They didn’t call it a “multimedia bootcamp” for nothing.
My time at Columbia Journalism School was one of my best experiences so far. Having learnt so much in just a week, I can understand why people travel from around the world to study there (and pay the big bucks to do so).
In five days our small class used professional production tools to plan, shoot, and edit a local story.
Setting up for Commencement Week at Columbia University
Throughout my time in New York, despite being a nobody from nowhere (someone – not a journalist – actually asked if New Zealand was a Scandinavian country), I’ve found people at the highest level willing to pause to answer my questions, and teach me what they know.
Then, they’ll introduce me to someone else who’s helpful.
From the people to the pizza, this city is the best.
Times Square – I can’t imagine how much busier it could be at New Year’sThe Cathedral of St John the DivineAt “The Whitney” – Whitney Museum of American ArtSubway station entertainmentFifth AvenueCentral ParkView from Top of the RockLooking uptown…
It’s not true that foot traffic moves quickly in New York.
Some people do, of course, but all in all it’s not the surging sea of suits I’d anticipated.
Everything else was as I expected; giant pretzels, subway grates, yellow taxis, tree-lined avenues, Times Square lit up like a carnival.
(Not that I’ve seen much – I only arrived on Monday evening).
I told myself it would be just like any other city, but bigger and busier.
Just around the corner from my hotel…
“Are we there yet?” I asked the taxi driver.
“Not yet,” he said. “We have to go through this tunnel which takes us under the water for two miles, and then we will be in New York.”
After what I assume was two miles, we resurfaced.
“Welcome to New York.”
Taylor Swift couldn’t have said it better herself.
View from Battery Park
But I was wrong – it wasn’t like any other city. It was insane. People, cars, everywhere. Music blaring, sirens wailing , taxis honking, there was even a horse pulling a carriage.
Times Square – just a block from my accommodation – was packed. I wondered if there was an event on; but the following night it was just as busy.
Strangely, among all this, people are friendly and kind.
Looking out at the Public Library from The Shop on Fifth Avenue
New Yorkers are quick to help when it comes to giving directions. Even though bodies are constantly bumping into each other, they generally pause to apologise. I’ve experienced nothing but chivalry among the chaos.
Courts near New York University
My first work-related venture involved travelling to the Columbia Journalism School Showcase. This meant riding the subway. I left an hour early, and was still an hour late.
I had better luck on my second go – a meeting in Greenwich Village with interactive news reporter Michael Keller.
But the rest will have to wait until tomorrow; owing to a fire alarm (how New York), it’s late.
