Short answer examination responses

¶ … activity or accomplishment that is the most important to you and discuss what you have learned from this experience.

Few people have the opportunity or inclination to dedicate three years to working with an entirely student-run television station. However, having strong aspirations toward broadcast journalism and having some high school broadcasting experience, I immediately gravitated toward student-run HillTV at Syracuse University. I learned a lot about news production at HillTV, but the most challenging lessons I learned there had more to do with interpersonal relationships and teamwork than with camera angles, makeup, writing, or editing. In my freshman year, my producer and I clashed in our approaches to news stories. Jessica critiqued and criticized my work and news packages, but I realized it would be people like her that we meet in the real world media industry. Initially I went through a period in which I doubted my capabilities and willingness to be a reporter. Overcoming those hurdles took enormous perseverance, commitment and sacrifice of time and energy. In retrospect I realize that the work and effort that I channeled into HillTV might not have always been recognized. Nevertheless, when our shows went on the air, the "behind the scenes" things I produced for the team showed my dedication. Throughout my three years with Hill TV, I learned to fully grasp and understand the concept of teamwork. Also, because of my producer, I have become even stronger in my motivation to succeed in what can be a cutthroat industry, determined to not let people walk all over me.

2. Describe your academic interests and how you plan to pursue them at USC.

As I have indicated throughout my application, media studies and communications are my primary areas of interest and I am unusually focused and dedicated to these areas of academic study. I knew from a young age that I wanted to make a difference and impact the world; the best way I could do so is to demonstrate my talents in the service of national news. My broadcasting career began early, when I anchored for our high school's Hawk News Network (HNN). It was then that I realized for certain what I wanted to do for the rest of my life: to be of service to all people and leave a legacy through effective communication and journalism.

A plan to pursue broadcast journalism by taking rigorous courses that directly pertain in my field of interest. I also intend to stretch my boundaries and step outside of my comfort zone by taking challenging coursework in unrelated areas, areas that might expose and therefore strengthen my weaknesses. Another way I intend to pursue my academic interests is through clubs, organizations, and other extracurricular activities that relate to broadcast journalism. Just as I became actively involved in student-run television stations in high school and college, I will also involve myself deeply with such resources at USC (CHRISTINE: YOU MIGHT WANT TO DO SOME RESEARCH AND MENTION SPECIFIC MEDIA CLUBS OR TELEVISION STATIONS YOU CAN WORK WITH AT USC).

3. Why are you planning to transfer to USC?