Two of my professors advised me to apply for NPR’s Next Generation Radio project.  Saying yes when I was offered a place is one of the best decisions I’ve made in my journalism career so far.

Over the past week, I’ve had the opportunity to bond with my mentor Joanne Griffith. I’ve always wanted to be friends with someone from England, and when I first heard Joanne’s accent, I knew this project was meant to be. The most important thing Joanne taught me is how to keep the listener engaged as you share your audio story, helping them along with transitions and natural sounds. Her impact on me will remain forever.

Every day, we worked in the Wallis Annenberg Hall at the University of Southern California. My professors always tell me that USC offers one of the best journalism courses in the nation. As a first-generation student, I will be the first in my family to graduate with a college degree.  Spending time at USC made me realize that anything is possible.

So what did I learn this week?

• Remember to always use headphones when recording.
• The importance of ambient sound. The more, the better.
• How to spell Sorina’s full name – properly.
• Listening out for random noises in rooms that seem to be quiet.
• Tips on using Adobe Audition that I’ll use in my upcoming bilingual podcast.

I will never forget this experience and looking up at the enormous TV screen as you enter the Annenberg building. Thank you, USC and NPR, it’s been great. *mic drop*