Show Number Two

Show number two was a complete success. I studied the background of the Young Black Scholars program drawing a fine line between hand-out programs and true academic enhancement from programs like YBS. The difference lie in the students potential for success in the college system. These students typically have a GPA of at least 3.0. They must then show an ability to keep up with college preparatory courses on the freshman study level.

In preparation for the show I set up a pre-interview with my guest. I initially scheduled Patricia Rillera the director of the program, to the show. She agreed to come on sending me the link to the programs site. From there I found information on the programs backround and which included, 100 Black Men of Los Angeles. This organization takes on various non-profit ventures and YBS is one of them. After researching the various non-profit organizations, I read the history and statistics of student education on a racial statistical finding. Following 10 hours of research and phone interviews I had the show prepared. I was even able to get an outfit donated to me by Magic Jeans in Long Beach.

I met with Erroll regularly. He constantly challenged me on the questions that I would ask and they way I shaped a central argument. He also suggested that I try interviewing two people. I then requested a second person to accompany the director. She agreed that she could provide a "success story" student into the fold. The day before we shot the show Rillera canceled her appearance with on the show with me by email. She referred the Senior Program Manager Latrice Jordan to come in her place. Antoinette Ball also came along and the interview was a success.

When I first met the ladies it was a bit of warming up in order. I tried to make them comfortable going over the interview questions again with Latrice. She was added just the day before so I had to get her prepped. Since I felt so much pressure with the first show I tried to swing through my intro without any stops and retakes. It wasn't the smoothest, but a heck of a far cry better than the first show. I didn't allow any pressure to get in.

In my meeting with Erroll after the show for my critique, he told me that I do indeed smile too much as my Professor Kingsley said. He said I should also address both guests more evenly. Don't spend too much time on one guest. He also scolded me for not arriving to the studio at am. to rehearse the questions. All and all I learned a lot on this show.