Saturday, June 22, 2013

Let's Face It

Steve Elliott's war with words submitted in story form by advisers
Words.  They matter.  The common core of what we all do is wrestle with them on a constant basis.  We're faced with an ever changing media landscape, but what remains the same is the use of words to tell a story.

I can recall recently attending a Student Television Network (STN) convention session on reality television.  The presenter said something simple, yet profound.  He summed up the ways we view reality TV as this:

(1) It's me.
(2) I wish it was me.
(3) I'm glad it's not me.

With a plethora of reality shows to choose from, news is and will remain the ultimate in reality media.  The above-mentioned ways of viewing it can still be applied.

The social media session today further reminded me of how non-social it truly can be.  We lack the contact or connectedness via human touch, smell, etc.  Certain senses are transformed or replaced by fingertips to a keyboard or device.

Arriving at this journalism institute on Father's Day was hard for me.  I longed to be near my daughters.  I wanted to be in their physical presence, for their dad is no longer with us. As I near the two-year anniversary of losing my husband to cancer, I wish I could simply hold his hand and hear his words in the present.

I'm grateful to be in such good company.  I am receiving a wealth of knowledge and encouragement to continue my media mission of preparing others for an industry I love so dearly.

My reality is becoming clear.  It's me.  One thing is for certain.  No matter how many technological tools are introduced, a screen cannot replace a physical connection.

Eva D. Coleman
Frisco ISD Career and Technical Education Center
Frisco, Texas
Posted by at

2 comments:

  1. UnknownJune 23, 2013 at 8:58 AM

    Wow, Eva. Your words are powerful. Made me tear up. My girls turn 8 tomorrow and just told my mom "I wish mom was home more, but I know her job is important." I refuse to feel guilt because it's unproductive. Negotiating the work/life balance will never go away. If anything, it forces me to be more present in every moment I do spent with Loralei and Juliette. When we make the move to Martha's Vineyard, we will be leaving the TVs behind. Internet, not so much, but it's my goal for the girls to connect and gain a sense of place and community without the crutch of letting TV fill their time.

    Adrienne Forgette
    Northern HS
    Owings, MD

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJune 23, 2013 at 11:34 AM

    Thanks Adrienne.

    I always try to get my girls to see the bigger picture. I'm away from them often, even more so now as I try to navigate the widowed mom waters and continue to provide for their needs as close to the same level they are accustomed to. The times we are together are so very special. I've been FaceTiming them just to see their smiling faces AND hear their words.

    Eva D. Coleman
    Frisco ISD Career and Technical Education Center
    Frisco, Texas

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)