Not only has the past week been chaotic, it has also been emotionally draining. Last night when I learned about the death of bin Laden, I honestly did not know how to react. After dealing with all the tornado damage back home and with all my friends in Tuscaloosa, I seriously did not think anything else could come from this week. But it did. And it was the most epic news our country has heard in ten years--since the 9/11 attacks.
Over the past week, I have felt and actually seen a sense of patriotism like never before. With the April 27th tornadoes being titled as a "federal state of emergency,"I have seen not only our state, but our country come together and unite in the mist of hard times. Our country prides itself on patriotism, but to see that patriotism and unity right here in my own backyard is really incredible.
Saturday I was fortunate enough to serve as a photographer for the Christian Service Mission. I was sent out into North Birmingham to capture the destruction and work going on in the area. Seeing power trucks from Michigan, Illinois, and North Carolina warmed my heart. To see people from thousands of miles away here in my home state helping out made me so grateful and appreciative. I also had the chance to go home to Walker County to document. Seeing everyone come together to serve put things in a whole new perspective. I can honestly say I have never been more proud of my state and fellow Alabamians. With all the constant battles over football and politics, it was so nice to see us all working together and sacrificing our time and possessions for our neighbors. This week was a perfect depiction on "Sweet Home Alabama."
And last night, I was able to go see my favorite band play at Workplay. Right in the middle of the performance, it was announced that Osama bin Laden was killed. An overwhelming feeling of patriotism swooped through the venue. Immediately afterwards, the sound guy turned Obama's speech on for all to hear. We all ran to the sound booth and crowded around the small television screen. Even the band rushed over, and I got chills as I witnessed a group of Americans crowding around a 12-inch TV screen watching the biggest news in ten years. It was definitely an unforgettable moment. Just like September 11th, 2001, where I found myself watching the news in my 5th grade classroom, complete naive to what was going on. And there I was, ten years later, experiencing the most powerful sense of patriotism after an exhausting and emotional week with my fellow Alabamians.
While none of that had anything to do with critiquing a newscast or reporter, I will say that if it was not for NBC and all the other news stations, our country would have experienced even more disaster. All of the news teams have kept us up-to-date constantly through the tornado damage via television, internet, and social media. I am so grateful for the the people who dedicate their lives to keeping people informed.
Throughout this entire semester, especially over the past week, I have attained a new sense of pride and appreciation for my field of studies. I am so happy to say that I will be one of the people actively involved in communicating vital information to my fellow citizens. Contrary to the popular phrase, "Love makes the word go 'round," I honestly believe journalism and mass communication is what REALLY makes it go around. Without the communication, we would all be left uninformed, uneducated, and unheard. Therefore, I am even more thankful for the right to free speech.
This semester of following NBC13 has not only been interesting but also a learning experience. I have never paid so much attention to the details. But after touring the station, meeting the staff, and following their newscasts, I have seen all the hard work that goes into it. Watching the continuous updates of the tornado damage on NBC13 this week has only made me appreciate them more. I am very glad I chose to follow a local news station. I will never lose sight of my new sense of gratitude and appreciation for their hard work.
