STN Sacrifices

Every student at STN makes sacrifices to be able to attend and participate, but it all seems to be worth it.

STN is a place to make new friends, learn new techniques, and find out where each person’s talents are. But in order to accomplish all these amazing tasks, several sacrifices must be made.

Conner Guidry from American Heritage High School in Plantation, Fla. has sacrificed not only financially, but in many other ways as well.

“I had to spend about $400 to go on the trip,” the attendee shares, “I had to give up missing school, sports practice, going to church, and I had to leave my family for five days.”

Nicholas Abrahams, from Pine Crest School in Boca Raton, Fla., and Philip Hoang, from Verrado High School in Buckeye, Ariz., also made large sacrifices to be at the convention.

“I had to give up violin practice for Florida, but I’m normally very strict about it,” says Nicholas.

Philip shares that he “gave up a lot of schoolwork,” and “missed [his] first home track meet,” to have the opportunity to be present.

With all the stress of missing school, being absent from practices, and leaving family behind, I couldn’t help but wonder, is attending STN really worth it? These students seem to think so.

“[The trip] is so worth it. The experience is incomparable. If anyone want’s to get into film, I highly recommend it,” Philip explains, “Physically, I’m exhausted. I’ve been really stressed out, but at the same time I’ve been super happy to be here.”

Conner also enjoys the rush of the competition.

“I really enjoy coming to STN because it’s a good way to interact with new people, meet new friends, and it’s a great way to advance your broadcasting and journalism skills,” he says, “The trip has been a lot of fun, I’ve learned a lot of stuff that will get me experience and help me in the future.”

Even though Nicholas had to leave behind family and friends, he agrees that the involvement has enriched his learning opportunities.

“It’s a really great experience and I hope to get the best out of it,” he explains, “It’s a chance to have a couple of days to experience what it’s like in the cinematography and photography departments.”

The Student Television Network is a wonderful way for teenagers to set goals for themselves and, hopefully, accomplish them.

Arielle Ghiloni, also from Pine Crest School, is one of many who has set a goal she wishes to complete with her broadcasting team.

“My goals for this convention are to hopefully win, learn on the way, and to have a good time. I’m doing what a love and I think that’s important.”

Philip jokes, “My goal is to win every single competition, even the ones that I’m not entered in.”

Nicholas realizes the importance of learning by viewing.

“My goals are to learn as much as possible from everyone, my failures and to win.”

Although that does seem like a difficult task, every goal can be adept with the powers of believing and hard work.

With all the sacrifices, it is amazingly beautiful that people are so willing to travel around the nation just to do what they love.