So the first story i was assigned is part of a package having to do with this year's Census. I got assigned to cover the Census workers. I started researching the Census website right away and got some helpful information, but i knew i needed way more. So i started by calling the local Census office that covers liberty city and to my great frustration, it took me about a week to get in contact with the person in charge of recruiting. I called and left so many messages that they must have hated me. Once i finally got through, she was really excited about what i was doing, and what the class was doing as a whole. She promised to get back to me, and find me someone who could help me with my story
Hours turned into days, and to my great disappointment she told me she was not allowed to speak to me. But by some miracle, or maybe just out of the kindness of her heart, she gave me a tip. She told me there would be some recruiting and testing going on the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center in Liberty City that Friday.
When i got to the center that morning, i had no idea what i was going to do. I wasn't sure if anyone would be willing to talk, or if they were just going to give me the same run-around. As i started walking toward the center i heard voices calling to me, i looked up, and standing outside a trailer were three ladies asking me if i was there to take the test. I said no, but that i was there to interview them. I got great quotes from them, and i started feeling a bit more confident at that point. I was also able to talk to a recruiting agent who was extremely helpful, and answered all my questions.
I just hope my story is good enough. I was really desperate at the start of the whole process. I thought for some reason it was going to be a lot easier. This was the first time I've had to really struggle to get the information and actually get a story. It taught me to be persistent and to not lose hope, somehow, there is always a way, if you have enough determination. I felt like I was the only one struggling, but knowing that my classmates are facing similar issues and obstacles, makes me realize I'm not alone. It's hard work, but i know i can do it.
