K-LAtude

Home Sweet Home

K-LAtude — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 04:04:42 +0000

Dear readers,

I have finally touched home. Don’t get me wrong, I am overjoyed to finally relax, but I cannot help but truly miss the life of a national youth correspondent at the WJMC. And what kind of life was that? Waking up at 5am, listening to guest speakers (with note taking, of course), cringing in pain from the countless blisters all over my feet, acting as a tourist in the fabulous capital city, laughing to last me a lifetime, going to bed at 3am, and then repeating. It was exhausting and wonderful all at the same time. Not to mention the incredible insight I got into the world of journalism, and from true journalists themselves. Check out the conference blog, www.wjmcmason.wordpress.com, for details. I have come home with so much appreciation and respect for journalism and want nothing more than to be a part of its world. ALSO, I have yet to mention my most astonishing discovery: I like the fashion. I went into the conference with a totally closed mind about business apparel. Convinced that it could only be completely dull and horrifically lacking of personal taste. Though I attempted to bring only clothes that would showcase my personality, I figured I would hate every second wearing each blazer and dress. Yet, it was somewhat of a refreshing break from my usual getup of high wasted shorts (emphasis on the shorts) and long socks. It’s sophisticated and professional with just enough room for your own flare to be added. I thought what I wore would stand out amongst the crowd and so be given deathly stares of “what does she think she’s doing?”‘s and “who does she think she is?”‘s. And though I did stand out, I was met with smiles and nods of approval..and a newfound taste in fashion. Who knew?
So now that I am home and back to my routine life (you know, only running cross country every morning, working, finishing summer assignments, cheerleading practices, and filling out college apps) I am going to miss the fast paced life of journalism. I guess that’s a good sign..
Before returning home I had time to sneak in a much needed mani/pedi. And for the first time ever, I went bold with red. And I like it. A lot. Maybe not the most summery of a color, but oh so enjoyable. What color are you sporting?

Much love,
K-LA

K-LAtude — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 04:18:36 +0000

I have reached success! My initial goal for the WJMC was to create outfits that were both professional as well as true to my style. Well, on this very day I certainly feel that I have accomplished such a goal. Hip hip hurray!!

Blazer by Zara, T-shirt by BCBGMAXAZRIA, Pants by H&M

I wore 70′s style pants (though from the picture you can’t see the flare at the bottom..but I promise it’s there) accompanied by a bright orange blazer. One things for sure, I stood out! A spec of orange amongst all the black and white. And I loved it. It was fun, yet oh so professional. I think the endless searching paid off. Well played, well played.

You Can’t Scare Me

K-LAtude — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 04:37:10 +0000

The world is a scary place. Full of people and things that no one wants to face. But then we do, and, from the wise words of Hoda Kotb: We fall..but if we land on our backs, we can get back up again. And when we get back up we know that a better day lies ahead, and we face our fears and we tell them that “you can’t scare me.”

The prospect of starting life is scary. Searching for a job in the changing world, standing out amongst all the talent, and securing yourself a spot at your dream job. This is scary. But we cannot be scared. We must believe in ourselves. Take a chance and be bold. Get ourselves noticed, rather than wait to be discovered.

This is one (of many) lessons learned from the life of a journalist. They taught us that it’s okay to fail, because eventually, we will succeed. If we do what we love, we can only progress. We can carry this knowledge with us and tell our fears, tell life, that you cannot scare me.

P.S As it’s past midnight my sentences are just not forming and I am making absolutely no sense anymore! So, though I meant to continue, I really can’t go on! My bed awaits!

Dot Dot Dot

K-LAtude — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 03:21:27 +0000

Aujourd’hui, us National Youth Correspondents journeyed to the Newseum: The museum of News. But one takes away much, much more than just news. Its a history lesson, a debate of morals, and a flood of emotions all packed into one. I entered into the ‘newseum’ with an appreciation of journalism. I left with an awe for those who report and record and with a great ounce of respect for them. The journalists’ of our time; they can record history, and they can make history too. And many have. Through the power of their words and the emotions captured in pictures. Our journalists transport messages and in doing so, they change lives. But when does a journalist stop being a journalist, and put being a human first?When is it okay for a journalist to capture ones pain or torture from the sidelines, but never step in to help? Is it ever okay? The answers can never be found, because what can be considered truth? There is fact and there is fiction, but is truth not something different to everyone? The questions are endless, as are the answers. People need to know, and journalists tell, but the debate of morality of a journalists words and actions can only ever be answered with a simple dot dot dot…

When I say PUR..We say PULL

K-LAtude — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 03:45:17 +0000

Today is my world. Today is our time. Today is our chance to find our niche and passion, to grow and to learn, to use our voices. Today is the day. And it’s also the first day of the Washington Journalism and Media Conference. And the blisters are already prominent all over my feet. Hurray! But, it is surprisingly worth all the pain my feet will go through, because WE ARE THE FUTURE! And we are creating a network. And this is what will maneuver us through life. The connections we form today will help us tomorrow. Not only am I forming such a network but I am also learning valuable skills and lessons to guide me eternally. And might I add, I have the coolest adviser. One who will turn me into PURPLE forever. So though it was only the first day of the conference, I am happy to report that I will already take away a great deal from this experience. But, I have a bed waiting for me and stripes and flowers to be worn in the morn (such a rhymer I am) so, without further ado:

WHEN I SAY PUR WE SAY PULL
PUR PULL
PUR PULL
PURPLE
PURPLE
PURPLE
PURPLE
PURRRRPLLLLEEE!!!!!!!

out with the old, and in with the new part II

K-LAtude — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 03:13:30 +0000

Now, these photos that I have posted do not even begin to cover the many outfits to represent my idealistic version of business attire. However, one thing they each display is zest and zing. This liveliness is what I feel is missing in a typical working environment, and what I hope to bring with me to the conference. Remember when you were young and putting on clothes was an adventure you constantly looked forward to? Remember sneaking into your mothers closet and stealing her shoes, pairing it with your pink tutu and your undone hair? Remember when dressing up was fun?! Well, I for one have carried this fun with me into my teenage years, and I am fully determined to bring it with me into my ‘professional’ years as well. Kids can’t have all the fun now, can they?

All style.com

asos.com

zara.com

Lets play dress up!

out with the old, and in with the new

K-LAtude — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 05:21:17 +0000

With school letting out in only a few short days, my arrival at the Washington Journalism and Media Conference soon approaches. As enthusiastic as I am, I cannot help but worry about, well, the clothing. Being a risk (ish) -taking, brightly colored, and whimsical dresser, I am not quite sure that I can handle wearing strictly professional/business attire: longer hemlines, jackets covering shoulders, and most prominently.. clothing that is boring!

Though nowhere in the attendees guidelines does the dress code indicate boring as the way to go, but a mon avis, it is implied. When a typical teenager learns that he or she must dress up in suits and dresses for more than one day, the classic response is a deep groan and resentment. Though I am a fan of dresses and suits, in my own taste I lean toward those that are *cough* shorter and more playful than those expected in a working environment.

Nevertheless, who has decided that professional attire must be so black and white, so cut and dry? No where in the imaginary rule books does it state that employees must wear suits of black or navy, in the same monotonous cut, every day. Yet, this is what I have seen. In the world of business, tailored suits and dresses dominate in strictly neutral tones. We see the same outfits repeated, over and over, everyday, looking fully pulled together. Indeed, this is the look that employers have intended for…but where is the fun? Where is the life?

If professional attire took a on a new spin, more animated and personal, would the world crumble, would society topple? The world will have to wait until 2012 for that…instead we could gain back a sense of freedom and expression that only younglings seem to embody anymore. We could find our own rather than lose ourselves among a sea of blue black white beige suit jackets, skirts, pants, etc. etc.

There is a way of imposing such an idea without losing the ‘professionalism’ of an outfit, while still gaining expression. And this is what I intend to do when I attend the conference. Yet, I am still faced with the tricky task of actually finding appropriate clothing that effectively fits my personality. I have found it nearly impossible thus far because a) as it is summertime, no one truly wants to buy business suits and dresses and b) nearly every store that is selling business attire is adherent to the invisible rules.

But I will not give up! There is only a few weeks left to hunt for perfect finds, and I intend to use every second to do so!…Minus the next few hours in which I will finally get some sleep!

Tomorrow I will attach some pictures of what I hope to embody in the end of my journey, as I am now following asleep over my dying computer!

And let it begin..

K-LAtude — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 02:59:45 +0000

I am beginning this blog out of utter obedience to my duties as a “National Youth Correspondent” for the Washington Journalism and Media Conference. Nevertheless, I am surprisingly excited to join the hundreds of other teenage bloggers…so excited that I spent hours upon hours editing my header, only to realize that 3 clicks of my mouse was all that needed be done. My only hesitation to this feat is my odd desire to beat the odds; in my case, being a fashionista that does not blog. With that being said, I admit that I am a fashionista, as cliche as it sounds, though not your typical ‘I know everything there is to know about fashion!!!!!’ type. So though I will be documenting my experiences the week of the Conference, I hope to keep going for much, much longer, with the secret intention of turning it into a fashion blog…or rather a blog consisting of my own fashion concoctions, tributes, etc., etc.

So while I really know nothing about blogging (yet), I truly believe that attending the Washington Journalism and Media Conference will enlighten me, not only in blogging, but about journalism and communications in general. The Conference engages students in hands-on experiences for those aspiring futures in the industry.

While the Conference has not yet begun, I have already had some experiences worth noting: The Conference notified each attendees local newspaper of our acceptance into the program. Upon seeing the published acknowledgment, a local online site decided to interview me as their new “Whiz Kid.” The interview was posted on AOL, and thankfully was only seen by few (still to my bashful embarrassment). Yet, weeks later, a stranger in gym class tells me he recognizes me from an online article. Though the encounter between us lasted only seconds, I must admit I was quite amused and a bit flattered. Maybe stardom won’t be so bad after all..

On another note, I imagine the hardest part of becoming a blogger will be the freedom to write what I desire. As a full time *sigh* student I have become so accustomed to receiving a prompt directing my every move that I have absolutely forgotten how to write for the mere pleasure of writing. And that my friends, (or should I say mom, because I presume you are my only audience) is what I heartily hope to gain.

I leave you with nothing other than my words to post…and a butterfly filled stomach. I know..ever so boring, but to all my readers out there (if you even do exist!) come back and maybe, or maybe not, you will find something worth coming back for..