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Long over due: COVID-Blogpost

Happy November, did you think the pandemic would last this long?

What a rough year 2020 has been but these next two months are the perfect time to reflect and plan for 2021 no matter how long the pandemic persists.

How many more times are you going to drop your mask on the ground, dust it off and still put it on?

The upsides of the pandemic are that I’ve been learning how to cook, I fell in love with Grey’s Anatomy, and I’m enjoying DIY crafts and interior design.

Coming back home, I looked forward to spending time with family and friends, saving money and clearing out my childhood bedroom. There’s been a lot of pain and sadness since June 2nd, the death of George Floyd and the long list of those who went down fighting for justice or simply doing their mundane tasks. It’s heartbreaking seeing how divided our country is mentally and physically. We’re far away in the sense that we cannot see eye to eye on basic human rights and we’re six feet apart/ working from home because of the pandemic. I commend all the protestors who stood up for change rain or shine.

August marked my second anniversary at CBS. And the end of my Harlem apartment lease, I officially moved back home to California because of COVID-19. The office has been closed since March.

In the beginning, I thought we’d be gone for two weeks max but then I realized how I would be working from home with some people for the very first time and I had to put my best foot forward.

So here’s the latest on what I’ve been doing WFH, I got my second associate producer credit on a look into the investigation of Israel Keyes. I helped with two specials one looking at the injustice throughout the years in America, titled Justice for All and one saluting the late Congressman John Lewis that included appearances with Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Brad Pitt and more celebrities.

The Ambush of Kevin Harris also aired, the story was very special to me since it was based in LA and I got to come home to help out with the shoot and connect with new people. So proud we got it on air and I really hope the family gets justice, Kevin as so young and he was on his way to stardom, very heartbreaking case.

I’ve learned more now than ever before during this time. It’s been a lot of fun at home exploring new places in LA and I even took a trip to Oregon but it’s very bittersweet. I miss New York City. I miss going into the office and seeing all my colleagues, walking those busy streets and (sometimes, hate to admit it but) being on those crowded subways.

Shoutout to my sister, Vetta for flying during a pandemic to help me pack up and move back home while I worked 12 hour days. I’ll never forget the flight back home to California I’d never want to lug six suitcases around with anyone but my sister. I carried my beautiful bamboo plant in a trash bag to protect the roots inside of my purse.

It’s nice to be home but I miss New York at times. Thankful for all my friends and family seeing everyone and creating new memories takes the cake every time. I only took one COVID test and thankfully if was negative. Can’t wait to see how the next two months of 2020 go. Best wishes to all and here’s to making the most of what we have while we have it.

My first web gallery for 48 Hours

Instagram takeover

Second web gallery

Photos from the past few months, enjoy.

  • Chipotle Malibu date
  • Manhattan Beach, CA
  • Venice with Kelcey
  • Kelcey’s birthday surprise
  • Starbucks date with Sophie and Chuck (not pictured here)
  • Cammeron’s birthday in Newport Beach
  • True beauty’s description
  • Rest in Peace Uncle Joe, I love you.
  • Finally made it to Butterfly beach
  • Oil spills suck
  • Santa Barbara trip with mom and sis
  • Mom’s surprise birthday gathering
  • Personality picture San Diego
  • Our last time in Times Square for a while
  • Hollywood, CA
  • Bags are packed and ready
  • Genesis
  • Kenya
  • LJ, Justice and London
  • Shrimp burrito bowl on a plate, yummy.
  • My favorite outfit, I love butterflies
  • Marilyn and me
  • Best friends since elementary and middle school
  • My birthday beach bash
  • Thanks sis for making my birthday cakes
  • Mask on Kobe Year, rest in peace
  • Before my birthday brunch
  • Birthday queenin with Tory
  • Nail date with auntie
  • Proud of Kelcey and Tory
  • Maggiano’s dinner after work
  • Lifesavers
  • Rock the boat
  • Marina Del Rey, CA
  • NABJxNAHJ virtual
  • Bell pepper spinach pasta, my new favorite to make.
  • Cuzzos in town, the waiter liked TJ and gave him free food
  • See you later dinner for Kelcey
  • Congrats Rachel and Tiff can’t wait to meet baby girl
  • Baby shower for Xiya Sage Buchanan
  • Happy birthday Shanik, love you!
  • Gaslamp District with Jyael and Cammeron
  • Shanik’s birthday lunch at Sugar Factory
  • Hello Gorgeous
  • French JaJuan and Holly Golighty
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I Just Love My Friends

The past two weeks have been overwhelmingly amazing I’ve had the opportunity to grow, love and reflect on my life.

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Bayside, Downtown Miami boat ride

Two weeks ago I got my first Associate Producer credit. I was shocked and so excited I cried. I couldn’t believe how fast all of this opportunity came. I was beyond stressed since my friend, Ashley was in town for the week from Portland and I was going to be working 14 hour days. Meaning I wouldn’t be able to spend any time with her but she understood. Then my friend Amber came to town from D.C. for her first time and I was so excited to see her once I got off work. We found a Laker themed bar in the city and met another Cali girl it’s always so refreshing and amazing to see old friends but it reminded me how moving to New York City was never my plan just like college was never my plan.

My friend, Charlene encouraged me to go to college, if it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t have met Ashley or Amber.

My friends supported me and made moving to New York to start my career possible. I managed to graduate in four years and met some of my very best friends along the way. I struggled to figure out exactly what I wanted to do and looking back now I almost changed my major and minor every fall semester. I wanted to work in politics and make change I also wanted to learn more about my African American culture but in the end I realized I could report on politics, tell stories that affect the black community and more. I fell in love with journalism.

My professor always encouraged us to report on our passion and I struggled with mine because it often times made me so upset. I always wondered how the system could fail so many people, so many times. I’ve always wanted to make things fair ex. I played with every single one of my toys so none would feel left out, ask my mom about it. As a journalist I want all questions to be answered and I want to hold the right people accountable for their actions and the way their actions affect others.

So junior year of college my passion for social and racial justice was shining all the way through my acne was so severe my emotions all over the place. Getting the right people to talk on camera, working on my voice and editing was all challenging for me but with my friends by my side I made it through everything even the roughest and most difficult times in my personal life.

The stories I report on break my heart almost every time but the people I meet along the way keep me going. And my amazing friends are here rooting for me and still excited to see my finished pieces. From going to DTLA with me to shoot a stand-up, helping me figure out what to say in my stand-ups, hanging out with me in the newsrooms all night long, assisting me with my story ideas and meeting up to get a bite to eat after it all. I don’t know where I’d be without my friends. I appreciate you all. 

Thank you Jyael for being my very best friend and dealing with all my craziness and sobbing phone calls. I love my customized cup and everyone in the office always comments on it. Thank you Beverly for being my soul sister and always listening to my crazy life stories you always calm me down in the midst of it all. I can’t wait to use my Starbucks gift card, still don’t know how you knew I’d need it, that was perfect timing! You both will come to the city soon, we all need to stay patient. I love you both so very much.

This past weekend in Miami is the reason for this post it just made my heart overflow with so much love and happiness. Kelcey, Cammeron, Tory, Mike and Amber the time we spent together was amazing. I hope this becomes a consistent tradition because it was very much needed to get out of the city and sit at the pool and beach. We did everything that you should do when you go to Florida and it was a blast. All our different personalities make the best group of friends ever. I miss you guys so much already.

Thank you God for blessing us all to have each other. I’m beyond thankful for all of you, even if your name wasn’t listed, this post is for you. I love you all and I just feel so full and excited for all of our futures. I’m glad we all have each other to push one another and keep striving for greatness.

Just want to remind you that being a 20-something is hard but you all make it a little easier. When we hang out and make jokes, think about them later it’s the absolute best thing. Just know time is on our side, we all are growing and making the best of every situation. I’m proud of all of us, YOLO.

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Kobe Bryant. Basketball. LA. Legend. Husband. Father. Amazing. Mamba. Human.

No one understands the bond between a daughter and her father until the bond is broken.

“Mamba” definition: large, agile, highly venomous African snake.

Being from California- LA County, Kobe was symbolic to the African American culture and basketball. Watching his games made it look so easy to shoot and actually make a three pointer. So effortlessly…

I was the tallest one in my class but not that athletic, I had asthma for most of my childhood. My mom put me in soccer, it didn’t last long since I was allergic to the grass. I managed to get into dance. I did hip hop, ballet and tap I loved it but as they say all good things come to an end. By fifth grade, I had a friend who was on the basketball team. I joined her since they needed more girls and I was tall. I was center but I never really understood the game.

I struggled to keep up but I always tried my hardest. I would dripple at home and shoot the ball up in the air but my team was no good. We might have won one game during the whole season. My school was low budget and probably the most diverse in the district. My third grade teacher, Mr. Volk was the coach, he had no assistance. I guess he was picked to be the coach because he was tall and slim but not really in shape.

We all did what we could with what we had.

Jerseys that were too big and in white and black, missing our main school color, yellow. We still had pride. Still hustled and sweated like crazy even though we were getting our butts kicked.

Little me didn’t have much going on so I continued to try to learn the game and played in middle school. It was rough, most of the girls from my elementary team were the same on my middle school team.

We still had pride at our games and hopes that we would win even though Kobe would’ve wanted us to player smarter and better, those of us who were on the team and played did our best. I believed in myself that I could do it because of players like Kobe.

Kobe had games when everyone in the stands was against him. He didn’t let it get him down. He knew who he was and what he stood for. He loved basketball and it opened so many doors for him. He met millions of people and inspired them to be a better version of themselves and try a little harder.

Not that it’s anyone’s business but when he and his wife had a hard time, they managed to tough it out and stay together because they loved each other. It’s hard being on a team. To stand side by side and stay strong while it feels like you’re drowning in turmoil is not just an easy dribble that ends with a successful layup. Being on a team can be messy, some struggle with it everyday and would rather isolate themselves but together, Vanessa and Kobe they created a family four beautiful girls. Rest in Peace Mambacita.

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I relate to Kobe’s daughters Bianka, Natalia and especially Capri. I was her at one point. I lost my dad when I was two years old. While my older sisters knew him I can’t even remember what his voice sounds like. I was a daddy’s girl I know for a fact from pictures but I always thought that maybe he wasn’t gone and that I’d run into him in the grocery store. These poor girls don’t have their dad or their sister. I can imagine that they feel like their family is broken, but as long as they have each other it’s still complete even though it hurts.

I wish I could go home and hug my mom just because this was so unexpected and not the way it was supposed to go for any of the families involved.

Being in New York is hard they don’t understand the culture of Los Angeles and how deep the Laker pride is because of Kobe Bryant. It’s difficult but I know we will heal and overcome this difficult time of loss. As Kobe would, do I’m pushing through and making the best of each and everyday. I love my family, friends and community.

Don’t remember the one bad thing someone did versus all the good they did, it’s not the way you would want to be remembered.

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Rest in Peace
Kobe Bryant
Gianna Bryant
John Altobelli
Keri Altobelli
Alyssa Altobelli
Christina Mauser
Sarah Chester
Payton Chester
Ara Zobayan

“Girl Dad” Elle Duncan’s story

Kobe’s Oscar Winning Short “Dear Basketball” 

lturnerdunn Blog post, Featured, Newsfeed

Hot girl summer begins…

There’s a lot of work to do besides sitting around and being hot.

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The day of the NYC power outage, views from Brooklyn.

Last month didn’t really feel like summer but now it’s officially in full affect. This week it’s going to get up to 100 degrees and I’ve already gotten into fights with my roommate, best friend and even my boyfriend. With all the heat it only makes me more hot tempered and aggressive. Of course, I like my alone time in front of the fan at my apartment but I also love spending time with my friends outdoors. 

My hot girl summer consists of being a nice girl, my spirit hasn’t been the nicest lately. I’m really homesick, my mom had to give my dog away, sad about the dynamic of my family and I’m trying to swim at work instead of doggy-paddling. 

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I felt like I was almost drowning in Miami, when Shayne wasn’t around. I can definitely doggy-paddle but not for long… I really need to take swimming lessons again. 

 My first packages in college were almost never a walk in the park. I would cry, I wouldn’t sleep and the stories would just eat me alive. I’m still battling with this today. Of course I knew my career in journalism would be challenging but this toll is almost never ending: children dying in ICE custody, seeing the officer who shot Eric Garner not get charged and watching President Trump tell congresswomen “to go back to where they came from”, WHILE studying cases of wrongful convictions and young missing women isn’t easy. How can anyone be nice in such a rough time in American society? I’m thankful for my coworkers who I can talk to about all of this because they understand and are also going through it. They are the ones who remind me to smile, say good morning and ask how someone else is doing. I know I am strong and I am working on not crying after every little thing. I am blessed and thankful I’m not missing, dead or behind bars. I’ve taken my life and the people I love for granted and mistreated them too many times. It ends now… 

Last lunch in Miami before we headed baclk to NYC.
Last lunch in Miami before we headed baclk to NYC.
In Las Vegas in front of the New York New York Hotel and Casino.
In Las Vegas in front of the New York New York Hotel and Casino.

I want 2019 to be about loving more, growing and moving forward. This year started off rough but I’m going to keep learning to love and take care of myself. That means: getting the right amount of sleep, saying no to friends, taking off my chipped nail polish (quick), being on time to work, writing more, smiling more, drinking more tea, lighting candles to relax, paying to get my hair done, going to church more, not drinking as much, taking on more responsibility at work, keeping my room clean, and the list goes on…

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#7 is a tough one since I’m already working on being on time, but I’ll try… Credit, Shaderoom

I’m proud of myself and happy with who I am becoming. I know when someone and something is wrong and I never want it to build and turn into something unnecessary. When nipping conflict in the bud my challenge is to learn how to speak to someone I’m upset with without offending them. This world has to change but it starts with me and I hope I can achieve it and leave others better than I found them. It gets tiresome always being the bigger person but I won’t be treated any other way than respectfully by anyone.

On a more positive note this year has been an amazing year so far. I’ve got to give 2019 and God some credit I’ve been blessed to go to Chicago, Miami and Connecticut for the first time. I’ve got my passport now and a family trip to Hawaii is planned for later this year. Hopefully I’ll also take another summer trip to Atlanta or Texas in the next few weeks. 

In Las Vegas at Chinese restaurant Lala Noodle.
In Las Vegas at Chinese restaurant Lala Noodle.
In Miami on Collins Avenue.
In Miami on Collins Avenue.
In Williamsburg, Kelcey pitched and produced this photoshoot.
In Williamsburg, Kelcey pitched and produced this photoshoot.
At the Wynwood Walls in Miami. I love Spongebob, don't mind my sweat spot.
At the Wynwood Walls in Miami. I love Spongebob, don’t mind my sweat spot.

 

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Blow the Whistle Change the World

One PA, eight stories… 

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Out shooting b-roll of the whistleblower at the Chicago Lake Front. It was my first time there in the city.

I had no idea what the CBS Page Program had in store for me but I’m beyond grateful for every day that I get to report to the Broadcast Center.

In late October, I became a production associate (PA) for Whistleblower. I had watched the show before I interviewed for the program so I had an idea of the show but no idea how it was created.

This season featured many different industries: pharma, midwives and OBGYN doctors, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, SeaWorld, Chicago PD, spinal surgeries, a polygamous sect and so much more.

One of our whistleblowers from this season was Shannon Spalding. She blew the whistle on Chicago PD and immediately won my heart for her badass warrior persona. “It was like shock and awe,” she said about her experience going undercover in the Ida B. Wells projects. She wasn’t the only one thinking these thoughts. It was my first time being on a set and meeting a whole crew. Most of the days were cold, quiet and dark (until catering arrived).  

The early mornings and late nights made it hard to have a life outside of work. I was working at Trader Joe’s less than part-time until I eventually had to quit. Shoots were seven days a week and when I wasn’t there, I was a graphics/ newsroom PA for Weekend News. I’ll never forget working everyday for a month straight and putting 80 hours on my timesheet for one week alone. This grind was and still is no joke but I didn’t come to NYC to play or sleep. I accepted the challenge and rose to the occasion. I was getting pushed by everyone around me and I appreciated the support. They wanted me there and I felt it.

I fell a couple times at this set house but I still managed to smile.
I fell a couple times at this set house but I still managed to smile.
Hannah and I sitting in for Alex and the whistleblower.
Hannah and I sitting in for Alex and the whistleblower.

My first field shoot was in December. I was excited because it was somewhere familiar and I got to help out in a different setting. Too bad I missed my train because I wasn’t early enough and got lost at Penn Station. Luckily the next one wasn’t hours away but 30 minutes later. I still felt terrible that I let my team down after they begged for me to go. I paid the fare difference out of my own pocket and apologized. They understood that you live and learn from mistakes so it made me feel at ease but I knew I couldn’t mess up again.

During these past few months, I’ve learned a lot about production, freelance, being a team player and also being happy about doing tasks that other people might not want to do. I got to help with the R. Kelly and Gayle King Interview, it was great working with such a large team and receiving my first credit with a network. I was juggling the special and my Whistleblower needs but it was really fun. Throughout this whole process I’ve always kept remembering why I wanted to be in this industry: to represent. On these sets and shoots there aren’t many African Americans.

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Our Whistleblower party at the CBS Broadcast Center.

During most screenings I’m the only African American there. The Whistleblower team only has one African American and one Haitian producer both women. It’s not uncomfortable for me to be the only one. It makes me proud and want to stay so that I eventually can create change in the industry. I want more people of color to get inspired to edit, produce, shoot and overall get their foot in the door.

As Whistleblower wraps up I’m ready to work on more projects, grow with CBS News and possibly get back into reporting and editing. I really miss writing and working hard to get my own pieces up. I’m thankful for the amazing team that I got to work with and all their words of wisdom and great journalism and production skills. They’ve all inspired me and made me believe that I can do anything I put my mind to…. even to blow the whistle ;).

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I made it to New York! #LTDinNYC

It’s been almost a month since I touched down in New York.

I packed up three suitcases and a backpack and said peace out Cali. It still feels surreal. As a little girl I always dreamed of moving to New York, even though I had never even been. My first time in the Big Apple was last year when I took the bus from D.C. I had absolutely no idea that I would be starting my career here.

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My best friends and mom before I headed out to the airport. Check out my suitcases… from the airport through the subways and all the way to Harlem.

It hasn’t been easy.

Applying for jobs was exhausting but I never lost hope. I was applying for jobs in LA, Atlanta, New York, and D.C. I was nonchalant about the positions, they ranged from full-time to part-time and I was open to being a producer, MMJ, editor, social media producer, intern, administrative assistant and even a receptionist. I wanted experience with a network whether it was news or entertainment. One after another the cover letters filled my laptop’s storage, but I wasn’t having any luck.

Finally I got an email from CBS about the Page position I applied for. I was excited finally I got a result from all the applications I was putting in the past few weeks. It was an online interview and a few days after that I got another email asking to schedule my next interview. I assumed it would also be online, but when I confirmed the date for the following week the location said New York. My heart sank! How could I possibly get to New York in week? I’ve never even flown to New York in my life, let alone from LAX. I didn’t sleep for at least three days overthinking it all and worrying about money. I reached out to ask if the company would help me get there and asked my professor what he knew but it was all a dead end. It was all up to me. 

I couldn’t pass up the opportunity and I did have the funds saved up so I took the risk. I got the plane ticket at the last minute only because I couldn’t tell you how many times these questions roamed through my mind:

What if I don’t get it?

Am I going to leave my family?

How am I going to pay for it?

Who is going to interview me?

What are they going to ask me?

Do I really want to be a journalist?

How is the snow going to be?

Where would I live?

How would I do this?

Can I survive out there?

Is this for me?

When I finally made it to the interview I felt great but I can’t lie. Of course I was nervous. I thought what if I said this different or did my hair different… the what ifs were never ending but I  “let go and let God”.

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After my interview at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York. It was a group interview with three other people. I had one of the other ladies who also interviewed take this picture (we both got hired).

I kept applying for jobs in the meantime and figured I should go to NABJ to secure something just in case. I heard back the week of NABJ and was ecstatic and scared. They wanted me to get there in three weeks, but I had absolutely no money after NABJ.

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At NABJ in Detroit

I had no idea what to do but I figured I could take out a loan like everyone else but the banks and quick loan businesses rejected me faster than a girl getting cat called on the street by a not so handsome dude. Can you imagine how fast that is? Well if not I don’t know what else to compare it to. I thought about the trolls who made Kylie Jenner a GoFundMe like she actually needed it and how she still got money. So at this point it wouldn’t hurt. I created it and couldn’t believe I actually made more than $1200. I still cannot thank my family and friends enough for supporting me and my dream.

I flew out the next week and thank god this dude helped me pick up two of my suitcases to take up the stairs of the subway. Welcome to New York where the subway is blazing hot in the summer, the streets are gross and the bare minimum is just enough. I had found a perfect furnished little place in with roommates in Brooklyn. It didn’t have a washer or dryer but one of the roommates seemed cool via FaceTime and text. Also the $700 rent fit my budget perfectly. I started work Aug. 20th and was set to see the place on the 24th and move in on Sept. 1st. In the meantime I was at an Airbnb and sleeping on my friend’s couch I was a transient couch potato for about two weeks until my move-in date.

My first week of work was great. I was just so happy to be here and start my new life, but soon I learned that my position as a Page wouldn’t be enough to enjoy life. I was determined to get a second job in order to afford the costs of New York City living. I applied every night and got interviews quick! I set a goal to have a second job by the time of my birthday. Everything was going great, then the day before I was supposed to go see my new place the roommate text me saying her other roommates found someone else to take the room I was going to move into and that she already put the deposit down.

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Earlier in the day, before I got the text from the potential roommate…

I was heartbroken. Back to square one looking for a place.

My friend was ready for me to get off of her couch but now I had absolutely nowhere to go. I planned to get an Airbnb, until I figured it out. Then I saw my friend had just moved into an apartment in Harlem on Instagram so I asked her about her place and she invited me to check the place out. They had an extra room for $875. I felt comfortable because I knew her, the deposit was only $500, the owner furnished the room and my commute would be 30 mins away to work.

I looked at a few more places but couldn’t afford them and didn’t feel comfortable so I moved into this four bedroom, one bathroom Harlem apartment.  The owner was also nice to let me sleep on the couch until my lease started and room furniture arrived. The search for my second job continued from one couch to the next and the interviews kept coming. It’s been about a week since I’ve been in my room and although it is very small it’s very comfortable and it’s all my own. (Wouldn’t be possible without my loving community.)

As my birthday approaches, I’m excited to have both of my college best friends here in the city starting their journeys too. Also I met my goal of getting a second job before my birthday and I’m pleased to say I start work at Trader Joe’s on Monday. I’m so excited to meet new people, learn the culture of NY and get that discount on my groceries.

I know this was a long blog post but I really wanted to update you all on my life and thank everyone again so much for supporting me and believing in me. I am so blessed to turn 22 and live this amazing life. I’m extremely grateful for everyone’s kind words and wishes. My future’s so bright, it makes me so happy but I know it’s not going to be easy and that I still have so much more to learn and experience.

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Rooftop in Times Square.

Thank you and love always,

LTD

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#SummerShine2018

It’s been a long time, but I’m back!

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In front of the Stay Golden mural in my hometown Lancaster, CA. Credit, Beverly Quezada

About two months after graduation and it’s officially sunk in that I can’t live without shooting interviews, editing and writing.

I’m happy that I’ve had this time to take a break from EVERYTHING! But I’m officially ready to land my first job post college. This transition out has been a bit overwhelming with so much time and opportunities out there. I’ve been focused on applying and doing what makes me happy. I ordered some books on Amazon that I actually plan on reading (thoroughly). Also grad school has been on my mind but I want to get my foot in the door with a news station first.

Except more from me soon, but in the meantime if you haven’t seen my latest work… check it out:

#Justice4QuintenThomas – Dedication to his daughter Ashanti Thomas

My reporter reel

Talks with K – Podcast with Kalani Kelly, Quinton Cameron and Souleaux

Messages of Inspiration – Black Grad Class of 2018

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#SemesterDunn

My last fall semester of my undergraduate career is finally over.

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Raven would sing this song (by Johnny Cash) when she was little, this is why we call her our sunshine.

I’ve learned and I’ve lost. This has been the hardest semester of my life from commuting, working at the Sundial and KCSN, trying not to break down in tears every five minutes (after I lost my niece), applying to internships, to enjoying life, and staying on top of my classes.

A few Monday’s ago I got the worst phone call in my life from my sister saying that my niece was dead. I seriously thought it was a joke, I did not believe her. I went on about my day but I was still thinking and wondering why she called like that. I called my mom and she told me the police called and told her. In that moment I lost my best friend, she was only 11 years old.

Was it an accident? Did someone do this to her? Why her? Why wasn’t I there? When’s the last time I saw her or talked to her? Did she need me? Why haven’t I talked to her? Did God really take her away to save her? WHAT HAPPENED?!

My baby, my sunshine, my everything. Only ten years and three days apart, we had a special bond she told me exactly how she felt about me, made me feel like I was the best person in the world, but I wasn’t the only one she did this to. Raven Denyse, full of love and life, little did you know you are the best person are you have a huge part of my heart.

I pray one day you come and tell me what happened. I’m so sorry, I love you so much and I know you’re always watching over me, your mom, Nana, and all your siblings. You always looked up to me and let me know that you wanted to go to college and now I look up to you.

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With this degree and my dream job I wanted to conquer the world and go get you and make you feel special. With the New Year right around the corner my goal is to make those around me feel special just like you did, whether it’s a hug, a call, a smile, or a laugh. I’m trying to be strong even though it hurts so bad, I’m trying to finish, and become a better me.

Over the semester here are some of the things I have worked on I am extremely proud of myself for making it through this semester and improving.

Last On Point show: #MeTooNowWhat (Anchor)

Third On Point show: Strolling for Success (Producer)

Second On Point show: New School, New Surroundings: Now What? (Moderator)

First On Point show: Disaster Strikes! Are You Ready? (Anchor)

Black House re-opening (Reporter)

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From social media to international news coverage: where is Somalia? How can CSUN students broaden their news perspective

NORTHRIDGE, CA — At least 300 people were killed in Somalia Saturday night after two vehicle bombings went off, sources suggest that -Al-Shabaab may be behind the bombings and so far one involved member has been detained.

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Locator map of Mogadishu, Somalia where truck bomb kills at least 300.

California State University, Northridge Psychology major Mahad Ali is from Somalia and described the country’s current state.

“The country is developing from scratch right now. New people are being elected… but then we have Al-Shabaab taking over the country,” Ali said. “They not doing what they are supposed to do or what they’re supposed to stand for, they are killing innocent people for no reason.”

When asked about Somalia, many CSUN students shrugged their shoulders and knew little about the bombings in Somalia, but communications major, Kahlil Young, knew more than 200 people died because of the bombings.

“I really feel like Twitter is kinda the only place that I really get unfiltered news. Social media plays a huge role and the media has a duty to give real information about the real stuff that is going on,” Young said.

CSUN Africana studies professor Sheba Lo said students may not be connected to Africa as a continent, but her community is.

“I don’t watch regular news,” Lo said. “I stream Al Jazeera news so I maybe get more of a global perspective but my social media feed has been updating the numbers.”

CNN was one of the first U.S. and international sources that reported more than 30 injured people were air lifted to Turkey by military ambulance after the Turkish minister arrived to the country’s capital on Monday.

Ali said students need to know what is going on around the world especially in countries that are being highlighted in social media.

“Somalia is 75 percent good it’s the 25 percent that the media [highlights] that makes it seem like it is 100 percent bad,” Ali said.

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Lo also said Black Hawk Down and how the American perspective and news affects what history our society would know about other countries.

“We don’t have that idea that people have on the continent when they talk about how America invaded Somalia and the kind of damage that they did there, we don’t get that perspective on American news,” Lo said.

Mogadishu is Somalia’s capital and aside from the American invasion in 1993 and attacks from Al-Shaabab this is the deadliest assault in the country’s history. International news sources say dozens are missing and hospitals are running out of beds.

Al-Shaabab is a militant Islamist group but it is not confirmed that they are directly affiliated with these bombings even though they have recently increased their attacks in Somalia. The man detained by Somalia officers was driving a vehicle with explosives into the city on Saturday, according to The Guardian.

As a campus community Lo is upset that students and faculty are not talking about Somalia. In order to be prepared for the real world, Lo believes students need to travel, read and watch international news.

“If we don’t have an international perspective in general and we don’t push for a global perspective for our students we are harming our students,” Lo said.

Mogadishu, is Somalia’s capital and this is the deadliest assault in the country’s history. International news sources say dozens are missing and hospitals are running out of beds. Young believes that in order to get international news students need to take it upon themselves to get information.

“Social media apps, looking at newscasts, the NPR series would really help mobilize people and keep them informed,” Young said. “Sometimes it’s hard to get the news if there is nothing for them [outlets] to benefit from, you have to go to other public spaces to really get that unfiltered and unbiased information.”

Here are a few ways the CSUN community can broaden their news perspectives globally:

Reading news from multiple sources

From the ABC, CNN and FOX international sources like Al Jazeera, The Guardian, BBC and The Associated Press have news coverage from around the world.

Talking to multiple people about stories

Talking and hearing other perspectives helps create a better understanding of news stories by engaging with students, friends, professors and family members.

Checking social media and following news accounts

Social media is a huge platform for news only if you check the news aspect, which includes explore pages and hashtags, news account followers can stay updated with livestreams, immediate tweets, Facebook statuses, Instagram posts and now stories.

Interacting with other people on social media about stories

Hashtags are for users to engage, from a retweet or a repost to an actual comment conversations with random social media users allows to build community and develop opinions.

Listening to news instead of music

Headphones are not just for music news sources have apps and web content with audio and television broadcasts for listeners all over the world.

By Lauren Turner Dunn

Contributions from, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, CNN

Photo, AP

EDUCATE YOURSELF

U.S.’s Relationship To Somalia 

Former Al-Shabaab Deputy

Where Is The Support?

How To Help

lturnerdunn Featured, Newsfeed

Life Update

The Need to Know with Lauren has been placed on hold for sometime now.

Since I initially made this blog for class it’s been on the back burner but I am still actively writing, shooting and reporting.

This summer I got to go to the east coast for the first time ever and I fell in love. I was interning with the House Majority PAC in D.C. and learned a plethora of information about congress and super PACs. Being in the office from 9-5 made me realize how much I love journalism, reporting and video editing.

As a young girl I always wanted to go to New York and I managed to do that along with Philly and of course Maryland and Virginia. From D.C. I flew to New Orleans for the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention and had the time of my life. Attending the convention only connected me with journalists from everywhere and strengthened my networking skills.

New Orleans is very symbolic to me because my father and grandmother were born in Louisiana. I got to explore my roots and see the damages from Katrina and I met my grandfather for the first time ever.

Now that I am back in California I’m commuting to school which has been rough. I have five classes, two on-campus jobs, and I am vice president of CSUN’s NABJ chapter. I had to let go of the Valley Performing Arts Center sadly and now I am working at KCSN as a student assistant and at the Sundial as news editor. My goals this semester are to rebuild NABJ, find a broadcast internship and an apartment and finish strong in terms of my grades.

I miss D.C. tremendously and can’t wait to go back.

Here are some links to my most recent work:

Banned Books Week

OnPoint: Earthquake Prep and Readiness

President’s address

Multicultural Greeks

META+LAB and LinkedIn

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