Seeing Through a Child’s Eyes

When people find out I’m a TV new anchor and reporter one of the first things I’m asked is “do people recognize you?”

Honestly, it’s not like people think. I use to be the host of BYU Weekly in Utah and for a while I’d get recognized for that role more than any other media position I’ve held.

Lately it’s a little different. I’m not sure if my pregnancy magnifies things or what but I’ve been getting stopped nearly every day with someone who says something like “I didn’t know you were pregnant, you can’t tell on TV!” or “Congratulations on your baby” it’s really quite interesting.

The funny fact is, I don’t really LIKE to be recognized. I never know what to say. I hate wearing makeup and you’ll hardly ever catch me wearing it outside of work… Nor will I have my hair done or be in dressy clothes. The fact that people can still spot me is sometimes a little frightening. I sometimes find myself looking for my reflection to see how horrible I look and feel bad for scaring them.

My reluctance for recognition toned down one day afternoon in the small town of Coupland Texas.

The entire school district fit in two small buildings side by side. I heard about a guitar class for half a dozen sixth graders—About a third of the entire grade of students. For many of them, practicing guitar was a motivation to go to school every day—Something to look forward to during a difficult time for school.When I arrived to film and interview them I could hear their whispers of recognition. Then one by one each came up to ask me the same question over and over… If I was the “news lady.” It didn’t matter if they heard the same answer I gave to the kid who asked seconds before; they wanted to hear for themselves.

For once I didn’t mind the attention. I felt like talking to these kids made their day. After I was done filming and getting the interviews the entire class… And the class of students in the same room after—In fact, the entire sixth grade class came up and one by one asked for my autograph.
It was one of the strangest, funniest and cutest, things I had experienced. I tried to think of something nice to say next to my worthless autograph. “Stay in school,” was mostly all I could come up with. So much for being a writer! I’ll have to work on that in case I’m ever asked for an autograph again.

A few of them also gave me some of their own tokens to appreciate. I’m sure I’m someone they’ll quickly forget about, if they haven’t already, but those cute kiddos are faces I’ll remember forever.

It’s amazing how little things can make all the difference in a child’s life. I miss that sometimes, but I look forward to experiencing it again through my daughter’s eyes. If you want to see the story I did click here.


lovemylevi says:

How neat, thanks for sharing!

Emmy says:

That is so sweet! And how fun to be recognized and famous in the eyes off all of those kids. Sounds like you totally made their day.

Ashley T says:

That is so cute! Especially the letters from the kids. Its good that they have something other than the “normal” instruments in schools.

KarmaPearl says:

I remember when I was in high school I was in drama. We did musicals once a year and one afternoon before the actual nighttime performances began, we’d put on a matinee for local grade/middle school kids. After the show was over we’d get to go out and talk to the kids and they all seemed so starstruck and got so excited to meet us cast members. It was so adorable and exciting!! Kids truly make things so much better!

Mammatalk says:

How adorable. And, I think it’s exciting that you are on TV, too! :+)

MsBabyPlan says:

I am so excited to be an online friend of a famous journalist! I love it :)!

Wow, it is so cute for them to write you notes (YOU ROCK, I THINK YOUR REALLY PRETTY… quoted from the note). I am sure the kids will never forget the moment the lady anchor MRS Jennifer from channel 8 went into their humble school, :)!

I think that sounds so fun! I went to Hofstra University and was a news anchor in collge.. i wanted to be a news anchor in real life…but didn’t want to put my time in so I didn’t persue it…I would love to get recognized! That sounds great!

Hello!

We are already followers of your blog but wanted to stop by to check out what was new and to say hi! Hope everything is going well for you. Have a fabulous day! <3

That’s so great that they are teaching guitar to these young kids. I didn’t pick one up until I was 18. I can only imagine how much fun it would have been to play during school!

Barriers come down when you’re pregnant. People are so happy for you and it provides common ground to reach out in a way they wouldn’t be comfortable with otherwise (it’s the same way with knitting. It’s amazing how if you sit and knit in the park with the children, how many people stop and talk).

You are so blessed to be so beautifully photogenic on television. My husband and I have been skyping since he’s been in China and that is NOT me on the camera! No it isn’t! That is not how I see myself at all and it scares the dickens out of me:) LOL

BTW, I think everyone of those children will remember you:)

I love your notes! This week’s Pregnancy Round Up post is up over at my blog. I hope you’ll come and link up!

Tiara Faith says:

lol Stay In School works! That is awesome!

Joaness says:

It is nice to meet you on Follow Friday! You have a lovely blog and I am glad I ventured your way! Best of luck with the pregnancy!
If you get a chance check out my blog!
http://herroyaljoaness.blogspot.com/

Jenny says:

Here from Friday Follow! Great blog. Glad I stopped by! Good luck to you on your new sweet arrival! I have 4. Have a great weekend!

Alanna says:

Aw, that is so sweet! And, you do look very very pretty. 🙂


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Hi! I’m Jennifer Borget

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I'm a former journalist, and lifelong creator striving to make the world a better place. This is the space where I share my journey in making the most of every day by cherishing our individuality and celebrating our differences.



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