Restoration, Redemption, and ReEntry Conference in Charlotte, May 29

Finding real-life solutions amid the challenges faced by men and women returning to society

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Addressing the issue of mass incarceration among minority populations, Exodus Foundation.org prepares for its free annual conference that was created to educate, train and provide support to anyone impacted by mass incarceration.  The 2nd Annual Restoration, Redemption & ReEntry Conference,presented by Dr. Madeline McClenney, founder of Exodus Foundation.org, will embrace the topics of Restoring Victims to Wholeness, Redeeming People with Records, and preparing citizens to ReEnter Welcoming Communities.  The three-day event is scheduled to kick-off Friday, May 29, 2015 from 7:00PM - 9:00PM at The Park Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, and will extend until Sunday, May 31st. Information can be found by visiting  www.ExodusFoundation.org.  

The Restoration, Redemption and ReEntry Conference is an exciting motivational and inspirational conference that targets youth and adults and the loved ones of people with records.  It will include sessions addressing:

• How to rebuild and rebrand your image after prison
• How to move up in a down job market, even with a record
  
  And more….

The evening Town Hall event on May 29, 2015 is open to the general public and brings dynamic speakers to discuss police misconduct in light of the round up and lock up of American citizens.  The theme is Black Lives Matter: Where is the Church, Synagogue, Mosque and Temple? Exodus Foundation.org will explore ways to make the community and nation safer for vulnerable men and women with records.

Dr. Madeline McClenney, founder, said “This conference is designed to inform, enlighten and educate the public and those populations directly impacted—often negatively--by an unbalanced judicial system. But MOST IMPORTANTLY, the Restoration, Redemption & ReEntry Conference is here to empower underrepresented men and women so that they, too, can experience the liberties and justice assigned to us all, and the pursuit of happiness with the tangible means to acquire it.”

Register TODAY for the Restoration, Redemption & ReEntry Conference by visiting www.ExodusFoundation.org or click here to see the event schedule and additional information. Media inquiries can be directed to Jennifer Colter by calling (323) 379-4472.

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About Exodus Foundation.org 
Identified as 1 of “15 Faith Leaders to Watch in 2015” by the Center for American Progress, Dr. McClenney-Sadler is a Baptist preacher with years of experience working on criminal justice issues. Rev. Madeline McClenney-Sadler, Ph.D. first envisioned mobilizing African American churches and communities to fight mass incarceration while she was completing her master of divinity degree at Howard University. As she completed doctoral studies in Religion at Duke University’s Divinity program in 1999, she founded Exodus Foundation.org to reduce the incarceration of at-risk African Americans and to address the diverse challenges that confront incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. Dr. McClenney-Sadler is a highly sought-after adviser and a primary voice in this field, and under her leadership the organization provides mentoring and scholarship programs in high-risk communities, as well as resources and support to address challenges that formerly incarcerated people face, such as social isolation and barriers to employment.

Learning in the Journey

Middle College students overcome challenges, uncertainties and fear to create their future and make history in the state of Maryland 

Middle College graduates:(l-r) Alex Saviet, Amanada Endres, Dang "Oswald" Truong, and Damari DeLaine

The number of students on track to graduate from high school over the next few years is at an all-time high, according to U.S. News & World Report, however, the disparities in educational advancement among minority students is holding steady—specifically in the African American community.

The statistics illustrating the high dropout rates, low standardized test scores, and lack of attendance for children representing black households are staggering. Kids from more urbanized areas represent the largest populations, even though suburban and rural families face significant challenges as well. From a political standpoint, it is a nationwide problem that has been a platform talking point for politicians since the 80s. If numbers in a database were the only measuring stick available to gauge the ability, potential, and intelligence of kids that fall under the minority category, this country would be in a very bad state.

Fortunately, a group of Maryland educators and administrators decided to find solutions to this growing epidemic instead of standing still and silent in the problem.  The group’s ambitious vision to create an extraordinary learning environment began the process, and their meticulous planning, lobbying, and unrelenting desire to provide a once-in-a-lifetime educational opportunity to the children of Prince George’s County would soon pay off.  

Superintendent Hite, Principal Richard-Andrews (AHS) and President Charlene M. Dukes (PGCC)

In 2011, the Academy of Health Sciences (AHS) at Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) opened the doors to Middle College High School. Located just minutes outside the District of Columbia at PGCC’s Largo, Maryland campus, the progressive high school program each year selects a specific number of boys and girls who are entering the 9^th grade. This elite group traverses the program for four years taking accelerated high school courses that quickly transition into a college-level health and sciences curriculum. The result? Upon completion of the program, each student graduates with a high school diploma and an Associate’s degree.

By way of a sophisticated assessment and scoring system, candidates are chosen and those students granted admission to the program enter into an academic experience that one could only compare to Space Mountain in Disney World. The curricula is fast-paced, challenging and even intimidating at times—just like Space Mountain. There are ups and downs, twists and turns, and even a few jolts of surprise along the way—just like Space Mountain. The process is exhilarating, scary, and exciting…it takes your breath away but leaves you with lifelong memories—JUST LIKE SPACE MOUNTAIN! Google Space Mountain if you don’t believe me.

The Academy of Health Sciences Middle College program was designed to enhance the lives of its students by providing an educational environment with superior learning outcomes. Mission accomplished, but if you ask the principal, instructors and staff, they’ll most likely tell you their lives have been changed by these amazing children. Ethnicity, socio-economic status, or most followers on Twitter are of no consequence in the selection process. The student body is extremely diverse and full of nervous kids who aren’t exactly sure what they signed up for that first day…but in an instant, they know there is no place they’d rather be.

Prince George's County Executive, Rushern Baker, Prof. Appollo Cordon, and Former MD. Governor O'Malley

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of hanging out with four of the 92 kids that are now the Senior Class from the Academy of Health Sciences. And in just over a week, they will be THE FIRST graduating class from AHS Middle College High School at PGCC. Kind of a big deal? The BIGGEST! What the administrators, faculty, staff, Principal Dr. Kathy Richard-Andrews, and Dr. Charlene Dukes, president of Prince George’s Community College accomplished in four years is unprecedented. Under their guidance, leadership, planning and structure, 100% of the senior class will graduate with their high school diploma, 100% of the senior class has been accepted to a four-year institution, merit-based scholarships in excess of 6 million dollars have been offered, and 90 out of 92 students will graduate with their Associate’s degree. Maryland history…made!

When I reached the classroom assigned to me for the interviews, I was nervous. All of sudden it was 1990 and I was back at Neshaminy High School. The energy pulsating through the halls was electrifying and the spirit of the school hit me like a brick. The vibe was upbeat, kids were chatting and darting in and out of rooms, and their sense of urgency to be “somewhere” was evident. The vibe screamed, “Yeah…we rock!”, but it was totally unspoken. I knew though.

So I finally sat down at a huge table with Amanda Endres, Alex Saviet, Dang “Oswald” Truong, and Damari DeLaine. All of sudden I felt the need to sound smart. After all, I’m supposed to be a professional, the grown-up lady there to ask them all the questions and calm their nerves. Well, I had no real plan of how the interview was to go, but I did know that playing the role of "reporter" wasn’t going to work. These kids are too cool and keen for that. So I decided to just talk to them—transparently and sincerely. I haven’t been the same since.

Amanda, 18, can be really quiet, but that’s only because she’s constantly taking everything in—reflecting and focusing. It’s still a little difficult for me to write this article with her in mind because she has overcome the most, physically speaking. She is what you call the epitome of strength because in spite of being diagnosed with Leukemia and having a bone marrow transplant in February 2014, Amanda took summer classes, studied in her hospital bed, and utilized every fiber of her being to stay on track, academically, while fighting a life-threatening disease. She will be walking, proudly, with her peers on May 21, with dreams of being a nurse. I asked her why nursing (as if I didn’t know the answer) and she responded in a way that only she could, “I want to help people the same way my nurses took care of me,” she said. “Their kindness and encouragement contributed to my healing, and I want to be just like them.”

Amanda is from Laurel, MD, likes soccer and country music—especially Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan--and plans to attend Stephenson College in the fall.

I ended up sitting next to Alex, 18, during our talk and I immediately felt his larger-than-life presence. By the end of our conversation, he was hugging me as I tried desperately to pull my emotional self together. These kids have that kind of effect on you.

The EMT trainee, super-athlete and soccer coach from Cheverly is a true adrenaline junky. Perhaps that’s why he plans to return to PGCC after graduation to obtain his Paramedic license. But there’s much more to Alex than his tall, slim frame and kind eyes. He’s a kid who has an inherent compassion for people and a sincere desire to help others; his way of deflecting the hurt and disappointments he has felt by being in foster care for a large part of his life. Alex is thoughtful in how he speaks, but is not shy when sharing his story of living in multiple homes and almost sent to another state.

“Things were really hard at the home I was living in, and they were preparing to send me away,” said Alex. “I called Dr. Andrews and told her what was happening because I knew I was supposed to be here. She made a phone call and told me that I was staying. She’s more than a principal…she’s always there when we need her in life,” he said.

Alex has connected to his Latin roots and has a relationship with his biological sister in Puerto Rico, where he proudly embraces his culture and its music.

Sometimes fear can appear so real and intimidating that it stunts our growth—emotionally and mentally. Oswald understands those feelings better than most and for a while he felt really bad about himself. Thankfully, this super-smart guy realized that overcoming adversity means facing it…head on. That’s exactly what he did and this soon-to-be-doctor is shining brighter than ever.

Oswald, 18, emigrated just six short years ago from Vietnam with his family. Imagine being a kid, in a new country, at a brand new school…and…you don’t speak English. Oswald recalls it being extremely difficult just trying to understand basic conversations among classmates and the teacher. His confidence was deflated and he “felt stupid”. When he was home in the comfort of his family, things weren’t much better. He shared that many times he would sit around with his father and brother and they would excitedly talk about technology, current events, news—important things. Oswald never felt smart enough to contribute to the conversations so he just sat back and never spoke up.

The fighter in him would never allow him to give up. Oswald learned English in six years and was accepted to the AHS Middle College program. The new environment and experience seemed overwhelming at first, but his persevering spirit attracted many students to him and he immersed himself in his classes. Biological Science has proven to be Oswald’s passion and strong suit, and he, too, will graduate on May 21 with a diploma and Associate’s degree. And so will his dad, but Radiology is his calling. Both Truong men with receive their Associate’s degrees at the same ceremony in front of their very proud family.

“My grandfather died of lung cancer, and ever since then I have been interested in pursuing medicine as a career. I want to find a cure for this disease and impact lives,” eloquently expressed Oswald. He said that after only a year in Middle College, his confidence was building and although his classes were challenging, they fueled his passion for biological science even more.

Oswald is a music connoisseur and listens to practically everything, but he feels most connected to acoustic guitar artists like Ed Sheeran. He’s cool with the Classical genre too—which he gets from his parents. He plans to attend Johns Hopkins University in the fall. His advice to other kids, “When you start, believe in yourself and make every day count. The tough times don’t last forever.” Well said, Oswald!  

Academy of Health Sciences Middle College program instructor (PGCC)

Bleak House by Charles Dickens is one of the latest novels Damari DeLaine is wrapped up in.  Along with his peers, he is an avid reader of books that run the gamut of topics—despite how much homework, exams, and required reading is assigned. The 17-year-old Hyattsville native who lives with his grandmother and had a history of getting into trouble at his former schools is one of the most unique personalities I had the honor of engaging at Middle College. From a very young age, Damari could absorb complex information like a sponge and not only retain it, but recall every aspect of what he learned. This level of aptitude was threatening to some of his teachers and instead of nurturing his gifts, they deemed him a troublemaker. “I would get into trouble because I was bored,” said Damari, “I wanted to be in an environment that challenged me, encouraged my unique way of thinking, and could help me channel my mental energy in a positive way,” he said.

He attended an orientation for the Academy of Health Sciences Middle College and was struck by Dr. Kathy Andrews’ level of enthusiasm. Shortly after the event, he made the life-changing decision to attend. A decision that made his mother very proud.

The extremely tall and extroverted teen who enjoys reading books while walking down the street has many layers—all of which have their own unique Damari story to tell. One layer would speak on how he’s preparing to attend Howard University under the Legacy Scholarship where he’ll major in Pre-Law. Another layer would express his affinity for music and eccentric artists like Earl Sweatshirt, MF Doom, and Black Moth Super Rainbow (I know…crickets), while another layer would speak loudly about his professional dreams of obtaining his J.D. and MBA at the same time, becoming a lobbyist for the small business community, leading the way in Corporate and Regulatory Law, and creating an organization for kids.  While all of this is impressive, in Damari land he’s just being himself. And THAT is a pretty cool accomplishment.

Inaugural AHS Middle College Class at PGCC (2011)

The statistics from U.S. News and World Report and the scores of unsubstantiated labels conjured up by people who think that a Damari DeLaine or an Alex Saviet are anomalies, should probably go back to the drawing board. All of the standardized testing, traditional teaching, structure and stringent guidelines can’t begin to adequately measure the potential, desire, or courage a boy or girl has unless you know the backstory. Oswald, Amanda, Damari or Alex could have given up Middle College, perhaps justifiably, and became another statistic in the report. That option wasn’t in Dr. Andrews’ plan and her students knew it.

She had a vision back then and four years later, the Academy of Health Sciences Middle College program has exceeded every expectation. Thanks to support from leaders like Dr. Charlene Dukes, Dr. Kevin Maxwell, and a first-rate instructional staff, the coursework given to the students is extremely challenging and taught at a rigorous pace, they are learning Anatomy, Microbiology, and Statistics Math and other advanced subjects at 17 years-old, and these kids are setting a new standard in academia that will be the blueprint for other states.

The real, bottom line, net-net of it all, however, boils down to something that can’t be taught, trained, or placed in a syllabus. The love, respect, and feeling of camaraderie among the Middle College students is resounding. They support each other on every level and when one of their own is struggling, they rally around and shower each other with encouragement. They know when a friend is having trouble at home, and they don’t put anyone down who can’t afford food or snacks. It’s a kind of utopian society that we as adults could only hope to experience. These kids are on deck to be world-changers, and after hanging out with several of their representatives, I feel better living in the world knowing they’ll soon take over.

Excited students at their brand new school. AHS Middle College High School, PGCC (2011)

For information about the Academy of Health Sciences Middle College High School at PGCC, please contact Dr. Kathy Richard-Andrews via e-mail at kathy.andrews@pgcps.org. All media inquiries can be directed to Jennifer Colter at colterjl@pgcc.edu or call (301) 322-0157.

 

Sources:
U.S. News & World Report, Study: Record High School Graduation Rate on Track for 2020, Alexandra Pannoni, April 2014

The New York Times, Large Urban-Suburban Gap Seen in Graduation Rates, Sam Dillon, 2009

CBS News, Big Cities Battle Dismal Graduation Rates, April 2008

www.pgcc.edu, Middle College news, 2011

PGCC/AHS Class of 2015 FIRST in State of Maryland to Complete Middle College Program -- 100% Graduation Rate!

Making History in Maryland: Prince George’s Community College will graduate THE FIRST Middle College Class under the Academy of Health Sciences—an Elite Academic Program Launched by the College in 2011

LARGO, MARYLAND -- Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) has reached a major milestone, and is proud to announce that its FIRST Middle College class will graduate from the Academy of Health Sciences on May 21, 2015 at the Showplace Arena in Upper Marlboro, MD. In 2011, Prince George’s Community College launched an extraordinary program that would test the boundaries of traditional education, and a select number of high school students embarked on an academic course that has secured their place, as well as the College’s place in history and the record books.

Ninth graders at the time, the students in the AHS Middle College program began their journey with challenging high school courses that were followed up by a rigorous college curricula. The result is a stellar educational experience with a diploma AND Associate’s degree to boot. The senior class, comprised of 92 boys and girls—of which 90 are graduating with both a high school diploma and an Associate’s degree--will participate in the College’s 56^th Commencement alongside PGCC’s “traditional” students who are receiving their Associate’s degrees. This unprecedented event is significant because all of the 92 students in the class of 2015 have been accepted to a four-year college or university as a result of the program. To date, scholarships based on merit and academic performance for the college-bound grads exceeds 5 million dollars.

 Visit us online at www.pgcc.edu. For more information about the Middle College Program and the Academy of Health Sciences at PGCC or Media inquiries and interviews, please contact Jennifer Colter, Public Relations, by calling (301) 322-0157 or colterjl@pgcc.edu.

Exodus Foundation.org Beckons Support from U.S. Congress to Reform U.S. Prison System—Public Rally Planned for March 26, 2015 in Nation’s Capital

National organization that advocates for at-risk and incarcerated African Americans will hold a public forum and rally in Washington, D.C., on March 26, 2015, as a means to influence Congress and other political leaders to make certain lasting reforms to the U.S. Prison System.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Exodus Foundation.org announced its plan to host a public rally in the Nation’s Capital in an effort to garner support from Congress for a Sense of the House Resolution, a bill that establishes the will of the Congress to move forward on something.  This type of bill is introduced like other bills that become law, and is being prepared by Exodus Foundation.org and its advisors. The initiative is calling on Congress to reform the U.S. Prison System through the implementation of a Restorative Justice program in order to dramatically reduce racial disparities, reduce recidivism rates, reduce mass incarceration and save taxpayers’ dollars. A congressional luncheon symposium organized by Dr. Madeline McClenney, founder of Exodus Foundation.org, is slated for Thursday, March 26 from 12:00-1:30 p.m.  A rally is currently being planned  and scheduled from 12:00-7:00 p.m., and details can be found on their Facebook page.  The events are open to the media and the public. Space at the symposium is limited and can be reserved at dc@exodusfoundation.org.

“The symposium will educate and inform participants about H.R.1000 crime prevention, and a crime prevention resolution and jobs bill,” said Dr. Madeline McClenney. “The public needs to be aware of successful, evidence-based re-entry programs nationwide that promote the general welfare of returning citizens, and the effectiveness of juvenile and adult mentoring programs,” she said. “The Campaign for Commutations and Pardons championed by Exodus Foundation.org and its partners, which is aimed at reducing recidivism and strengthening families, and restorative justice as an alternative to criminal justice are also primary talking points.  This event is designed to make solutions the focus of our dialogue and the actions needed to restore our national community,” McClenney stated.

To garner colossal support for the initiative, Exodus Foundation.org has published a proclamation petition currently available on their Facebook page through Change.org where they are seeking 1,000,000 signatures. A panel of high-profile political and civic leaders is expected to attend the historical event, and will address the public in an effort to support Congressional action. Confirmed speakers include Dr. Clarence Newsome, President of the National Underground Railroad Freedome Center; Dr. Christine Warnke, Hogan Lovells; Michael McBride, National Director of PICO; and Dr. Bahiyyah Muhammad, Howard University Sociology Dept. Additional leaders will be announced soon.  

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD, SIGN THE PETITION TODAY! To learn more about the Reform the U.S. Prison System Congressional symposium and rally, log onto www.ExodusFoundation.org. For the latest updates and details follow @redseacrossings, or contact Jennifer Colter, SRT & Associates, at jcolter@srileythomas.com or call (323) 379-4472.

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About Exodus Foundation.org
Identified as 1 of “15 Faith Leaders to Watch in 2015” by the Center for American Progress, Dr. McClenney-Sadler is a Baptist preacher with years of experience working on criminal justice issues.

Rev. Madeline McClenney-Sadler, Ph.D. first envisioned mobilizing African American churches and communities to fight mass incarceration while she was completing her master of divinity degree at Howard University. As she completed doctoral studies in Religion at Duke University’s Divinity program in 1999, she founded ExodusFoundation.org to reduce the incarceration of at-risk African Americans and to address the diverse challenges that confront incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. Dr. McClenney-Sadler is a highly sought-after adviser and a primary voice in this field, and under her leadership the organization provides mentoring and scholarship programs in high-risk communities, as well as resources and support to address challenges that formerly incarcerated people face, such as social isolation and barriers to employment.

About SRT

S. Riley, Thomas & Associates (SRT) is a full-service consulting firm based in Houston (TX) with associates in Los Angeles (CA), Washington (DC), Atlanta (GA), Charlotte (NC) and New York (NY).  SRT provides a wide range of services in the areas of client and project management, public relations, event planning and consulting for all types of companies.

Dr. Charlene Dukes Speaks with PGCTV about President Obama's Plans for the "American College Promise"

Dr. Charlene Dukes, president of Prince George's Community College in Largo, MD, took some time to speak with Patty Villome, a reporter from PGTV. In light of President Barack Obama's recent announcement about FREE tuition for community college students, many state and local leaders--as well as higher education influencers--have weighed in on the pros and cons of the impending proposal. How the proposed plan and national initiative will impact Maryland community colleges, as well as two and four-year institutions across the nation has been a hot-button issue this week.

Leave your comment below to voice your opinion or concerns, and in the meantime, click the video to hear an interesting perspective from PGCC's president.

Learn more about the community college named a White House "Champion of Change" by visiting www.pgcc.edu.

Source: Prince George's County TV - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6EAL2STZASwy3SpqKjI6jA 


Follow @PRChickNumeroUno or email the number1prchick@gmail.com

Learning in the Journey: Stories about Taking the Bold First Steps to Find Your Destiny

 “I'd only intended to spend one semester [at PGCC], but I found the experience extremely nurturing and chock-full of academic opportunities that I decided to stay.” –Tameisha Henry, U.S. Diplomat   

 
It’s astonishing how taking a simple step forward in our journey can impact our entire life’s path, and take us on a ride we couldn’t possibly design were we left to our own devices.  In Paolo Coehlo’s novel, The Alchemist, a king speaking to the character Santiago tells him that, "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."

While a powerful statement, it is also thought-provoking and reminded me that everything we send out to the universe inevitably returns to us—positive and negative. And in moving that sentiment further along in my mind, it caused me to think about a young woman I had the good fortune of meeting. She is the epitome of a seeker, and her resourceful nature has helped her uncover an entire world of opportunities that have made her academic path nothing short of remarkable.   As a smart high school student, Tameisha Henry made a singular decision that would chart an exhilarating course for success. Several innocent but fateful hiccups, however, prevented Tameisha from applying to a four-year institution in high school, so she decided to begin her college coursework at Prince George’s Community College.

 Preparing for takeoff!

After pow-wowing with the American University graduate, I felt inspired and knew that I had to share her story. Awards, honors, accolades and racking up degrees is impressive, but what makes Tameisha’s story so fascinating is her mindset. She lives in a “big picture” state of being, and fully understands the importance of embracing the right opportunities at the right time. She’s unique, extremely bright, and a fun conversationalist—but mainly, she’s just very down to earth and pretty much just wants live on purpose. And that makes her very cool! 
  

 Here's her story: 

 J: What did you want to be when you grew up?
T: I had all the same dreams as most people. I wanted to be a ballerina, a lawyer, a doctor and a bank manager, among other careers. Growing up in Barbados my exposure to the breadth of the world's job market was very limited but my dreams were largely TV-fueled. 

 J: Was government, public policy, politics, etc. always part of your game plan?
T: Government and diplomacy was definitely NOT always part of my game plan. I moved to the United States and studied Business Administration at PGCC, and later at American University, and figured I'd work in that field. However, the DC/MD/VA area had different plans for me. While the Peace Corps was not traditionally a popular job for my fellow business students after graduating, it was a popular path for many of the students from AU's School of International Service. The Peace Corps' Small Enterprise Development volunteer program allowed me to meld my business training with my passion for service and launched my international career. Several jobs and a master’s degree later, here I am - a U.S. diplomat. 

 J: Who influenced you as a child, teenager or even know as an adult, to strive and work hard to achieve your dreams?
T: My parents are my biggest motivators. I am the living, breathing evidence of countless sacrifices on their part and I am eternally grateful to them. My parents gave me a legacy of working hard that I strive to embody. My sister is also a huge motivator for me. She lives a life of purpose, driven by her personal barometer of success and integrity and I aspire to have her sense of self one day. 

 J: As a bright, enterprising young lady, why did you choose a community college as part of your academic journey?
T: I happened across PGCC along my academic journey. I moved from Barbados to the United States late in the summer intending to enroll in high school but the Maryland Department of Education reviewed my transcripts from Barbados and recommended I go straight to college. By then I had missed the application period for four-year universities so I went to PGCC which has late-summer admissions. I'd only intended to spend one semester but I found the experience extremely nurturing and chock-full of academic opportunities that I decided to stay. I was very fortunate to be accepted to the Honors Academy and later received a scholarship to go to American University so, by far, that was one of the best decisions I'd ever made. 

 J: What was your major, favorite course(s) and/or professor while here at PGCC?
T: I finished my A.S. in Business Administration at PGCC. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at PGCC but, by far, my work for, and later relationship with, Dr. Melinda Frederick was the most rewarding. I studied the works of Machiavelli and others with her - my first introduction to politics and leadership. 

 J: How has having a diverse education (PGCC, four-year institution) influenced or impacted you as a professional woman?
T: My time at PGCC gave me some of my closest friends, caring mentors and an experience that is unmatched. Unlike many four-year institutions, my classmates at PGCC were of diverse ages, professional experience and even nationalities. I felt incredibly nurtured in that environment. Moving on to a four-year institution with the academic foundation I received at PGCC was an ideal path for me. I think my time at PGCC, and later AU, showed me I could be effective in multi-cultural, diverse settings - a skill that I have relied heavily upon in my professional life. 

 J: What advice would you give a young student contemplating college? Same question, but an adult desiring to go back to school?
T: College is a significant investment and I think far too many young people do not appreciate this fact. I would advise a young student to look inwards before looking at schools. What do you want to do? What kind of job/lifestyle do you want to have? How do you plan to pay for school? After identifying the things most important to the student only then would I suggest surveying what schools are out there and what they have to offer. Sometimes, based on circumstances, a community college makes more sense than going straight to a four-year school. An adult going back to school is likely more sure of what they want to get from their education so my advice would be to survey the available schools widely to ensure the most bang for your buck. 

 J: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
T: This is an interesting question. I joined the Foreign Service specifically so my life would be dynamic and unpredictable. I don't know where I'll be but with my passions and interests rooted in service and working abroad I can see myself in the State Department for many years to come. 

 J: What is your favorite food(s)? Places to travel? Hobbies?
T: I love to eat! It's hard for me to pin down a favorite cuisine of meal. Now that it's getting colder I have been eating a lot of pho which is a Vietnamese soup I fell in love with when I worked in Vietnam last summer. My favorite place to travel will always be Barbados. I feel at home there but can also enjoy the beautiful island as a tourist would. I love to read so that is definitely my hobby. I also love cooking and experimenting with fusion cuisines. 

 J: Last or best book you have read?
T: I'm moving to Sri Lanka next year for work so I have been slowly making my way through relevant Sri Lankan literature. The book I'm reading is Anil's Ghost by Michael Ondaatje and it is set in late twentieth century civil war Sri Lanka. ^ 

  

Questioning media is Part of National News Engagement Day

Michael Ray Smith, Ph.D., Professor

A quip from Michael Ray Smith, Ph.D.
Professor, Palm Beach Atlantic University

Florida

Today is National News Engagement Day, a good time to think about the journalism of hope and ways to engage readers and viewers.

That term isn’t original with me. It came from Al Neuharth, founder of USA Today and author of “Confessions of an S.O.B.” The journalism of hope is old-school journalism that says as a vigorous free press increases, accountability and reform increase.

That’s the spirit behind National News Engagement Day, a month before Election Day, Nov. 7. Sponsored by Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, the day is receiving attention from journalism educators and media organizations across the nation. Two critical issues are at stake.

Issue 1: Awareness includes discerning between the questionable role of public relations as a part of the news model in some editorial operations.

Pew Research recently reported, “One of the greatest areas of revenue experimentation now involves website content that is paid for by commercial advertisers–but often written by journalists on staff–and placed on a news publishers’ page in a way that sometimes makes it indistinguishable from a news story.”

Known as native advertising, the trend is catching in legacy media with eMarketer predicting that native ads spending will reach $2.85 billion by the end of 2014.

Issue 2: The journalism of hope includes the idea of teleos, what the ancients said is the goal of this life, which is to seek the good.

A group of us in AEJMC have joined the idea of seeking the Good with sympathetic objectivity, an idea that former Christianity Today senior editor Carnes pioneered. As journalism educators, we talk about the need to get it right and the number one duty of a journalist: Accuracy. We teach students the ethic of consulting themselves first before weighing into an article. Prayerful preparation can make all the difference.

We teach them to train their news antenna to wiggle over news that may be missed by others such as the beach-side baptism of nearly 100 people in September by a downtown West Palm Beach Church. We applaud the work of the mainstream when it covers religion on page one as the Sept. 30 Wall Street Journal did with its Tamara Audi piece, “Tough Choice for Iraq’s Christians: Fight or Flight.”

The ultimate goal is to report information for the good of the community to help the community flourish.

The twin concerns of the encroachment of public relations into the news content and the wariness of coverage of faith in the marketplace are two areas where we can improve in journalism. We can seek the Good as part of the free flow of information for a healthy democracy. It doesn’t have to be bad news for the sake of bad news; it can be gritty reports of power abuses that will lead to reform.

The journalism of hope boldly speaks to power to do the high calling of the teleos of fourth estate: To make the powerful accountable and reform more likely.

Engage the news today and participate in the extraordinary power of the free press to make a difference for the good of the order.

More about Michael Ray Smith:

A professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University, Michael Ray Smith worked as a journalist for a number of newspapers including the Atlantic Journal-Constitution and author of the 2014 book, “The ABC List of Feature Ideas". Visit his site at http://writingtipsthatwork.com or contact him at School of Communication & Arts, Palm Beach Atlantic University,  MichaelRay_Smith@pba.edu.