Writer For A Day: Being A Blob in Journalism

Their is a lot of changes is happening in the journalism industry. The print product is reaching dangerously low in subscribers. The way of tradition is on it's way out the door. To be honest - I kind of like the tradition. As a whipper-snapper, young blood in journalism, it's great learning the tradition and then breaking the rules. Because I'm a rebel ... that tell stories. 

I'm a photographer by nature, but their are some things in life where you can't always be one. My editor sent me out as a writer to cover tomorrow's story on National Stitch-In-Public Day. 

I couldn't help but capture my colleague snapping away pictures on the ground. It's a different perspective because the readers don't see what photographers are actually doing.

Now, I need someone taking a picture of me, taking a picture of Jason.

Happy stitching day. 

photography + videos, education and workshopsSonya PaclobComment
What is Snow Day? A week with ZERO degrees
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I hate snow.

Hate is a strong word, but I really do mean it.

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Pennsylvania received at least a foot of snow and temperatures dropping to 0 degrees.

The Virginia Beach girl that I am, bundled in three layers from head to toe. My bed is like blanket mountain and my car acts like a wimpy kid when snow starts to accumulate.

Snow selfie

Snow selfie

I had some experience of snow before in Ohio, but not this bad. According to some local residents, this has been the worst it has been in years.

Great, my first time in York and a big snow ball hits me. Literally.

However, I see it half glass full and frozen. Operating in the snow makes me HARDER, BETTER, FASTER, STRONGER. Just like the Daft Punk song. But in this case in the snow, I was not faster.

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Majority of you who had a snow day and stayed in watching Netflix and sipping your hot chocolate, I was out in the snow. When it snows harder, the news go out and go deeper in the storm.

I say to people, What is a snow day? Because I probably will never have one. What keeps my blood pumping and the thrill as a journalist is the adrenaline rush.

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My first day this week, I caught workers towings cars away due to the city calling the snow storm a state of emergency.

I was out walking around in the snow for 2-3 hours, with additionally another 2 hours after my break. It was the best learning experience. One - need to get better gloves and Two - found a great gym that promotes fighting racism and violence on women.

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My next days - I played Connect 4 with the community and saw cub scouts racing their cars made from a pinewood block.

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You can say my job is unpredictable. A whole lot of danger and a lot of fun.

But one tip for anyone in the snow, NEVER EVER get groceries when is starting to snow, because you will end up like this guy. The left car lost control, went over the medium and lightly taps the SUV in front of me.

photography + videos, education and workshopsSonya PaclobComment
Behind The Photos: God's Warrior

“With great power, comes great responsibility.”

This is what Uncle Ben said in the Spiderman movie.

The quote makes me think of my **Auntie Elle, who passed away from cancer last year.

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In 2011, my auntie was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. I was at school at the time studying photojournalism. A newbie storyteller – I knew it was my responsibility to take photos of her.

But I didn’t realize how much of a struggle it would be to share these photos after I was done. It’s been almost a year since she has been gone.

My auntie asked me one thing after I took pictures of her, “please share this with my sisters.”

I already knew what she had in mind. With any family, there is always disagreements and fighting.

My auntie grew to love a different practice of worship. Which made many family members uncomfortable from my observation over the years.

I don't know how much of a family struggle she had. I believe she wanted her sisters to truly understand her. I probably will never know the truth.

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Her request for me to share her story grew larger in time. I really abounded my responsibility. I felt guilty and I was struggling on how to approach her story.

It could be perfection. It could because I was emotional. 

This year is a New Year and I’m out to complete my mission.

The final push came from my aunt’s pastor who contacted me a few days ago. He wanted a print of her flagging at church. The one action she was known by her church members.

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He said the photo gives him hope. He also said, “you can feel the emotion that resonates from it.”

I cried when he said this to me. Even though Auntie is gone; I can hear her through his voice.

I honestly miss her calling me and blessing me over the phone. After that she would sing her heart out.

Now, she is a frozen memory in my photo collection.

View the God's Warrior photo story. 

UPDATE Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014

As an added bonus: I am running the Scope It Out 5K in D.C. in March. The run is a colon cancer awareness in memory of my Aunt. 

What is colon caner?  

"Colon cancer refers to the condition where cells of the large intestine multiply uncontrollably. The disease causes problems because tumors interfere with the normal function of the colon. In advanced cases, the disease spreads (metastasizes) beyond the colon and affects the function of other organs.

Unfortunately colon cancer is not a rare disease in the United States. In fact, 1 in 19 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer in their lifetimes. However, if the disease is caught early, about 90% of cases are curable. "

- Source: http://www.scopeitout5k.com/about_colon_cancer

*Footnote: Auntie is the same as aunt in American culture. Auntie is usually used in the Filipino culture which means out of respect. Someone can be auntie if closely related and not always by blood.  The word uncle is the same.  

personal, behind the work, photography + videosSonya Paclobcolon, cancer, family, elleComment