A Summer of Embracing Change

by Zipporah Jones
Change is always good. Change in focus, change in direction, change in ideas—each has value. We must all change at a point. I didn't always embrace situations that involved a change in my life, but I've learned over the years to adjust and welcome change. 

Participating in The Mississippi Youth Media Project showed me how to push myself to do better and to take pride in my work. I have realized that everything I think is right or correct may not be, and the way I do things may not be the best way to do it. With guidance and support from my fellow Youth Media Project students, I was able to learn about new people and build relationships I would not have made if I were not in this program.

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The project managers for the Mississippi Youth Media Project have really shown a great deal of leadership. They have motivated me to critique my work and never settle for less than the best. Project Director Donna Ladd has taught me how to do the necessary research before I spring into a project. Project Manager Lynne Schneider has shown guidance and order, and she constantly stresses the importance of following through on deadlines. Project Assistant Onelia Hawa has helped me by linking me with important resources for topics I may have been interested in writing about, and Project Assistant Adria Walker provides good writing and research tips when they are needed. These people really have shown support and help in places that were needed and supplied me with information when I did not have enough. 

Not only were the adults important to my experience, but also my fellow Youth Media team members. They have shown me how to adjust to new people and different personalities. When these different minds are put to work, great ideas are formed. My favorite moments include times like when everyone wanted to come together to discuss the Black Lives Matter movement, due to the recent police shootings that have happened in America, or more simple things, like when we all pick a restaurant to go to that we may have never known about. 

​This experience has changed me for the better. The resources, people and information that this program has provided to me have truly been a blessing. Learning to use my resources and the things that are right in front of me, like my computer and phone, to make a difference in the world was one of the most valuable things I was taught during this program. I never would have thought I would be surrounded by such great influences for a portion of my summer, and I am thankful that I had this opportunity to grow as a person, even if the time I spent at YMP was short. My advice to anyone wanting to follow their dreams is to try new things and never be afraid of what lies ahead. Change is nothing to fear; change should be embraced.