Speakers share their life stories with students at the Walt Disney Company’s Be Reel With Your Dreams Event on May 20th.
New York, NY – Handshakes, hellos and even the exchange of cards – are all a common practice among business professionals at a networking event. However, In May, it was students in the Truman Media Program who had the opportunity to do some career-boosting networking that few in the television and film industries ever get to experience.
Jesus Farias in a news reporting workshop with reporter Ce’Faan Kim.
“[It] was amazing looking at them, hearing their personal experiences, their difficulties that they had to ACHIEVE what they wanted, what they DREAMED to be,” said Arthur Baez, a senior in the program. “Every single one of them had a different life, different difficulties, different challenges, but the same purpose, to achieve their dreams.”
It was part of an annual event called “Be Reel With Your Dreams.” The program, now in its 13th year, was created by ABC Eyewitness News Anchor Sade Baderinwa. The day included a speakers panel, interactive workshops and Q & A sessions. It was held on May 20th at the Murry Bergtraum High School Campus in Manhattan.
“I’ve been in the broadcast journalism industry professionally since 2004, and there are folks here today who I have never had the chance to meet and network with,” said teacher Dave Roush. “One day these students will realize the actual magnitude of the opportunity that the Walt Disney Company has given them today.“
Junior Amir Thompson listens closely to coaching from film and broadway star actor Reynaldo Piniella.
At the conclusion of the event, Baderinwa announced the annual Be Reel With Your Dreams video competition. Students will create and submit short public service announcement videos to compete for a part of $30,000 in scholarship money.
“I learned that we have to love ourselves, to not overthink and think negative if someone tells you can’t do this or you can’t go to a specific college because it’s too HARD to get into,” Baez added. “Work hard to achieve your dream and is ok to be who you are.”
2023 marks Truman’s 12th year participating in the program. Roush says Truman students have won over $60,000 in scholarship funds during the years they have competed.j