Life Behind a Football Star

Being a competitive athlete who takes part in a team sport can be such an exciting and fun career/hobby, however with it comes many additional aspects not everyone understands or realises.

From the outside it may be completely undetectable, however Tayla, 19, can often become a victim of external and internal pressures from her sport, touch football, and regularly suffers from acute anxiety. “It can be very hard. Sometimes I just want to quit.” While on the outside, it looks as if this fit young lady looks happy, motivated and talented and plays a very impressive game, being chosen for many representative teams and coaching opportunities – Tayla often wishes she could just give up. The pressure to succeed and ‘win’ by her coach is one aspect, however the pressure from her team-mates and parents can be even more overwhelming.

Jarrod, 19, plays Rugby league, and experiences similar feelings that go on behind the scenes. Everybody sees him play, whether it is a good or a not so good game, yet no one can truly appreciate how much effort and determination goes into the preparation for just one game. Hours of training, runs before work, strength training, ice-baths, and eating properly; yet no other training aspects can compare to the emotional and physiological training that comes with the sport. As quotes in the clip, Jarrod often feels as though he is missing out on life events, whether it birthdays, family lunches or just hanging out with friends. This sacrifice is often what gets him down the most. Football consumes him, “It can take over my whole life, my whole mind.” Both Teenagers have been playing footy since they could remember, and often feel like they will let everyone down if they don’t feel like playing, or don’t play well.

In the interview both subject share their football experiences with us, including what they need to do in preparation for a game, and how they can overcome fears, stress, pressure and anxiety. I was lucky enough t be able to go along to one of Tayla’s games and take some photographs, however unable to get any of Jarrod playing. However images of him in all his gear sends the same message.

Please remember to always seek help if you find yourself suffering from anxiety, stress or depression.

https://storify.com/emilybradwell/the-life-of-a-football-star

task two ~ thoughts and ideas about assignment 3.

I am still not completely sure if i will end up choosing this idea for the final assignment as i think it may come across a bit too cliche`, but nonetheless here are my thoughts and ideas…

For the final assignment I am planning on exploring the change in everyday life from someone who has lost someone in his or her immediate family.

I am planning on interviewing three people of various ages, who had lost either a mother or father and how they had to adapt to a new life.

I wish to explore what the first steps in this process are, aswell as many other stages along the way.

I hope to primarily explore how things changed overtime and how it made the subject feel when a new member was brought into the family – ie, father re-marrying.

What went on behind the scenes, was it as easy as it appeared? Was it difficult? did it cause a family breakdown? did it strengthen the family again?

I hope to use original photographs of the homes from all three characters, aswell as ambient sound that will reflect what is being said in the interview. For example – anger: things smashing, maybe pots and pans, doors slamming. Television sounds, sounds of cooking and/or running water to grasp the true essence of home life.

Task One ~ Reviewing Interactive Journalism projects.

My favourite piece of interactive convergent journalism would have to be Highrise produced by Canada’s National Film board (NFB). This piece digs deep into 2,500 years of history of this building, as well as a number of individuals who lived in the building.

The piece of journalism gives you different options as to what you want to learn about, a brief background to most new ideas, maps and the option to go at your own pace. It includes games, images, videos and text to tell the story, and provides many links to further reading and more information if the reader choses. I think overall this level of interactivity allows for a more personalised experience, and enhances the reader’s knowledge without becoming bored or drained.

The project does not however work as well on mobile as it does on a laptop. On a smart phone, it still works fine but does not have the same effect: It’s slower, and abit too bit small to completely utilise all its features and take advantage of the interactivity.

The project also allows you to visit their blog, as well as giving you the option to share it on social media.

My least favourite would have to be shark and minnow, due to the main fact that is was not as easy on the eye as Highrise is. I didn’t particularly like that you had to keep scrolling and scrolling for what seemed like forever; however the use of pictures and videos was a nice touch. There also wasn’t many different links you could click on or much further reading; only what was shown there and then on the screen.

Behind the Wheel

Since Jarrod Crick was born he has always had an association with racing through Rodney Crick, his father and multi Australian title-holder for truck racing. Jarrod’s Father recently passed away, however the connection they used to share on the go-kart racetrack has continued, as well as his love for racing. Jarrod, 19, believes he is making his father proud when he races; so wearing his Dad’s racing suit and displaying his racing number on his own kart is of utter significance. Jarrod not only feels a sense of connection to racing and the go-kart track but also the place inside his heart in which racing takes him.

The racetrack will always portray meaning for Jarrod, and will forever be one of his favourite places.

Pondering upon Assignment One.

When Thinking about this assignment and brainstorming different ideas in which to portray meaning between a particular person and place; it was clear to me that I would chose Jarrod Crick, a 19 year old Go-Kart racer whose fascination with racing has led to a realm of possibilities and new shared bonds.

Since Jarrod was born he has always had an association with racing through Rodney Crick, his father – multi Australian title-holder for truck racing. Jarrod has only recently lost his father, so the connection they used to share on the race track has continued, and Jarrod’s love for racing has strengthened even further. Jarrod believes he is making his father proud when he races, so wearing his racing suit is of utter significance and importance to him. Every time he races go-karts he feels it is a tribute to his Dad, as he displays Rodney’s racing number on his kart.

Jarrod not only feels a sense of connection to the racing and the go-kart track in general; but also to the place inside his heart in which racing takes him.

I want to portray this significance, not only in Jarrod’s individual love for racing, but how it makes him feel closer to his father as he continues the journey of what they once loved to do together. Jarrod races with his younger brother Cameron, and their relationship has never been greater in Jarrod’s opinion; he believes it has everything to do with the his dad and the track.

I hope to grasp aspects of these relationships, and the memory the brothers share of their family when they race. I would like the tone to be reflective and somewhat conversational and the mood to be enlightening, with hints of emotion. I would like Jarrod to share his story and what he feels when he is out there on the track.

Jarrod wearing his Dad’s racing gear and a huge smile.

Abbie’s Place

Abbie refers to ‘the gym’ as her place. Her safe place. Her happy place. Her peaceful place. Her Challenging place. Whenever she has the chance she escapes to her local gym in order to escape reality and unwind with a bit of exercise. She Cant go more than a couple of days without going to the gym – so when it came to picking a subject for this assignment I knew I had to portray abbie and her connection with the gym.

“Something about putting in my earphones, blocking everything out, and just running – trying to meet a new goal each time.”

It doesn’t matter whether she is by herself or with friends, an hour at the gym allows her time to think, reflect on the day, clear her mind as well as getting seem physical activity.
A healthy lifestyle is extremely important for Abbie, not only eating healthy drinking water and working out, but setting and meeting goals and challenging herself is something she believes contributes.

It was challenging trying to record a sound through the chatter of people, background music, huffing a puffing and the noise of the machines – however I soon realised all these components truly grasped the essence of the gym in it’s purest form.

“It’s true – a healthy body is a healthy mind.”

The Gym

Abbie feels a real sense of connection when she is at the gym. Not only does she believe it is an important aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but also a place where she can relax with her own thoughts, meet friends and new people and challenge herself each time.

Being at the gym inspires Abbie to make and achieve new goals, grow confidence in herself and learn new things.

Healthy hobby = Healthy mind

“Even if it’s just fifteen minutes in the water, I always feel so much better.”

University is a big part of this young mans life, and is where most of his attention and time lies -However there is much more to his personality than media and journalism…
Adam is an eighteen-year-old first year student whose spare time is spent in the ocean. Whether he goes swimming or surfing or simply just lays on the beach soaking up the sun, this is the place where he feels the most fulfilment.

“I look up to people like Kelly slator… He is so talented in so many different ways, not only surfing”

One of Adam’s surfing, and life inspirations – Kelly Slator. Image: http://www.carmelmagazine.com/old/images/archive/fa08/kelly-slater-1.jpg

Everyday Adam juggles with the stress of university, assignments, work and having a social life – yet never sacrifices the sea. “It clears my mind and allows me to reflect… it’s just so much fun… Without surfing I wouldn’t have the valued friendships I do now.”
Having a hobby which is outside of media and journalism can be beneficial to the mind and soul and allows for a sense of variety, which keeps boredom at bay.
By Adam having a hobby that is outside of work and university allows him to better manage his time – a valuable trait that will stay with him for life. “I always make sure I have time to go for a surf, or even a walk along the beach… it not only keeps me active and healthy, but it keeps me happy”
Daniel Branch, an online blogger clarifies this notion by stating that having a hobby “improves your quality of life.”
Adam says , “I would love to eventually pursue some type of sports journalism and I think surfing in particular would be perfect!” Gillian Kelly, a career expert clarifies this concept of pursuing a hobby relative to your career, “The hobbies that you do decide to include on your resume should be relevant to your career or the job that you’re applying for”. Not only is surfing a fun and relaxing hobby for Adam, it is also relatable to what his studying at university and thus his career.
In an article written by Brianna Everett, she emphasizes the importance of having a hobby and how it benefits your career “It’s about recharging, effectiveness and time management. My philosophy is, and it’s a bit corny, but our body is the vessel that holds who we are, so make sure you look after your vessel.”

When Adam was asked how he balances his love for surfing as well as his studies and work, he says he surfs at least 2-3 times per week. If he has uni in the afternoon he will surf in the morning and vice versa if he has uni of a morning. “Weekends are a good time for me to catch up on assessments … so my reward is to go surfing.” Sometimes this routine doesn’t stick each week due to different circumstances.

“ when I’m angry, ill just surf. When I’m feeling lazy ill go for surf. When I need to get out of the house I head straight for the beach”.

Online Vs Traditional Journalism

UOW student surfing the web for the latest news stories.

Many fear for the reduction in career opportunities in the field of traditional, longform and print journalism as result of the increasing demand in ‘online journalism’. Online Journalism may be more efficient, but is it reliable enough? Current journalism students themselves have their say about this issue.

“I think online journalism is an easier and faster way for people to get ‘news’ items and information; some people will definitely prefer that depending on their circumstances or their purposes.” (John Durrant – UOW student)

Is newspaper and traditional ‘newsroom’ journalism being destroyed in contemporary society as result of accessibility and affordability of the Internet? With millions of people on twitter, facebook and Youtube, access to online links, articles, blogs, and the ‘sharing; of news stories has never been so easy. It’s changed the way large newsrooms and newspapers share their content.

When a number of aspiring journalists were asked what they thought about the notion of deteriorating “traditional journalism”, an overwhelming sense of concern in job opportunities was evident. “The down side of it [onlne journalism] is that lots of people are losing their jobs because of it… I am so worried about getting a job in this field because its so competitive and there are very limited opportunities available” (Emma Davies). Emma can not see herself doing anything else apart from journalism; ever since she was little she knew this was the career she was gong to pursue, “I’ll keep striving to do well and learn more about this field.” Ashleigh field agrees that the shift in journalism practices has increased the way we hear about a news story, and as a result varying career opportunities, “There are so many options and so many directions you can go. It’s all about engaging the viewer.”

With Online journalism taking off in contemporary society, most people now head to online social media sites initially, in order to grasp a sense of opinions and discussions with the option of clicking links and articles shared by friends. These links take them straight to the article in a matter of seconds, with further stories and links included, “News is literally at our fingertips” (Ashleigh Field). This adaption has lead to a race against reporters as to who can get their story out the fastest. Many will read bits and pieces of articles, followed by a number of tweets about the issue, but then still reach for the local newspaper to read the full story if it is appealing enough.
With the growth of online journalism, is it evident that many aspiring journalists have shifted the direction of their career, to more online/digital based aspirations,“I just feel that it’s the field that will have the most opportunities available.” (Lauren Ferri, UOW student) Lauren believes that with the increase in demand for faster and more efficient news stories, Online journalism is the best career option.

“If you’re passionate about it, there’s no reason why you can’t achieve it.”

Online journalism may be fast, cheap and easily accessible but is it reliable? University student john Durrant shares what he thinks about the ‘evolution’ of technological journalism – “I often check my phone for a quick headline update but will always go to longform if I’m really interested. I think real online journalism can be effective and informative, but rarely is it story telling”. John is adamant and persistent that he will have a successful career in “newspaper” journalism – this form in his opinion is the most reliable, engaging and truthful.

What do you think is the most effective form of journalism? Have YOUR say!

Extinction of Newspapers

Has traditional “Newspaper Journalism” become extinct with the rise of online journalism? Many large newsroom operations are changing their game plan, and the way they deliver their news due to the evolution of technological journalism. According to James G Robinson in his article (http://www.niemanlab.org/2014/05/watching-the-audience-move-a-new-york-times-tool-is-helping-direct-traffic-from-story-to-story/ ), “every URL is a potential starting point for readers”. Robinson stresses that consumers want news faster and simpler -with the evolution in social media, a news story has never been so easy to grab onto.

“Ultimately, someday, the print product will be gone… Only a few major national or international newspaper ‘brands’ will survive in electronic form, and that local news will come to be delivered by, and attached to, a variety of other online services.” (Kelly Toughill – http://j-source.ca/article/why-newspaper-headed-extinction-study )

Lara Sinclair clarifies the notion of a slow death of traditional newspapers, noting they “will cease to exist in seven years.” Sinclair also suggests that newsprint will be “insignificant” in 52 countries by 2040 – replaced by technologies such as “lightweight, interactive digital paper that can show video, but can also be rolled and folded.” Online journalism is essentially ‘taking over’ traditional forms, with many job losses expected: Modifications in journalism production is critical.

Online journalism has become such a crucial focus with many preferring digital journalism over “newspapers”, that consequently large corporations have altered the way they present their news. In the article, http://www.niemanlab.org/2014/05/the-new-york-times-is-restructuring-its-page-1-meetings-to-be-more-digital-as-that-big-report-suggested/, the Nieman Journalism Lab discuss the New York Times leaked innovation for moving in a more digital news direction, due to the concern in competitors’ fast advancements – “Some of our traditional competitors have aggressively reorganized around a digital-first rather than a print-first schedule”
The article goes on to say that the publisher’s son repeated insistently the need to keep moving toward being “digital first.”
Dale Crossman tweeted on the 29th of May, “The New York Times is restructuring its Page 1 meetings to be more digital (as that big report suggested)”. – This is evidence that the New York Times, along with other large newspapers, are acting quickly in order for their traditional journalism to stay alive.
By adapting the way they present their news, and incorporating digital and online journalism, the New York Times hope to keep their status in the technological age.

Will they soon become extinct? What do you think?