Arts & Activism
On the decision to become a VJ:
Since I was young I have always had a true appreciation for the power of music to bring attention to social issues. For example, while I was living in India a group of us organized a benefit concert for women suffering from HIV/AIDS. The experience taught me that popular culture and art can have a positive impact on communities. Once I moved back to Canada, I fell in love with MuchMusic, and realized that working as a VJ would allow me to address social issues that mean a lot to me. For instance, when the British band Keane was recently here, we talked about their involvement with War Child.
THE STEPS THAT LEAD TO THAT “LUCKY BREAK”:
After my first degree, I worked on youth-based initiatives at the United Nations. Working there really made it clear that young people learn as much through popular culture as we do through school. So I enrolled in Radio & Television Arts at Ryerson University to learn the art of documentary storytelling. While at Ryerson, I responded to an open call for auditions for MuchMusic.
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES ALONG THE WAY:
I worked in a coffee shop. I swept the floor at a retail store. I rolled towels at a gym. You do what it takes. You have to pay your dues, but it makes you appreciate your dream job all the more once you get it.
ADVICE FOR VERVEGIRLS THINKING ABOUT POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION?
First, apply for grants and scholarships. For my second degree, I did some research and discovered that there’s a lot of money out there for those in need, and that a huge percentage of students either don’t know about these scholarships or don’t apply. A lot of the time all you need to do is a bit of searching on the Net. Second, you should shake it up a bit when it comes to selecting courses. I was going to school originally for business when I took a Comparative Cultures class that changed the direction of my degree. No matter what you think you love, try something else. After all, you’re there for four years; set aside a few credits for something different. Finally, join as many clubs as you can. One of the things MuchMusic thought was great on my resume was that I had participated in mock-NATO conferences in the US. A degree is one line on a resume, but if you can say you were president of a club, or that you went to a conference and represented your school, your resume is going to look a thousand times better than the kids who graduated with straight As but never left their desks. In order to get the full benefit of your education, get good grades and get involved!
Hannah Simone attended high school in Cyprus, India and White Rock, British Columbia.
Hannah will be giving us her POV in each and every issue of vervegirl ! What do you want her opinion on? Email hannah[at]vervegirl.com
