Unlike What I've Ever Encountered

By Eli Bettiga

When I first heard of the Mississippi Youth Media Project, I had no idea what to expect. I was with my older brother when he mentioned a project that he had heard about from one of his friends that was looking for talented youth to create their own media. It sounded interesting enough, so I went to the initial meeting and Q&A session and was immediately put off. The sheer amount of time that it would require really startled me, but after talking it through with my parents, I decided to go in and give it a shot, and I’m so glad that I did.
           
Whether it be through my peers or the multitudes of guest speakers, I have learned an immense amount of knowledge in my short time at YMP. I’ve picked up on numerous tips and tricks for producing better media, discovered ways to lead and work together effectively with others, and learned about my fellow students and their perspectives and backgrounds. I’ve made several friendships that I can already see lasting longer than my time in the project, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for all of us.

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Speaking of the future, there are several aspects of this program that I simply cannot wait to get underway. For example, in my house in the project, the “Video Grave,” we specialize in photography and video. We currently are working on a project based on the recently passed House Bill 1523 and how it affects Jackson’s youth LGBT community. We have written questions, planned shots and scheduled interviews, and I can’t wait until we begin filming. Interviewing, recording, and editing seems to be all I can think about as of late, and my hands are itching to get to the camera and get this project into execution.
           
However, above all of the excitement and determination, I’m grateful for everything this program has let me partake in. In these few short weeks, I’ve learned about race, journalism, ethics, podcasting, photography, videography, and how to be an effective member of a team. I’ve met people that are unlike what I’ve ever encountered, and collaborating with their brilliant young minds has not only helped me better my own ways of thinking, but inspired me to produce greater work as well. In fact, I can’t effectively write about all that I’m grateful for in this project in one simple blog post, but I can say that the list is constantly growing, and it isn’t showing signs of stopping anytime soon.