Andrew
Nicole Sangano
IT started as a regular Friday on June 10.
As usual, I had several tests scheduled. But who could have known that there would be a life-changing experience later on?
I had to put everything on hold to pursue my passion.
Since childhood, I grew up as a media fan. I vividly remember an interview that I had done with an organisation. I frequently practiced in front of my family to be a presenter.
My passion for media and to be a media practitioner tremendously increased after going through the inaugural Media Club training organised by Zimpapers.
I became ambitious and believed in myself. I then took it upon myself to follow my dream through becoming a co-founder of a writers’ club that addresses the challenges of the world.
In the past, I have attended several book launches including Shingi Fundira’s “Identity Crisis”, with the hope that I will definitely launch my own book one day.
It was a lifetime opportunity to meet the people behind the wonderful Zimpapers senior management team.
These included Zimpapers editorial executive Mr William Chikoto, The Sunday Mail Editor Mrs Victoria Ruzvidzo, ZTN Head of Output Mr Ishmael Ndlovu, Suburban Editor Mr Itai Musengeyi and Star FM Head of Programming Mr Steve Vickers.
We were equipped with information and skills on newspaper writing, radio and television broadcasting.
We were also taught how to make the best use of social media platforms. They clearly explained the basic skills in journalism and this was done in a friendly, gentle and welcoming way.
The event consisted of three schools in Harare namely Queen Elizabeth Girls High, Destiny Achievers Group and Mufakose 2 High. Only 20 students were chosen from our school and I was lucky to have been part of the team. However, I was initially not included in the first selection.
But as fate would have it, I had just visited our headmistress so that I could address the issue of the club I had co-founded and that automatically resulted in me being shortlisted for the programme.
We were only five juniors and 15 seniors, which was a great personal achievement for me.
Part of the things I learnt include finding ways to attract an audience and how to come up with a captivating story.
Soon after the session, the Zimpapers crew provided ultimate support and interest in our ongoing activities at the club.
We surely wish to make them proud and prove that we have learnt and put the information to great use.
With all the knowledge they instilled in us, we took it upon ourselves as a school to bring back our school magazine which had been on standstill for years.
As an aspiring writer, this inaugural workshop motivated me to aim higher and think outside the box.
I express my gratitude to the Zimpapers family for such a once in a lifetime experience and our headmistress for granting us the permission to attend the event.
Above all, I thank the Almighty for giving us this opportunity at the right time and place.
Finally, my message to you is when you dream and things do not work out, remember there is always a door that needs a willing opener. Opportunities will never cease to come.
Always try and try harder.
Never change your dream but simply come up with a plan to achieve what you desire.
Nicole Sangano is an aspiring media practitioner and student at Queen Elizabeth Girls High.
Students can write short poems/stories or about special events at their schools and send to [email protected]
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter