchasing my first apartment; that I was suppose to be living in by early June. As you all can see it’s well past August and we are pushing through September. I can’t take living in a place that already has very little to do and places to go, to being a town of nothing to do at all. 

Students finding it hard to adapt to online school

The place that I’m working at doesn’t pay as much, but enough to barely get by; is making it very hard to save money. I’ve tried to hold off on buying certain thing like types of food, clothing, yet, I need these thing plus more. 

It like I’m pulling a piece of cotton candy, instead of it pulling apart to make a new piece; it just pops right back to the shape it use to be. I'M NOT GETTING ANYWHERE. 

When it come to school work, I planned to be very engaged and ahead. As of today, I can honestly say that my brain is not as focused. I’m so use to being on campus and being hands on; it’s hard for me to keep that working mindset when working from home. I’m too comfortable. 

On top of that, professors are not following the normal schedules, but expect us to go along like we do not have jobs and things to do just as much as they do. All of the zoom meetings are a waste of time because of technical difficulties and like I’ve said before (about not following the time based on our normal class schedule) the new procedures are conflicting with homework time and work as well. 

Student are shown to lose attention span quicker 

No offense to all teachers, but the phrase “ I’ve got my degree you just need to get yours” is no longer an excuse at this point. Students, especially college students are  trying to get their education, work so they won’t be too much of a burden to parents, all while trying to get a good start in the field they have spent their time and money on; all while in a pandemic. What is funny is that it's making it hard to do so because of “social distancing”. 

Teachers have a their job! Not saying that it’s their dream job, but they have a job that they have experience in. Read between the words if it doesn’t make sense because it will. Yes, some task may not be assigned during these times, but how is it affecting the teachers? It’s not, it’s affecting the students. NO ONE THINKS ABOUT THAT. I could go into more details, it’s just that I want people sit and think about it themselves. 

THE REMAKE OF HISTORY IS REMADE AT THE RIGHT TIME? 

As all may know of the death of George Floyd ;if not I will post a link. Floyd was killed while being arrested in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He left behind close family including his five children. 

I can't breath

The united states went into an uproar over the situation. It was almost as if the black community really had enough and wanted to be heard. America broke out with a mass amount of protest across the map; even international countries were join by protesting. 

In my opinion I was all for the protesting, looting all of that. Not just because of the fact that I’m tired of the racial profiling, but because I have the understanding that the black community has been fight for almost two centuries and change. 

It’s getting old. We didn’t ask to be here, just to be killed of because if our features and skin color. I’m sorry whites are can’t think of themselves so they steal our culture. It really pissed me off we can’t have anything yet we are the one making the country generate. 

#BLACKLIVESMATTER

 If the United States keep killing us then I would love to watch   over and seen how the country will operating. My heart is   heavy for all of the men and women killed by police. It hurts       to know they could not live his or her life like everybody else. 

I'm sick of America! I have my doubts of making it into the the journalistic field because I'm dark skin and not light skin. I've grown up being racially profiled by teachers and co-workers ,but I'm still pushing. People are dying left to right and the American citizen are pushing for justice before there is no more people to fight. I would hate to have my kids be brought into this world knowing this is what it looks like. 

How much of a lead are you in?

HOW CAN YOU CHANGE UP THE LEAD OF                                 THINGS?

Not taking charge of that sort but to actually change the lead of a stories ten different ways. Below I have two news leads, one from an entertainment story and another from a political news story. What I want to show you guys is how many different leads there are and how to write them based on the stories that I picked. 

Headline: "Four Years Later, Trump Still Portrays America as an Under Siege"

1. Hard News Lead

President Trump tracks ways on how America is the problem and will do nothing until the people realizes. 

2. Anecdote Lead

Elected in 2016, Trump made promises to "Make America Great Again" after claiming that former president Barack Obama, has put America in a deep hole. However, the year is now 2020 and the United States are going through a rollercoaster of economic failures, presidential lies, and a deadly sickness. Yet, Trump claims he the only one to end the mishap affairs in America IF elected in November. 

3. Descriptive Lead

A mother who can no longer provide for her children; for she is is with no job. Another citizen dead from infection of the coronavirus. President Trump is not worried when he schedules presidential rallys across the country. Aslo, makes investment with "Goya Beans"

  

Does trump care about America?

4. Quotation Lead

"The more chaos and anarchy and vandalism and violence reigns, the better it is for the very clear choice on who's best on public safety and law and order". 

White House Counselor, Kellyanne Conway claims that Trump is just stalling because of the low numbers of Trump supporter here in America.

5. Question Lead  

"Is President Trump refusing to see the issues of the American Society"? 

6.Suspenseful Lead

Donald Trump sits high on the president throne watching America cry out in the need of help. Trump refuses to move if the there is no love and support given to him. This may be the end of a free America. 

7.Ironic Lead

Promises were given that focused on the needs of the United States. Low taxes rate, who would pass up that? It's funny how those promises were never given, but constant death, riots and protests, and racial conflict came in like it was granted an invitation. 

8. Direct Lead

Who you view on television does not portray themselves behind closed doors. A good start, equals your vote.

9.Words used in unusual way

Trump wants to make America Great Again? When does that happen? Is it after he's out of office?

A Mother Seeks Approval From Husbands Parents.

1. Hard News Lead

A mother wants to live under parent for the help of raising her son along with her husband. 

2. Anecdote Lead

A young married mother seeks parent approval when it comes to her parenting. To keep all graces calm Christen Madrazo, continues to live with parents until she feel that she can live without parental advice. 

3.Description Lead

My son cry at the top of his little lungs, long fights with my husband. When will it end? I just can not leave my parents. They've done so much for me there is no way I can move out. 

4. Quotation Lead

"I imagine this is not terribly attractive" 

Christen Madrazo messages that her choice of living is causing most of the verbal conflict between her and her husband. 

5. Question Lead

Is this a good way to start off building a family? 

6. Suspenseful Lead

Being independent is very hard without guidance. Current mother makes moves to mend something that may be guidance, but destroys what is most important. FAMILY!

7. Ironic Lead

The thoughts of nutrition is suppose to be bright; NOT hard and untamable. Why is that? 

8. Direct Speech 

You as a mother would want wis best for you and your children. Don't make it a habit to living in the shadows of someone else.

9. Words used in unusual way 

A parents opinion is not always needed in every situation . 

 TIC TOC ENHANCES THE DREAMS OF A                           SMALL TOWN GIRL 

          This teenager is going places as she takes on the world of Tic Tok. Jalah Cash was born and raised in the town of Cheraw, South carolina. She says she loves to dance and cheer, however, dancing is her gate way to avoid trouble. Jalah has already had a few dancing gigs at local birthday parties and participated in a variety of school talent showcases. 

Aside from dancing Jalah finds herself loving to cook and go walking with her mother.

 

"I love to spend quality time with my mom and dad, whenever I have the chance to" 

Cash calls herself going dirt bike riding and horseback riding with her dad from time to time. 

Cash hopes that her Tic Tok dancing can improve and someday she will become a professional social media dancer. I've had the chance to speak to some of Cash's friends and family and they all had great thing to say. Check it out :

" Jalah is always trying to teach me some new challenge on Tic Tok. So far I have not gain the muscle strength to do most of the challenges" Steph Cash, Jalah's mother, shared with me her many attempts to keep up with her daughter. 

" Me and my bestie love making and doing challenges on Tic Tok, our favorite is the "Renegade". Jalah's friend, Sha'Mya tells me that her best friend never shared a dull moment; especially investing their time into TicToc.

If you would like to see some of her video go and check out Jalah"s account @thegoat_jalah on Tic Tok. You might see some familiar faces. 

 

911 Report

911 Call Report

Little Girls Saves Mother's life With just One Phone Call 

     6 year-old Laura Burke calls police saying that some harm was being brought onto her mother. It has been clarified that the mother has been raped by a neighbor who goes by the name of Andrew Caspinwall. It has been said that the father and husband of the household was not around during the time of the incident; which just leave Mrs. Burke and their daughter, Laura. 

   

   "Somebody's hurting my mommy" laura tells the dispatcher on the other end of the line.

The dispatcher seemed to be very calm with Laura during this call; understanding that she was only 6- years-old.  

    "Your doing a good job, Laura", says the dispatcher. 

   Soon the police were able to locate Mr. Burke and bring him to the scene to propose safety for his daughter and wife.  They did arrive while the call was still in progress. This resulted into them preventing anymore damage towards the mother. However, it appears that towards the end of the emergency call Laura was unresponsive.

     

      "Laura? Hello? Are you there?....", The dispatcher tried to contact her over the phone, but there was no answer. 

      

     Officials say that some harm may have been  done to 6 year-old,Laura, but fail to have an update. 

Police are still investigating for further details. Yet, Caspinwall, 24, is being taken into custody with a bail of 250,00 dollars. 

Newspaper page layout

Today, is a demonstration kind of day. Below is a 3 page layout I have created. This lay out is great to use when writing for a magazine, newspaper, or even a blog.

Here is the final product of my Newspaper layout.

While doing this project, I found out that it is hard to understand exactly what has to go on the front page. I was unsure of exactly how everything was going to come out, but I'm very proud of my work. Hopefully this will help others learn the proper way of making a newspaper layout.

The Ray Around Arabia Green

The Ray Around Arabia Green

As everyone knows, the new procedures for the COVID-19 are very hard to follow. People are out of work, students are no longer in school. However, each victim is finding ways to adjust to the new lifestyle. 

Student. Arabia Green, is a senior at South Carolina State University, and is a proud native of Charleston. SC. She is also studying journalism. Green was willing to share her thoughts about the Coronavirus outbreak. 

Arabia Green

                                    Do you feel as if people are not taking this virus seriously? 

“People are not taking it seriously. To be honest I wasn’t taking it seriously”.  

  

It has been broadcasted that the local and national governments are worried that the virus will spread more. This is due to the fact that people are not practicing social distancing. 

 

Green goes on to say “I think it’s mostly young people who are neglecting to truly take precautions because they have that childish mindset that nothing will effect them. So, they go out doing their usual activities without thinking of who they may harm as a result of that”.

The streets of Charleston
during the quarantine 

In what ways has the Coronavirus effect you?

“ Next fall will be my last semester. So, I was a bit irritated that my second to last was cut so short. It was difficult to just up and pack all my stuff out of nowhere and move out my room after spring break. When initially we were all expecting to return after the break was over. Some friends of mine are graduating and live far distance so we didn’t even get the proper goodbye etc.

She also explained to me that her vacation plan were now canceled and the only thing she has left to hold on to is her upcoming birthday in June. Hopefully the virus clears up by then. 

(I guess shoutout to all of the Gemini’s even though the Scorpios is the ruler of all) 

Before social distancing

Exactly what are you doing to pass time when your not busy; knowing you are limited places to go? 

 “Mostly sleeping and eating . Finishing assignments before it’s due and if I get too bored, I would drive to my sisters house in North Charleston”.

I my was a pleasure speaking with Miss Green while locked away in my own home as well. If you would like to be further connected with Arabia Green,  please do visit he blog. 

LinkArabia Green’s blog 

Coronavirus

What is the world coming to?

As you all may know there has been a wide mass spread of the Coronavirus here in the United States. So far the carolinas are being hit with this virus pretty hard. Being that I stay in the North Carolina area, the virus has become a hassle to my everyday routine. I have come accustomed to staying in the house all day and die from boredom. Sometimes I would make time to go outside and hang with some friends, but the interaction don't last long.

The only thing I wish would stop would have to be the PANIC SHOPPING. People are going crazy trying to gather food and supplies for their homes. As I roam the streets I Have taken notice that a lot of stores and restaurants have close. 

Aside from all of that, gas prices have went down extremely due to the fact that a lot of people are staying indoors. Me however, I've been going out just about everyday trying to make sure everything is running smoothly now that I'm limited access to different things. 

Another major blow to America, is the lack of social commerce though everyone. Not that it is everybody's intention to be rude or standoffish, but that is the vibe I'm getting from everyone that I have encountered. My social circle still stands the same, however, when it come to interactions I'm sanitizing my hand and wiping down my area every five minutes. 

In relations to my collegiate studies, I must say it is kind of hard to keep up with the assignments for the classes that were not made to be hybrid. I've noticed that there has been a slight drop in my grades. I'm not as alert as I would be if I were to be on campus. I figured that the reason for this would be that I still feel like I'm on spring break still. 

Overall I will have to say with the temporary changes, everything is still accessible and it manageable.