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| Circa 1979, My BFF and Me! |
When I was in high school my four favorite things were, in this order: boys (usually the wrong ones), journalism (I was going to be the next Woodward), softball (I played a mean third base) and speech team (Talk, Talk, Talk). Yes, speech.
I tried the ex-temporaneous category but I was terrible at it. You got your topic (The price of gold as it relates to S. Africa? WHAT?) and you had 30 minutes to research (pre-google) and then present your topic. We brought this great big rolodex of facts and newspaper articles and it didn't help. I was a terrible competitor. I couldn't be informed or form an opinion in 30 minutes or less. Then I tried debate, but I found that I was never passionate about a topic enough to debate it. I always found myself with the ability to see the other side. Which was probably the Woodward in me. Then I found my speech GOLD - Informative Speaking. I could pick a topic that interested me, find a cool way to present it, research the hell out of it and inform you better than anyone. And bonus....you had enough time (way more than 60 seconds) to deliver. I got all kinds of plastic trophies for this category.
Speech team gave me the gift of public speaking, a life long passion of mine. I know. I know. I don't even get nervous. I love it...especially on topics I am passionate and informed about.
I also loved my High School newspaper days. My "Torch" days included amazing experiences (taking on freedom of the press and the principal) and a few shenanigans (Sue Miller!) but also where I learned about truth, integrity, balance and the responsibility of the press. As a college journalism major (it's a long story about my descent into human resources), I continued to learn those valuable lessons: truth, integrity, balance and responsibility - I like to think I incorporated them into both my personal and professional life.
So I'm dismayed at the current state of "journalism"...how unbalanced we are... how irresponsible we can be... how we identify ourselves by our media (and I suppose I'm one of those Granola NPR girls) and how willing we are to grab a piece of spin and make it ours without being informed. Not to mention how mean spirited we can be with our views and our opinions - so many times missing the big picture. So often injuring with words.
The silver lining of my two breast cancer diagnoses has been the great gift of balance. I just didn't listen to what the doctor said. I read, and read, and read and questioned; I talked to doctors and women and organizations. I took it all in and made informed choices. And I looked around me...and I saw the inequity in the world of health care - where your geography and your health care plan determined the care that you received. And on some levels I was ashamed (and on many others relieved and thankful)...that I had my pick of surgeons, had my pick of three cars to drive to appointments, could fly to another city if I wanted...when there were women who weren't receiving even the basics.
So I took action. I was informed. I did all my research on breast cancer organizations and I picked one that I felt was the best stewards of donor money. The one who made tangible impact - not just on the cures but on women in my community. But I didn't just write a check. I picked one that I could throw my body, heart and soul into. I have led, volunteered, fundraised, spoken, worked health fairs ..... along with the over 1100 volunteers and a shoe string staff that begs and borrows for as much as possible. Who understand that $150 saved funds a mammogram.
These are my Komen sisters and brothers who I stand tall with. We simply make a difference in this world.
If you disagree with me, the journalist in me sees your point of view. But the breast cancer survivor in me knows this is where I belong. And you don't have to - because we all have choices.
But...
Please make informed choices.
Please be kind with your opinions.
