Working on my digital story has been quite an experience. I scheduled my three interviews throughout all of March and it was insightful getting all of my information from my sources. I found out from my sources about what they believe is good or bad representation of autism in the media. Some of my sources were critical about some of the media representations like the character Sam from “Atypical” on Netflix and the Netflix show “Love on the Spectrum.”
During the month of March, I also learned about how to work with data journalism. It was full of numbers that I haven’t seen in a long time. After learning about specific formulas, my second instinct of mathematics kicked in and everything else clicked. It also helped that there was autofill options available. I had trouble with one, but everything else was a breeze to get through.
What resonated with me the most is how well Colman Domingo played Divine G. Before I saw the movie, I thought that he would play Divine G as a gangster who would deal with life in prison and get in trouble with the guards. Instead, I got a portrayal of a man who wants to make his life better through acting and writing. Domingo played Divine G very well, where I empathized with his character when he had his outburst during dress rehearsals. I can see why he was nominated for best actor at the Golden Globes and the Oscars.
I thought the RTA program was a great way to get inmates to express themselves in healthy ways. When I see prisoners portrayed in the media, I often see them without a healthy outlet to let out the emotions. After looking up their website, it’s clear the program does its best to provide inmates a way to contribute to the arts and get them a fresh start. Before the movie, there were Zoom interviews on people who participated in the program. They had the opportunity to discuss how much the program changed their lives for the better.
When I see incarcerated people in the news, I often see them as troublemakers who violate laws. I also see them as people who are beyond rehabilitation. After seeing “Sing Sing,” I know that there is a shade of grey with these people. They all come from unique circumstances; some can still find ways to contribute to society and adapt healthy ways to let out their emotions through acting and writing. In the future, I won’t have to be extra cautious when I want to talk to an inmate, especially those who are in the RTA program.
After looking over the materials related to “Sing Sing” and watching the movie, I think it’s best to look at incarcerated individuals as humans before we jump to conclusions. While they broke the law, it’s best to look at their backgrounds and see how they got to this point. Also, it’s best to highlight the RTA program and shine light on the inmates who are participating in the program. It’s best to let the public know that not all inmates are forever doomed, they can change and become better people if given the chance.
The Director. (2025, March 7) The Plan: Chargers FULL Offseason Blueprint (2025)| Director’s Cut, YouTube
Author’s note: This project was written on March 8. The focus of this project was on the wide receivers that were linked to the Chargers before they were signed to different teams.
When the final whistle was blown and the Philadelphia Eagles finished celebrating, the rest of NFL teams got to work on observing and improving their rosters. Among the teams getting ready, the Los Angeles Chargers got the most media attention for speculation. Social media has been key to hyping up the Chargers in the offseason and it is thanks to the analysts, podcasters and fans who get the ball rolling. Since they are in Los Angeles’ media market, it is justified since the team came off of a winning season and wild card appearance. There is a lot to look forward to on how the team will handle free agency, especially at the wide receiver position.
Who is driving the narrative?
The fans, podcasters and beat reporters wait about two months to see what the Chargers will do to improve the team for the upcoming 2025 season. Within that span, podcasters and beat reporters spend time watching films on WRs who they believe will be the piece to get them over the hump. Fans watch or listen to the podcasts or read articles from the beat reporters, and get informed on potential WRs for the team. By tuning in, they formulate an opinion on whether they agree or disagree with the targets. When the start of the new league year approaches which begins in March, the excitement levels blast through the roof. Some teams make moves that accelerate the excitement levels. Examples include when a desired WR announces they requested a trade or if they get released from their team.
Locked On Chargers Podcast. (2025, March 5) Singing Davante Adams Would Be a HOME RUN for The Los Angeles Chargers, YouTube
Who are the WRs the fans and podcasters are excited about?
Each year, the WR market has attractive names that hit the market whether it’s because they seek a larger check or they feel disrespected by their former team. For 2025, the two big WRs on the market are Davante Adams and DK Metcalf. Both of them have fans excited about what they can bring to the Chargers on offense. When Adams got released by the New York Jets and DK Metcalf requested a trade from the Seattle Seahawks, fans loved the idea of how one of them would work alongside quarterback, Justin Herbert and pound the table for their services. However, it would come with a cost and hesitation.
Seems kind of like he wants to play in southern California and catch passes from Justin Herbert 🤔 ⚡️ https://t.co/O79LON6ufk
What will be the cost of bringing Metcalf or Adams to the Chargers?
Bringing in DK Metcalf would cost a premium. Seattle was looking to receive a first and third round pick, but have lowered the asking price to a second round pick for the 2025 draft from a trade partner. It is likely he will get a new contract. Metcalf is 27 and has a longer career ahead of him, but the asking price has fans hesitating on this potential move. For Davante Adams, he was released by the New York Jets and he is in the twilight of his career at age 32. He wouldn’t cost draft picks, but being in the 30s brings skepticism about a dip in production regardless of performance. Some fans are satisfied with the aging, productive veteran who won’t cost a premium. Some, however, are okay with paying the premium for a receiver that can grow with the team. Some are okay with bringing both on the team.
The speculation on potential free agent targets gets fans and podcasters excited about what’s to come, while the beat reporters anticipate when the team will make the move. Although priorities change every offseason, the opportunity to obtain a WR never ceases speculation and hope for a team looking to upgrade their core. Metcalf or Adams can get the fans excited and overfilled with joy as they get to imagine how great the offense will be in 2025. Plus, they get to hope that the contracts they will receive won’t break the bank. When the new season officially starts, those who follow the Chargers will feel happiness, hesitation or disappointment with who the team brings in.
Author’s note: As of March 9, Davante Adams signed a two year, $46 million deal to play for the Los Angeles Rams. DK Metcalf got traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2025 second round pick and signed a five year, $150 million deal.
I think it’s clear that this regime doesn’t value WR like the fan base wants them to. Which isn’t a huge surprise given how the Ravens have always operated. Draft and develop your main guys and supplement them with more affordable veterans.
What a few interesting weeks it’s been. There was a lot to take in for lectures like digital storytelling techniques, video creation, and interviewing. The one that stuck out the most to me was the story pitch presentations. We had to go ahead and pitch our story ideas to Dr. Amy Schmitz Weiss and here feedback from her and other classmates.
This was difficult for me as I was worried that I didn’t have enough content to talk about my pitch. The minimum time limit was five minutes and the maximum time was ten minutes. I was happy that I finished almost six minutes in and Dr. Schmitz Weiss gave me great feedback. I will be looking forward to contacting my sources and scheduling interviews when I get into March.
Hello everyone. Thank you for visiting my website. My name is Andrew Penalosa, an autistic man. I am a second year transfer student looking to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
I love to review movies especially animated movies. I got my inspiration to become a critic through publishing stories at the Southwestern Sun. I won awards for my publications from the San Diego Press Club, Journalism Association of Community Colleges, and the San Diego Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. I cannot wait to become a future freelance critic.
