Yoojin Cho

August Firsts

In my previous post, I already talked about how fast August flew by. Literally, disappeared right in front of my eyes. But before the month ended, August managed to squeeze in a few surprises – lots of firsts. First time in the White House Press Pool. First time covering the hurricane. First time on the Coast Guard rescue boat.

There is absolutely no need to panic. I did NOT need the rescue boat because I fell in or anything like that. After all, I am afraid of open water, and I always make sure I’m far far away from the edge of the dock.

Instead, I went out on the rescue boat armed with my camera and my tripod to see what it’s all about.

Despite the early wake up call, I drove out to Menemsha to meet up with the Menemsha Coast Guard members for their morning check-up. The crew checks the Motor Lifeboat (MLB) and insures the boat is ready to go at all times.

With the response time of under 10 minutes, the crew runs out to the dock from the Coast Guard station, gets into their positions and maneuvers the MLB out for a search and rescue mission in just a blink of an eye.

Next up, hurricane. Oh yes, we all know journalists are crazy enough to drive toward the storm or the wildfire as everyone else frantically flees the scene. And of course, we have all seen reporters doing stand-ups while wind knocks them over multiple times.

Well, get excited. It was Yoojin vs. Irene. Enough said.

Perhaps the most exciting, the White House Press Pool! I’m still new enough in the industry to act like a kid in a candy store about this, right?

President Obama and his family came to Martha’s Vineyard for the third year in a row for a leisurely 10-day working vacation. This also meant the White House Press Corps visited the Island as well. Honestly, I was more excited / nervous about being around the national media than to be around the President of the United States.

So when my editor asked, “Would you like to be part of the rotation in the pool?” my response came immediately, “Yes.” Duh! Who would say no to that opportunity?

Basically, as part of the local media, I had my day in the pool as the pool reporter. Of course when I first realized what this meant, I sent an SOS e-mail to my BU professor. What do I do? What do I bring? What do I wear? Oh my, questions did not end.

Thankfully I am blessed to have great mentors around who talked me through everything. Then Tuesday snuck up on me. The day involved a lot of sitting around on the giant yellow bus, but even that was exhilarating. I took the opportunity to talk to other reporters and photographers there. I asked about their start in the industry. I took pictures. I simply soaked in the moment.

Obviously I did not slack in taking video and sending out reports of the POTUS move of the day. He went biking with his family… then a nice lunch on the beach… then golfing.

I’ll post my pool reports in a separate post soon.

And here’s something I’ll cherish probably forever – or until I get to wear these regularly. 😉

Thank you August for bringing all these wonderful memories and experiences. So long!

ps. Obviously, more videos by yours truly, on the MV Times YouTube channel.

Where Did August Go?

Anyone? Can anyone tell me where in the world August disappeared to?

While waiting for the answer, I shall just sit here and stare at my calendar that tells me today is August 24. I simply can’t believe it. I feel like I graduated just about a week ago. In reality, three months flew by since I walked across the stage for my diploma.

This summer, a lot has changed. I am now officially a college graduate, employed and independent (?). Making my own money, paying my own bills and driving my own car.

I’m also learning a lot. Besides the obvious of cooking for myself, multitasking and balancing time between work and free time, I’m basically learning to be a journalist.

Especially in such a tight-knit community where everyone knows one another, blending in and “getting the scoop” pose the biggest challenges. The Islanders all went to the same high school (the one and only high school on the Island, Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School) and frankly, they either return after college or stay here forever.

Surprisingly though, most people I approached for reactions didn’t resist. They were more than happy to help and be part of my stories.

Moreover, during the season my story list overflows with events, fundraisers, visitors and high-profile guests (cough, the President, cough). Though in July I did question my decision to move here, but now that I’ve realized all journalists started somewhere and small markets in a way mean the rite of passage, I’m content.

Who knows, all that may change come November, but so far, I have wonderful memories and clips. Harry Potter midnight showing… Stanley Cup’s visit to the Island… Coast Guard’s rescue boat… Sailing on Juno for Vineyard Cup… Lobster dinner that came with a story coverage… Monster Shark Tournament… and last but not least, the First Family’s vacation and a chance to be part of the prestigious White House Press Corps for a day.

June:

July:

August:

Governor Deval Patrick Visits Martha’s Vineyard

As part of his Summer Conversation Tour, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick made a short stop in West Tisbury.

Here to answer questions from residents and discuss his objects for the second term in a casual setting, Governor Patrick walked into Eliakim’s Way Housing Project in a flower-print short-sleeve shirt.

He talked about the importance of reducing violence among youth and improving education. For Vineyard residents, he promised to look at the housing grant the Island recently lost due to a clerical error in the application process.

Sadly the visit ended with a sudden downpour, but regardless, I was able to at least say hello and introduce myself.

Here’s my story on the MV Times.

[My personal observation]

I was honestly surprised when no one really made a big deal when Governor announced he would come to Martha’s Vineyard. In Texas, everyone knows Rick Perry and everyone loves Rick Perry. In Boston, everyone knows Deval Patrick and I’d say about 85% of the people love Deval Patrick. So on the Vineyard, when people actually demonstrated rather negative response to his visit, I was shocked.

Either way, I am personally glad I got to see him speak. Now I know what an important speaking event is like, how it’s run and what I should do as the press.

Island Life is… Unpredictable

Vineyard Haven Harbor… It’s the place where all the gorgeous boats dock, and their owners either party on their boats or come to the shore for a break or a meal. Since I moved here, I always walked by the harbor and admired those boats, and this weekend, quite unexpectedly I got a tour of one beautiful wooden boat!

I began my Saturday by cleaning my entire house before embarking on an extremely hectic work schedule. I went to Oak Bluffs for Art Stroll and came back to Vineyard Haven for Tisbury Street Fair, and after that ran over to SailMV Seafood Dinner and Auction.

Obviously by the time I checked in at SailMV, I was exhausted. But alas, as a journalist, I’ve learned to always be “on.” So smile on, ready to schmooze, I began talking to people. One of my bosses introduced me to a boatyard owner who then proceeded to talk to me about three wooden boats that he had designed and built.

Charlotte, Juno and Rebecca. Those were the boats’ names, and I got to walk around Charlotte. Little did I know, later that night I would even go out on Juno for a little bit!

I had planned on getting the basic details for an article and coming home early, but my evening ended up including a lobster dinner, a tour of a wooden boat and a late-night hangout on the boat. Who knew?

All in all, the life on the Island can be very unpredictable, but it’s also very exciting.

Here’s the video of this boat I put together for the MV Times.