Spreading the Message

Article and Photos by: Ben Calvo, M&M TIPster

“This class has a good variety of media outlets that we get to learn about...I appreciate what I’ve learned and hope I can use it in the future.” Was what 14-year-old Brittney Vidal from Fort Worth, TX had to say about her class at Duke TIP this year. At the UGA campus, TIP offers a class called Media and the Message where students learn how to communicate and deliver news in the digital age.
When 14-year-old Adam Moore from New Port Richey, Florida was asked to describe the class, he said, “It basically got me out of the cave I was in and introduced me to different things.” Adam talked about being introduced to sites that are useful in terms of getting information out. Students learn valuable skills that can be applied to different paths of life. 14-year-old Madison Howard from Clinton, NC said, “My favorite part is the filming because I want a career in the film business.” Students took the first week of class to learn about the growth and popularity of blogs. The second week was nicknamed journalism boot camp where students wrote articles on topics that could interest local teenagers. Topics written about ranged from downtown and local camps offered to teens. Lastly, in the third week, the students wrote articles pertaining to TIP and all the wonderful experience of the campers.
For many students, their classmates were the best part of the class. “I love the people,” said 14-year-old Marissa Karp from Savannah, Georgia. “They’re all so cool.” Most of the other students agree the atmosphere of the class is a good one. The students joke around at break time and have formed a class bond and make each other feel at home. “I love the friendships I’ve made here,” said 15-year-old Abby Hunt from Tupelo, Mississippi.
This class offers students with the opportunity to view the world of the media through a different perspective. Students learn the value of giving news to the public, how to be a good journalist, and made amazing friends in the process. SUCCESS!