As I forcefully wrote in my journal, it's time to get more practical! My supervisor Yaw at TV3 was definitely aware of this as he said that my personality contains 'a lot of energy'! I was ready to be pushed further on board and truly tested. Indeed I was tested!

A mixture of tiredness, patience, waiting, tenacity, and courage was experienced. After assisting with the production team whilst filming 'The Pulpit', I definitely gained a sense of what it would be like being in front of the camera. 

Jamestown children

Week 2 began in the popular area of Accra known as Jamestown; 'the British Accra', which contains a really deep and cultural feel of Ghana. Jamestown is one of the oldest districts in the city of Accra, and is also home to thousands of people. Whilst filming there for promotion of the World Cup, the residents of Jamestown were absolutely buzzing as the TV3 team and I had interviewed the likes of two well known personalities in Ghana; Slim Buster who is best known for his dancing skills as well as afrobeats music, winning awards such as the Ghana Music Awards in 2002.

Heavyweight boxer Bukom Banku also made an appearance and showed off his impressive dance moves! Quite annoyed I didn't photograph him but it was awesome seeing how much his talent is recognised in Ghana, as well as his hometown Jamestown, which he regularly visits. 

The heat that day was indescribable. Working under extreme weather conditions played as a way of testing my strengths and perseverance within this field. I loved every single moment of it. 

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Week 1 at TV3 Ghana 

I'm highly humbled and appreciative of all the kind words received from people around me regarding doing a television journalism internship in Ghana. 

I had exchanged words with the person that was in charge of me, as I found that keeping contact and letting that person know what you're about before starting work is important. 

I showed my supervisor my documentary filmed in New York City and automatically he knew what department to place me in. 

The department at TV3 under 'real life/entertainment' were full of very serious hard workers that stuck to strict timing and schedules (as most of the shows are aired live) and during week 1, it was great becoming a part of the production team and looking at things from their point of view. 

During week 1 the show that we worked on was called 'The Pulpit' - a preaching television competition where children from as little as the age of six preach in front of a live audience, and are then judged by deacons/priests in order to see if they performed well enough to move onto the next round!

It was a great atmosphere, and a show I never imagined that I would be working on!

'The Pulpit'

As you all know I am very much so a visual person so therefore a vlog shall be coming soon showing my time at TV3 Ghana as well as my overall experience

This country is beautiful, relaxing, awesome, and I'm so excited for you all to see it through my eyes!

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Ghana really is like no other; from the dialect, to the social vibes amongst locals you encounter everyday on the streets of Accra, or on the tro tros (small commercial minibuses)

It was more than fine settling into my neighbouring country and adhering to the morals, beliefs and customs which are quite similar to my own being Nigerian, but the big challenge that lied ahead was working here. I became almost nervous at the prospect of taking my average levels of professionalism to another continent. 

Before even booking my flight, I asked myself why I want to do a journalism internship in another country:

- to strengthen my skills as a budding broadcast journalist

- to test my skills taking out a role in a different environment 

- to become more advanced in experience

- to fall out of my comfort zone 

- to no longer wonder "what if"! 

- to chase. My. Dreams. 

The moment I not only set foot in TV3 television station, but actually started speaking with other colleagues, I automatically felt relaxed. I expressed my ideas, passions and plans and it felt so liberating!

You know what they say, journalism is not a 9-5 job, so a key skill I have to obtain in Ghana, is the skill of PATIENCE. Things are very slow in Ghana, I'm not the type of person that likes to stay in the same place for too long as I prefer to do a million things at once. Coming here makes me realise how that also affects the media industry also. TV3 is one of the most reputable television stations in the whole of Africa, we expect the behind the scenes to be quick, snappy and sharp. Nope! T.I.A (This Is Africa lol)

There are numerous departments in TV3 and the main one that caught my eye was real life journalism. As in my recent documentaries made (YouTube me: Hannah Journo), I like to get more involved in the life of those of interest, and document it, as well as getting the viewers involved too. 

My main role whilst partaking this internship at TV3 in Ghana is to look closely as the lives of other individuals, whilst me and my team document them. I will enclose more details of the program as I can't say much now, but after only a couple of days working I honestly can't describe how awesome it feels to follow through with my career path in another continent!

Good times. Work, minimal rest, and some play! :)

#GhanaDiaries 

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So for over a year now, I have been looking forward to the chances of practising my abilities as an aspiring broadcast journalist elsewhere. Abroad. Thousands of miles away!

It sounds pretty daunting but I felt like I needed to push myself somewhere completely out of my comfort zone and into a newer environment filled with different opportunities and a different outlook on how the TV presenting world is seen. 

I'm so prepared for this opportunity, and the skills and tips I have obtained should hopefully increase by the end of this placement. The training day I attended in April at the Youth Media Agency, has taught me a lot about how to present myself and let my appropriate personality shine through when presenting particular types of news stories. I can do this! 

I'm so excited and look forward to updating you all on my journey. 

Love and light :)

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