PVAMU Final Blog
Hello! It is the end of an era. It has been a fantastic opportunity to work for the HistoryMakers this school year. Even though the program is over, I will continue to be an ambassador for black history on campus. As of now, PV still hasn’t purchased or renewed their subscription to the database, so I have been meeting with my advisor and reaching out to the library director to find out how to regain access. Not knowing how long this may take, I will continuously be an advocate for its re-establishment. I want it to continue to be used in courses, and the staff members I worked with for the contest agree.
One of the staff judges feedback response.
This week, I have been active on social media so that students can still have some exposure to the HistoryMakers Digital Archive.
And tomorrow, I will post this environmentally positive clip from Harry Boomer (broadcast journalist and radio personality) to promote and celebrate Earth Day! In it he says:
“Behind you there are three bins. One says, "Paper, plastic, and cans." I'm working to save the planet, too. I want my grandkids to be able to get in a car, or whatever vehicle of their choice, and go and do what they want to do, as I've done for most of my life, all of my life. So, I feel a special connection to the earth by what I plant, and by what I throw away. There are times when I take a little piece of plastic... you know, I'm going to throw this in the trash. I say, "You know what, what if there are a billion pieces of plastic that small? How much of a mess would that be?" So, I walk another three feet, throw it in the plastic bin, rather than just in the trash. Now, to some people, that may be... I don't know. But to me, it's important; a billion little pieces mount up to be a lot of mess. So, okay, I make my changes in whatever way I can.”
Harry Boomer broadcasting news
As for my advice for future ambassadors:
Digital Archive Contest:
Having an in-person event is much more reliable and engaging than an online contest
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and get creative with the contest structure
Work closely with staff members; they’ll support you
CONSTANTLY keep up with your participants, especially over text. Many students forget their commitments when you don’t remind them and many of them do not check their emails
Generally:
Be patient with yourself when navigating the archive. It can be overwhelming at times and hard to find what you’re looking for, but take time to play around with it and search for new terms/phrases. You’ll be surprised by what you’ll find.
Manage your time well. This job is a huge responsibility and can be tough to take on…So it is very important that you stay on track. Of course, still prioritize school, but also find ways to work this into your schedule.
Allow yourself to learn. This job is an opportunity to look through hundreds of perspectives on hundreds of topics, so take advantage.
Have fun! Blog posts are not only great for learning but also for expressing yourself. It helps to make things personal. Good luck!
