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Youth Radio
Listen to this commentary!
Brooke Wilson
I joined Youth Radio three years ago, when I was a sophomore at Berkeley High
School. At school, my body was in the classroom, but my mind and heart were
no where to be found. Everyday, I would come home from school, and head straight
for the television with a box of cereal. To say the least, it was a pitiful
existence. At the age of sixteen, I was just waiting around until I became rich
and famous or fell off the face of the earth.
Then, I walked into Youth Radio. I was guarded and nervous, but I could feel
the energy bouncing off the walls. There were people my age everywhere, working
hard to create their own programs. I made it through my first year and a half,
barely speaking to anyone with the exception of the microphone. Although the
mike represented hundreds of strangers, I didn't feel any judgment when I was
sitting in front of it.
My first commentary was about being adopted. It was something that I never discussed
with anyone, but felt almost obligated to write about because I had never heard
anyone talk about adoption before on the radio. I felt like I was really doing
something for other people by telling my story.
In the dictionary, the word microphone is defined as, quote, "an instrument
capable of transforming sound waves into electric currents or voltage used in
recording or transmitting sound, in a sense enlarging." I didn't realize
it when I joined Youth Radio, but now I see that the microphone didn't simply
enlarge the sound waves of my voice, but it enlarged my sense of myself. Now
I can say I am actually good at something other than the tv trivia category
on Jeopardy.
Everyday, I'm discovering new strengths. And whether or not I pursue a career
in broadcasting, I can credit the microphone for opening the door to a future
where I'm in control. And right now, I am calm and confident speaking to a multitude
of listeners and knowing that they care about what I'm saying.
With a perspective, I'm Brooke Wilson.
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