When I first became a professor 9 years ago, I had the opportunity to be on a cable access television program to discuss the value of an Asian American Studies Program at the University of Texas at Austin. I was excited (even though it was just cable access) because I had never been on television before. I thought to myself, "Self, here is your big break!" Well, break is what happened. Specifically, I think I broke my ego! When the show was aired, I found myself mostly looking into the wrong camera and speaking with a stilted, slightly lisped voice that made me appropriately sound incoherent.
Alas, since then, I have never been back on television. My 15 seconds of fame were fleeting.
Well, last night, I was not on television but my office was featured on KARE-11 news for an Extra segment on Vietnam Vets Never Stop Giving Back. Huh? You see, my colleague, Dr. Patricia Frazier who is an expert on post-traumatic growth and mental health was interviewed for this segment and they elected to use my office because it had better lighting. I thnk my office performed much better than I would have. I know my colleague did. Here is what they quoted on the show:
"One of the things that people who've experienced traumatic events, including combat, often report is that they have a lot more empathy for people who've gone through similar things," says Frazier. "It makes a lot of sense. Vietnam vets. Who could understand better?"
Check out the story and video by clicking on this link.
Posted by richlee at January 19, 2006 09:41 AMrich, i can certainly relate i have been interviewed for a few tv shows or programs and was so focused on the light that i looked cross eyed. another time, the interviewer stopped the camera and said, "can't we do anything about her shiny face?" not my best moment.
stine