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KristinaSawicki.com

An Amazing Experience @ the Track

I just finished filming on Friday, for another story and what an adventure I had! The story is about teen drivers/ drag racing and how to race legally and safely in Arizona. It was amazing!!! I went out to Firebird International Raceway in Phoenix and there I was treated to all the in’s and out’s of driving like a pro.

First I enjoyed the teen driving course, at the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving, where I was passenger in a skid car, raced down the track at about 100 MPH in a Corvette and got to drive my own little two-seater convertible. Then, I headed over to the track for Friday Night Drag. It was a free for all drag race, equipped with some of the fastest muscle cars, sports cars and motorcycles with racers from all walks of life. One car actually got over 132 MPH in about 11 seconds! I actually raced down the track myself, in a 2008 Mustang GT, hitting around 100 MPH in about 14 seconds. It had to have been one of my best life experiences to date. Needless to say, I overcame a fear of mine and had a blast while doing it. I am going to finish up the story this week and hope to have it posted by Friday. I cannot wait to share my amazing experience…

Ain't Life Grand?

Life has an unusual way of working it’s self out. I find that sometimes everything goes according to plan; I am on-top of the world, thanking my lucky stars. But then there are some, more than I would like, occasions when everything derails and catches me completely off guard. That is when it dawned on me I have learned my life lesson number…2,675. Not an exact number but I feel there are about 100 per year of my life, the other 675, just added them for fun. As you all know I have been trying relentlessly to land my “dream” reporting job. I have spent hundreds of dollars, took internships after my college graduation to gain additional experience, making $2 an hour, and created a website to sell myself even more. I have poured all my efforts and energies into getting a job that would not only fulfill me, but make my parents and family proud.
Well this story is not about my pity, it actually has a different purpose all together. The internship I was working at offered my a full-time position. It is not exactly what I had hoped for when I accepted my diploma in front of thousands of people last year, but it’s something. Now I have begun thinking more about the path that I have taken. Maybe broadcasting for a news station is NOT my destiny. Maybe I had to take an internship to gain this knowledge… or maybe this is just a transitional stepping stone for me. I don’t know. But I do know that whatever the reason, I am learning to take things as they arise. To think that I almost turned down the internship in hopes of a job in Colorado, but I stuck it out and now things are coming together. I feel like for once I can breathe and have finally made the transition from college student, to unemployed, to full-time reporter for Arizona Capitol Television. Life is funny! I guess the moral is, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.”

If you want to check out my website... KristinaSawicki.com

It's Out!

I have sent out my tapes and now I wait.

In the mean time I am working on Solana. The world's largest solar power plant being built in Gila Bend, AZ. It's about 70 miles outside out Phoenix and it is a billion plus project. Like always, I will keep you up-to-date and post my story when it's finished!

Have a great week.

News Reel

Getting it together...

I am working non-stop on my resume, tape and other daily deadlines. I am getting more and more anxious everyday... about job hunting.

I have been covering so many stories in the past few days- I feel like I am going a hundred miles a minute.

I am finishing up a previous story/new story on meth. I am really excited about it, I know that it will be a very touching and powerful piece.

I am also finishing up Spring Training this Friday. Plus getting my tape wrapped up and ready to go! Busy, busy, busy!

Spring Training

I just finished covering the Texas Rangers and Anaheim Angles game yesterday. What a long couple of days... I had to be at the Padres and Mariners field (in Peoria) Thursday, to interview the Cactus League President, at 7:00am-which means I had to wake up at 4:30! Then the very next day, I headed to Surprise stadium to cover the Rangers and Angels game and player interviews. It was such a blast, but very grueling.
I'll post the story next week...

Vibes

I am getting vibes... The ones you know you hate, but you are forced to do something about. The type of vibes that keep your mind wondering all through the night. The ones that keep you occupied even when you have nothing to do. You know what I am talking about... and I have them full swing!

And the reason for the vibes that are pulsating through me like gasoline... It's getting near that time! Time to apply for a job.

Technically I am working right now, a full-time job at that, but it is a temporary placement until May. I gave myself some personal deadlines- and the more and more I look at my calendar, the closer the deadlines are approaching. I have to send out five resume tapes by March 15Th. It may seem like I have a little while until my deadline, but actually it's just a few weeks away!

And the closer it gets the more uneasy I feel. I hated the rejection that I was faced with the last time. It does something to your ego when you just keep hearing NO. And although this time around I am feeling much more confident in my abilities... I have stronger stories, a new tape and am learning everything I need to know about the news business, plus the government, on top of meeting deadlines and digging for stories.

I just have the vibe rumbling in my heart again. And its telling me to get my hard hat on, cause it's not going to be any easier this time around.

On to something new

My next story is the CASA Program. Haven't heard of it? Well you're not alone. I hadn't heard of it until a friend told me about it. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. Basically, it is a program designed for children who have been placed in the state's hands due to abuse or neglect and are assigned volunteers to be their voice/mentor. I think the program has such a great mission and I couldn't be more pleased to work on the story. I really hope to give the program a voice here at the legislature and get people active in the program.

I am also working on, not as exciting of a story, the traffic cameras throughout Arizona. If you haven't heard of or don't know what I am talking about... Arizona highways and city streets (not all, but the number is growing) are equipped with photo radar cameras, to issue citations for speed or red light running. And a new bill passed a few days ago, permitting 170 more cameras popping up all around Phoenix. I am doing a chain reaction based story, from start to finish, beginning with the actual picture, the ticket, to the fees and classes.

It's not as heart warming as the CASA program, but a side note and interesting point, the Governor of Arizona is proposing that these cameras serve as a tool to balance the budget. I sat in on a meeting the other day and the number of tickets that is needed to balance our budget, if the tickets around $200 a piece, would be a over five hundred thousand... interesting concept to balance the budget???

Super Tuesday

Here it is! I had such a blast covering the Presidential Primaries as grueling as it may have been- it was amazing! For some reason the same story is on this clip twice, so don't waste your time watching it again.

Now on to my next story… The CASA Program.

The Right J.O.B

I have been working like a mad woman... putting together stories, covering the Super Bowl, The Presidential Primaries, and a ton of Legislative meetings. It seems like Monday was just yesterday, oh how time fly’s. But the best news of all, my tape is shaping up, I am improving daily and I am learning all about our government an added *bonus!

Keep up on the Primary race results for yourself, its getting down to the wire...
www.cnn.com/POLITICS/
http://democrats.org/
http://gop.org/

Obama Heads to Arizona

Yesterday was a great day! I covered Presidential hopeful Barack Obama's rally here in Arizona. The turnout was great and the experience was once in a life time. I was in the affiliate and network media section and just felt on top of the world! I officially feel like a real journalist. People are staring to look at me like a journalist, not a college student anymore. It is such a great feeling!

His speech focused on change, hope and unity in America. The energy was very upbeat and positive. I am getting so excited for the election- it really is something so amazing, its truly going to make history forever! I feel so blessed to be a part of something so historic. I will be following the election until the very end- please vote! Have a voice.

Obama in Arizona
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/azhome

Oh Tuesday

Sad news, my little puppy (Duke) broke his leg today. I have a 3 pound Chihuahua and he jumped off the couch and his leg broke in two places. So needless to say, I have had a very stressful morning. I just got a call from the doctor that his surgery went very well and he'll be coming home tomorrow.

My whole day wasn't stressful- I sat down with both the Democrat and Republican chairs today, to interview them about the Presidential Primaries. Both interviews went really well and now all I have left to do is cover the actual Presidential Primary, next Tuesday.
Lesson of the day: For every bad, there is some good.
Keep you posted on Duke's progress and the Primaries!

Oh What a Day

Let me first start off by saying, this is a historical day that has changed the lives of so many Americans and has shone a light on the potential of this great country. In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., "I have a Dream" and I am living it right now!

A few things struck me today. I am watching Oprah and the entire show is devoted to the history of segregation and Martin Luther King. As I listen to the many stories of hardship and struggle, my mind began turning and thinking about how lucky I truly am. Not only was I born into a country with endless opportunities, but I am a white woman, with an education and promise. As I watch Oprah and try to grasp the stories of the days when it was blacks vs. whites, I cannot understand how people could once be so divided.

Now why I am so lucky... I was born to two teenage parents, with no college education and one a high school drop-out, who both came from very broken homes. It was written in the sand that I would become a teenage mother myself, a high school drop-out and another victim of circumstance. I wasn't. Actually, the opposite happened. I never had a child, I didn't drop out of school and I graduated from college. Then it dawned on me... that is exactly how it should have ended up! Because even though I was born into a situation that I could not change or did not ask for- there was nothing that was standing in my way, other than circumstance. There was no reason that I should have become a victim to what I could not change. I remember sometimes feeling so terrible because I didn't have nice clothes, my mom didn't drive a nice car, or whatever- the truth is, who cares.

I was never not allowed to use a bathroom because of my skin color. I was never denied riding a bus, going to school, drinking from a water fountain, that was never an issue! So now looking back- I am thankful for everything that I didn't have and all the things I did. Because I was born free and that is pretty lucky. Finally, to all the African-Americans, not just Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, but all who marched, fought, lost their lives, and were left filled with hatred, thank you. For you have taught this country more than you will ever know. You have taught me personally to fight for what you believe in and with that you can accomplish mountains. You have taught me to never let circumstance stand in your way!

Overview

This week was another outstanding week at the Senate, despite the fact I came down with a cold Thursday and am still fighting it off. I have already interviewed Senators and Representatives. I have covered meetings dealing with education, finance and even transportation. The government is a lot more interesting then I was ever anticipating and I cannot wait to share all my discoveries with you! I have arranged an interview with the Republican Chair, January 29Th, and will post my Presidential Primaries story as soon as I am finished. I am going to get more rest and hopefully will fight this cold over then next day or two. Keep you posted-

Great News!

So I just got word that I will have the opportunity to cover Super Tuesday. For any of you who don't know what that is... it's the Presidential Primary election held in 22 states on the same day, one of those states being Arizona. Super Tuesday is Feb. 5th and I will surely post my story when I am done!

The new job is going great and I have a ton of things I am already working on. I am traveling to Jerome, AZ, to do a piece on the history of the town. I am covering the Super Bowl, among a million legislative goodies- session starts Monday.

Shaping Up

The 2008 Presidential Debates have begun and they are getting down to the nitty-gritty. I have been doing my best to follow the candidate's and the polls. I hope that you are all watching and thinking about who you are voting for! It's a BIG ONE!!

I begin working at the Senate tomorrow and I cannot tell you how excited I am. I have been waiting a long time to get into a news room and get my feet wet. I have already thought of a million stories and am praying John McCain goes past the primary election- so I can hopefully score an interview and represent Arizona to its best degree. I have been super busy, that explains why I have not posted in a while, preparing for the Senate.

On a side note... It's the New Year and I know that 2008 has a lot in store, for everyone! And I have to say looking back on 2007, a lot happened, and I feel like it was a tough year for a lot of people. I hope that the economy and the world starts shaping up. Happy New Year and New Beginnings!

What's Going On?

Did any one watch the "Most Fascinating People" last night? I hate to admit it... I actually missed it, but I have heard who made the list and who was the Most Fascinating of 2007. And my thoughts on the list are a little mixed. I mean I haven't even read a Harry Potter book (maybe I am crazy, but I have to schedule reading in these days. So if I am going to read a book, it has to at least be informational) and the author, JK Rowling was the most fascinating??

I just felt like the list could have been a little more, shall I say, interesting. I was expecting the list to include two of the Presidential Hopefuls, Obama and Hillary Clinton. Instead, Bill made the list? And the Beckham's... very interesting, if you are into the celebrity gossip and paparazzi thing (sadly I am). But, are they really all that fascinating?

My hopes for the list... I wanted to see a teenager who was saving his/her allowance for the starving children in Africa. Or the teacher in Sudan who is being sentenced to 40 slashes for naming a stuffed bear Muhammad. Maybe I am being harsh, I just wanted a little more depth. There are millions of fascinating people in the world, who are not the stars of Grey's Anatomy or Don Imus, a radio host who offend an entire basketball team. I just wanted to see someone else make the list with something truly fascinating to offer! Just a thought, give me yours...

Happy Holidays

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Sweeps is finally over and the Holiday season has officially began. I look forward to the Holidays just as much as I did as a little girl. I am getting ready for a big move, my new career. I begin the Senate on January 7th. I cannot wait and will definitely upload my stories for you all to see. Happy Holidays and stay warm!

In the News...

If you've watched the news lately... chances are you've seen some disturbing things happening in this world around you, from major droughts in Georgia, the Chandler rapist here in Phoenix, and the death of rapper Kayne West's mother. One more horrific event...just a few days ago Cyclone Sidr, hit Bangladesh, wiping out an entire populations way of existence. Already confirmed over 3,000 dead, thousands missing, and the Red Cross warns that the death toll can reach nearly 10,000 people. Hard to imagine. This story reminds me of the horrible Tsunami that hit just a few years ago. Wiping out resort communities and homes, leaving many dead, missing and never found. I often wonder if mother nature is trying to tell us something? Such an amazing force of nature that is explainable by science... but still so bizarre. I feel for all who have lost, are lost and scared. This is a very tragic and mysterious path of destruction that has it's obvious consequences, but none the less, makes me sit back and scratch my head and wonder.

Please read up on this story and give me your thoughts...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071119/ap_on_re_as/bangladesh_cyclone_114
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071119/wl_mideast_afp/bangladeshcycloneaid_071119201108

Blog What?

You would be so surprised at the power of the Internet. I am sure that you have heard how powerful of a tool the Internet is, but I cannot stress to you enough... its amazing! If you want to be discovered there is YouTube!, there are thousands of blog sites, like this one, and personal pages like, MySpace and Facebook. The cyber world is truly fascinating. Just last week one of my postings was read by the CEO of Entertainment Careers.net, who contacted me about publishing one of my posts on his site. I would encourage anyone in any industry to begin blogging. You would be so surprised at some of the feedback you get from a simple little post. If you are looking for anything to put your name on... put it on the Internet. It is a powerful tool that so many of us can access for free! Use it! But remember to be careful, you never know who is watching.

Irony

I was talking to a friend yesterday, about the entitlement recent grads and college students have. She told me that my generation has a sort of entitlement to them unlike any generations before- they expect things, believe they deserve and are owed things, referring to the students entering the business world. At first I really didn't agree, but after she finished stating her point- she was right! I noticed I did this very same thing. I expected to find a job right out of college. I was going to send my tape out after I graduated and land the perfect job, making lots of money, being the town superstar reporter... then I realized real quick, that is so far from the truth.

I have busted my butt, sent out hundreds of tapes, made a thousand calls, and have had two job offers. One that I turned down, because it just wasn't what I wanted! Wow... what was I thinking? I have a bit of advice to all you recent grads or college seniors. Nobody in this business is going to give you a break, because you're cute, smart or a good writer. It doesn't matter (sure it all helps in the long run), you have got to work hard and start now. Determination comes with success, hard work gets you noticed, and not giving up will get you the job. Take it from me.

The irony of it all... I have finally followed my own advice and now I am going to have to choose a job! What a great feeling!

A few places to get you started...
http://journalismjobs.com
http://entertainmentcareers.net/id/?id=70571

San Diego Wildfires

I have family in San Diego and with the wild fires blazing, I have to say it is very devastating that something so destructive has taken a city down in just a few short days. I was watching the news and it really is just pain sad- I hate watching things destroy peoples lives, especially knowing there is nothing I can do. My prayers go out to all the people, fire fighters, families, pets, and the entire city of San Diego.

A billion dollars in damage and seven reported dead. Not to mention the 1800 homes lost in the blaze. And still thousands more are still in danger of being destroyed.

Thank you to all the firefighters who are risking and saving lives!
Take a look at how much damage has been done.

http://signonsandiego.com/firemap/

Hang in there

Well it seems like just yesterday I was sitting in this very spot in my house writing a post about the weekend...and it's already Thursday! (Time flies) Everything is finally happening for me and I couldn't be more excited.

I have been thinking about how weird some things are in life. And one that I would like to share with you about my life... I have a friend that is going into the same field of work as me, I mention her a few times in my postings, but we share a lot of our trials, triumphs and stories together about this very difficult business. She is a senior in college and I have already graduated. The thing is she met a news reporter at her internship a few years ago and her name is Karen Schaler. Karen has really helped my friend in so many ways. My friend is already ten steps ahead of me and she is still in school. At first, I was very envious until my friend introduced me to Karen, and my life too begun to change. Although I am already graduated and thought I would have a job already. I feel like this was supposed to happen this way. Karen was supposed to enter my life when I was getting fed up and let down. For whatever reason, she just was. Now I have a plan and goals for myself. She didn't give me any breaks, it was all up to me, but she gave me the inspiration I needed.

So I want everyone who is struggling, angry, upset, depressed, fed up, whatever you are feeling about life or finding a job, hang in there! I promise that it just works out. It might not be the way you had anticipated, but it just works out!

Arizona Senate

I got the job!
Today I have my first meeting at the Arizona Senate. I cannot tell you how great it is to be a state reporter covering the many issues facing Arizona and the government. I get to work closely with Senators and Representatives. Plus I will be covering the 2008 election and of course, the progress of Arizona's own, John McCain.

Ready for the Weekend

Well... I cannot tell you how much I enjoy the weekends, even though I am usually working! I enjoy the weekend so much because I get to work on my stories. This weekend I am actually not shooting a story, but am finishing up the Arizona Meth Project story I did last week.

The Suspense Is Killing Me

I find out today or tomorrow about the reporting job in Colorado... and I am so anxious!

I have to admit that I have not been watching the news lately. Which is weird for me considering I am a news junkie. I am always wanting to know what is going on in my city and around the world. But "news people" watch the news in a completely different way then the "average" person. What I mean is, when I watch the news I focus on voices, packages, live shots, how the anchor looks and sounds. Not to criticize, but to learn. I find a reporter and/or anchor that I like and I try my best to learn how they do what they do.

I am a huge fan of Kaley O'Kelley (ABC 15). She is the weather personality, but she used to host Sonoran Living Live, when I started at ABC. She has such a charisma about her that I would watch her intensely when the show was on and try to figure out how she was so comfortable talking to the guests (no matter the subject). What I realized is Kaley would just act like herself. Bubbly, full of energy, and excited for whatever the story was, and that made her and the show great. When I started out reporting, I used to write down questions, spend hours talking out loud, working on my voice, and now I just go where the interviewee takes me. If I get stumped... I revert back to Kaley, and pull out my personality. I too am bubbly, outgoing, full of energy, and it just feels right.

So while I wait to hear the job news... I'll try to watch more news, so when the call comes I am ready! And my personality will pull me through.

http://abc15.com

The Secret

I just finished reading The Secret. By now I am sure most of you have heard about it from the one and only Oprah. I actually watched Oprah when she had the authors of The Secret on her show, how it was life changing and blah, blah, blah. Then my iPod broke, I was at the Apple store and I overheard, through the loud music and millions of people, a woman next to me talking about The Secret and how the Apple technician helping her needed to read the book or rent the DVD, because it was life changing. I listened to her for about 10 minutes as she went on and on about the book. Months went on and a friend of mine who recently returned from Spain, bought the book at an airport bookstore, to read during the flight. We were talking about a possible job for me in Grand Junction, Colorado, and she told me that I need to think positive and I will get the job. She finished the conversation by saying, "You need to read The Secret. It is life changing." What a profound statement. I mean it's one thing to come from Oprah, but to come from a friend who I know and trust, is a little different. Of course I didn't go out and get the book or even think about buying it. But about two weeks later, I went home to Tucson and sure enough, the book was sitting on the side of my mother's bed. I asked her if I could borrow the book and told her about my friend who told me to read it. I took the book home with me and finished it yesterday. I have to tell you they were right.

I see how I have been attracting things into my life that I never thought had anything to do with me. So now I am thinking and feeling different about the way things happen to me. I am aware of my feelings and thoughts, more than ever before. I am confident that I am going to get the job that fits me best. I have an interview on Wednesday with the Arizona Senate, to be a reporter/producer, for the Arizona Legislative Broadcast Group. I hear about another job in Grand Junction tomorrow or Friday. I cannot tell you how happy I am. How hard I have been working and the whole time I thought, why? Why am I not getting a job? Why doesn't anyone give me a chance? I know that I can do it! I know that I am great! I know that I have what it takes!

It was because I was keeping myself down. I am telling you read the book, The Secret. I assure you- it will have a impact on how you look at your life and how you feel about your life's situations. It did for me.
For now I am waiting to get the call offering me the job... I will let you all know when I am packing up and moving out.

Drop a Line

I love to hear what all of you think, constructive criticism is always appreciated!

Some of My Work

Life on Track

This weekend I have been working on some stories...

I met with the Maricopa District Supervisor, Don Stapley, yesterday regarding the Arizona Meth Project. I have to tell you that meth is a very devastating drug that is creeping up on our youth. I have really hit the ground running with stories, working on one almost every weekend. I have been so blessed to have the chance to still work on stories and improve my talents day by day. My future endeavor is going to be illegal immigrants here in Arizona. I am trying to find an actual illegal to interview... and get their perspective on coming to the United States. That should be a great story- keep you posted of my progress.

Arizona Meth Project

My next story is on the horrible drug meth. The Arizona Meth Project is launching a huge campaign to keep meth off the streets and out of the hands of the children in Arizona. When I was reviewing the facts about the drug and how it truly destroys peoples lives... I have to tell you it was devastating. It hit home to me, because one of my best friends from my childhood got mixed up with the drug and it ruined her life. It was very hard to see someone you care about make bad decisions because of an addiction, that she tried many times to kick, but just couldn't. Anyway, next weekend I am going to a meth recovery program, similar to the 12 step program of AA, here in the valley and will get the opportunity to listen to others stories and how the drug impacted them. It will be one story that I think many can benefit from and hopefully pass on to others.

http://arizonamethproject.org

New Career Move!

Today I have accepted the position as a iReporter. Basically I am a blog reporter for a marketing company. The good news is, I will have a new site for you to check out and hopefully some new video blogs. I'll keep you posted!

Hello!

Hello! My name is Kristina and I want to just say "hello" to all of you who have taken the time to visit my blog. I am no expert on the computer, so I decided to perfect my http:// skills with a personal/professional blog. My girlfriend used this site, so I thought I would give it a try. I just recently graduated from ASU (Arizona State) and let me tell you... it is so much more difficult out in the "real world" then any test I ever had in school. My dream job would be a news reporter/anchor in a small market close to home. I eventually want to end up back in Phoenix as a reporter one day, to be close to my family and friends.