#bratspenang

By DENIELLE LEONG

Returning to BRATs as a senior definitely got me to reflect on how I've grown as a young journalist since attending the workshop in Alor Star, Kedah two years back.  

Essentially, being a BRAT allowed me to cover events and conduct interviews with people of all walks of life - and that's basically what I've been doing. 

Each assignment taught me something to improve on, and I believe that's how I've grown. 

But looking back at my very first event, I was pretty... new. It was Cheer 2011 where I was assigned to tweet, and I remember not wanting to do anything else.

When Niki Cheong, then editor of R.AGE, told us to run after some kid for a story, I did... but very reluctantly as I wasn't sure if I could do it right. (The story, I meant - not running.) 

Well, that isn't how a real journalist should think.

You're supposed to be confident, and take initiative even if the person might spit on your face. Even if you don't really know what you're doing, just go for it.  

I guess that's what I saw in the participants of #BRATsPenang. They sort of knew what they were supposed to do, but they didn't know how to approach it. Two years ago, I was just as clueless, if not worse.

And that's totally fine, guys. 

There will be tons of assignments (always check BRATs 4 Life!) for you to work on and that's how you'll learn. The hands-on experience will certainly help you improve as a journalist. I know it has worked on me...

So I hope to see you guys at assignments and in bylines soon enough!

Anyway, back to #BRATsPenang. I'm really grateful that I got to spend four days with such a fun bunch of people. In spite of the terrible cough and fever (which has now worsened with flu, sore throat, etc BUT IT'S OKAY GUYS I'M STILL ALIVE), I had an amazing time. 

BRATs Penang went better than I expected - it was so fun! But I really have no idea what to write, because there are too many things to write about.

So the first day I guess I was sort of antisocial because it's really hard to warm up to people. Laura and Rae Jean were my first friends there though; they're very approachable. Everyone was making such a big unnecessary fuss over Kevin's earrings.

Then there were... ASSIGNMENTS!!! These were actually 'okay lah', but then there were the deadlines. (P.S.: Thanks for extending so many deadlines, Ian!) We went to Armenian Street and Chowrasta, which was amazeballs because the last time I went to a real wet market was like 6 years ago.

The journalists and seniors were like super-awesome-cool and they helped review our stories. Only now do I realize journalism is far different from writing *sighs*.

I'm in team Char Kuay Teow and we totally kick ass. Thank God we managed to pull through with the assignments.

TODAY'S THE LAST DAY. It's really sad to say goodbye to everyone, but at least we have Facebook, Twitter and whatever. THANK YOU TECHNOLOGY!

So thanks guys, for such a great experience. Ily!!