I've already submitted it but I recently found out about this website so I would just like to get peoples opinions on what they think. But I'm odd in the sense that if the reaction is negative, its best you don't tell me! Because the deadline has passed and its already submitted so theres nothing I can do to change it so if theres something drastically horrible about, ahhh I don't think I'll be able to take it! But if you have any good comments I'd appreciate it. I know not taking in any criticism kind of defeats the purpose of this website but yeah ahha.
All applicants to Broadcast and Digital Journalism, Print and Digital Journalism, or Public Relations majors must submit a one-page Statement of Intent, explaining their reasons for pursuing an education and career in journalism or public relations. Please attach your response to the Supplement.
If I have been given a voice, why shouldn't I take full advantage of every opportunity I have and use it to speak out and raise awareness around the world? USC Annenberg School of Journalism and Communication provides an abundance of opportunities in the fast-changing industry, in print, broadcast or even online journalism, public relations, etc. Since a young age I have always been fascinated with the world of journalism and media. I would like to speak of my personal experiences and my roots as well. Since young, being an Indian, it is no secret that our country faces a lot of corruption in terms of the government. Over the years, it has been proven not just to me but my entire nation as a whole that justice is being fast tracked and served not through the gracious hands of the law, but through the media and communications pressure placed by news channels, journalists, news papers across the nation, which leads to a national (youth) awakening, leading to putting political pressure on the parliament and thus bringing about some change. The murder case of Jessica Lal, a young model in India who was shot in a club for refusing to serve a drink after the bar was closed (yes, evidently the value of someone's life is less than a glass of drink). It was clear murder case with no ulterior options, however due to fabrication and manipulation by people of higher political power, the suspect, the clear murderer was deemed not guilty. Even though there were 300 witnesses, they had all been influenced, threatened, bribed and coerced in reacting their initial testimony. It was years later that justice was served through investigations conducted by television journalists and news reporters who brought forward the truth and proved the murderer guilty of the heinous crime he had committed years ago. It is due to the broadcast journalism that the court had decided to reopen the case and fast track it in court, and eventually serve justice. Even recently, as the whole world is probably aware of the horrendous and inhumane rape crime that occurred in New Delhi, India, it is due to the media pressure and eventual protestors that is highlighting and bringing importance to the situation. Fact of the matter is that rape crimes are a common crime in India (a minimum of 600 rapes were reported in the Indian capital in 2012 itself). The government has been aware of this situation for years and years, but after this horrendous crime, it was the suffering and loss of this innocent girl, and the media and journalists coverage on every aspect of the particular crime and the laws relating to rape in India in general that has brought much deserved importance to the situation, actually leading towards political change in India such as trying to make rape a non-bailable offence, etc, all due to the journalists and media. Media and communications, is more than just getting to the public. We have the power to change the world. Albeit there is always the question of ethicality and whether its right for such sting operations, but irrespective, these journalists, these news reports, they raise awareness. They enable the youth, society, people of their respective countries and people of the world to wake up and understand what's happening, and perhaps even lead them to the extent of trying to bring about some change. Regardless of people wanting to take action or not (such as the protestors in India, or my article which I had written about the rape cases which was published in the Telegraph news paper in India, attached below just for reference if needed), it is the powerful voice of media, journalism and communications that has always ignited a fire in me and has inspired me to unimaginable extents. They have the loudest and strongest platforms on reaching out to billions of people. My thirst for knowledge alongside my thirst to help the world (children, women, anyone) will both be working hand in hand in this program. Here I have used just examples from India but my passion for broadcast and journalism is by no means limited to that at all. It is the ability to reach and connect with all over the world, and the power we have, that enthralls me. People in this field are the ones who do not abuse their power. The past few years has been difficult with a mother who was diagnosed with brain tumor, and moving countries every 2 years, hence making my education very unstable. At times, scores such as (SATs etc) were not an accurate representation of my potential and possibilities at all as I have always excelled in all aspects in school. My father travels a lot due to his high position in his business as global director in Johnson and Johnson and, for most of my life so I had an extremely independent upbringing with managing both my responsibilities as a student and responsibilities as a daughter. My teachers have always seen a lot of potential in me and I am doing well with IB but it just so happens that as an only child of our small family, a lot of the responsibilities such as taking care of my mothers health would fall upon me and I would prioritize my role as a daughter, because it is those two who made me peruse my passion in media and journalism. There is unfortunately nothing I can do to change the past as far as certain exam grades are concerned but even if I could I will not change my past as it is the obstacles that I have faced that has made me and my family as strong as we are today. Now I have the ability to at least try and face every obstacle head on with dignity and strength. Hence why USC and journalism is my dream because I will get a chance to not only prove myself, but bring justice to myself and my family, and people across the world. The possibilities are endless.
