Spaghetti Supper!

Election Day was exciting! When we arrived at the school and was waiting in line for the Spaghetti Supper it hit me that this was a huge deal to lots of people in the community. I hadn't prepared an angle or questions before I got there, because I wanted to let whatever hit me take me in the direction I was going to go. As I went down the steps and into the cafeteria I realized that community and family had a huge impact on the candidates and the election itself. There were lots of kids there with their parents, as well as volunteers who clearly were participating because of their love for where they live and those who want to make a difference in it. So, I knew I wanted my angle to go along those lines, and I was standing around figuring out who I was going to interview. I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around to face two men who asked me what I was doing there. (I guess I looked a little out of place with my business casual dress and microphone and recorder in hand.) I told them that I was reporting for NCC News and a student at Syracuse University, and they said, "We were hoping you would say that." They then proceeded to tell me they knew some people and could introduce me to some of their friends. I asked who their friends were and how they knew whoever they were. "Oh, we went to high school with Joanie Mahoney." Needless to say, I was pretty surprised and happy with this answer! It went along with what I wanted my story to capture, so I started up the interview. They explained what views they appreciate of Joanie's and why they were there, and then one of them said the magic words: "Oh, much love, much love there." Before these guys tapped my shoulder I had just recorded natural sound of the local band playing "That's Amore." All of a sudden it all tied together. I was really pleased with how it all fell together and also thought it was really great that two former high school classmates would keep in touch with Mahoney and continue to support her through her political endeavors. It was a very exciting day, and I'm proud of my wrap, so overall I could say that it was a success.