Umika Pidaparthy - 2009 (USA)

What were you studying/Where were you working?

I was studying journalism and sociology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.

What are you currently doing (Work, studies, etc)?

I am currently in my final semester at Emory University and will be graduating in May 2011. I am also interning at CNN in Atlanta for their “CNN.com features” section. Furthermore, I am working on my senior honours research thesis in sociology, working part-time as a videographer and involved in a classical music ensemble on campus.

Most memorable experience at Bush Radio

I think having the opportunity to write, produce and present our very own show was, by far, my most memorable experience. My show was called "Tech Talk" and it focused on the latest technology news, tips and tricks. For an intern like me, having that kind of control over production and content was just incredible. I felt like I was making an equally significant contribution to Bush Radio just as every other show producer was.

Not many station managers give interns the opportunity to have such a great responsibility. This put me in a real job situation and prepared me for what a full-time position might be like. I also enjoyed working with and under Busi Mtabane for "Sakhisizwe". I worked as a co-producer with another intern and we pitched show ideas, arranged the interviews and wrote the script together as a team. It certainly kept me on my toes as I had to constantly be in touch with what was happening in the country in order to find interesting and fresh topics for the show. Through “Sakhisizwe” I was able to cover the World Economic Forum and attend a session by former UN Ambassador Kofi Annan. My time at the station truly made me feel part of the Bush Radio family.

Most memorable experience of South Africa

This is quite a difficult question since my whole stay in South Africa was a memorable experience in general. The internship at Bush Radio played a big part of it and it certainly was a life-changing experience. But if I had to pick one apart from Bush Radio, it would be trekking to the top of Lion's Head. I have been trekking before in India, but the whole experience of trekking with the other Emory students whilst enjoying the spectacular views of the Cape Town is forged in my memory forever. Cape Town is definitely one of the most diverse cities in the world having people from various backgrounds. And somehow that diversity is even reflected in the landscape, the big mountains, plateau and sea. When we reached the top we lost ourselves in the splendour of the city, and before we knew it, the sun had set and it was time for us to go back down.

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