BOOKS!

As a homeschool student, books were my best friend throughout my childhood. I initially HATED reading (as many of us did), until my mum tricked me into reading the Harry Potter series at age 8. I was hooked after the first paragraph, and I haven’t stopped reading since. Books are a wonderful source of entertainment all the time, but specifically when you’re trying to detox from all of the media and screens around you. 

Influential books for me include the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini, and The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. They all have one common theme that’s stood out to me: empowerment. 
Hermione kicked butt in the Harry Potter series, and sexist views were defied. It was also my introduction to the wonderful world of the written word.
It’s Kind of a Funny Story inspires people to look beyond the temporary sad thoughts and see all the beauty in the world with Vizzini’s story of his time in the psych ward on suicide watch. I found this extremely helpful my freshman year of high school; it was my first time at public school and terribly overwhelming. Sadly, Vizzini committed suicide in December of 2013, and I am still unclear on how to process it, to be honest.
The War of Art is focused around defying “Resistance” (procrastination) and releasing the artistic abilities inside of yourself. This book is one that gave me an intense wake up call to everything I could be doing, that I wasn’t doing. Since reading it, I’ve enrolled here at De Anza, and am looking into different internships and jobs within the field I’m interested in.
I’ve gone back and re-read each of these books at LEAST 3 times, and get more out of them each time. 

It can be really hard for me to keep reading as I get busier and busier. I’ll admit to falling into dry spells where I won’t read for a month or so, and damn, those months weigh the heaviest on me. Regardless, books are one of my favorite forms of mass media.

Media Autobiography

Media has always been a love in my life, who doesn’t love to know what's going on in other people's minds?

Books: When I was little, we hired a writing coach because I thought I was going to be the most accomplished 11 year old writer the world had ever seen. I realized after awhile that I would much rather be engrossed in someone else’s life works. Books have always held a special place in my heart, from princesses in castles to crack addicts in the streets, I absorb all of the stories and experiences.

News: I haven’t kept up with the news as of late, I am trying to find a station that talks about the joy and good things in the world instead of dwelling on all of our issues.

Magazines: I have a few magazines I like to read from around the world. I love to pick up National Geographic and explore the world in pictures and what all is going on, and will ALWAYS be excited for a fashion magazine of some sort (Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar..). I’ve also found some teen lifestyle magazines in Australia that open my eyes to their lives and the similarities and differences we face.

Movies: I’ve never had the patience to sit still for a whole movie, unless it can truly capture my attention with a deeper meaning. A movie that has done that for me is Little Birds. It focuses on the importance of not growing up too fast and being grateful for what you have. I think these are valuable lessons as I am still 16, but am working and learning in a world of older and thus more independent young adults.

Audio: Music hasn’t been a spiritual experience for me, like with some people. But I do love a song with a message other than “get the girl” or “make the boy love me”. If it promotes self love or even a silly message, I will listen to it over and over. It’s important to only listen to music that boosts you up!

Radio: I only use the radio for music, the DJs tend to be judgmental and offensive to their listeners more often than not. I will put on BBC radio and jam out to some british commentary on the world issues going on every once and a great moon though.

Television: TV is a great way to sit down and zone out at the end of the day. I tend to watch a range of shows: America’s Next Top Model, Modern Family, and even Bob’s Burgers. 

Internet: Oh goodness me, the internet is my true weakness. I will get stuck on Tumblr. and Twitter for hours on the weekends, and miss out on any sleeping hours available to me. 

I can see myself in a career involving media, definitely. I am currently only 16 and homeschooling, so I am still deciding on what college I want to further my education with, but I am considering the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, and majoring in Visual Communications.