I started my internship here in early February and it’s been a wild ride!  I’m originally from California and will be returning in about a week to continue my college career at the University of San Francisco. 

The past two years, while here in New York, I’ve enjoyed playing a little comparison game with my experiences on each coast. Personally, the difference in pace in New York City has been the most shocking.  Seeing well-dressed businessmen curse because the subway doors closed before they stepped inside and then continue to swear that same train until the next came, was a new experience for me. I’m not saying the population of Northern California is the most patient or calm but New York City is a different level.  The New York I’ve come to know and love screams: HURRY UP!

It is a valuable phrase and has become almost a mantra for me these two years. I came to New York to study theatre, a practical interest of mine. It was in New York that I discovered that my strongest passions-the environment and social justice movements-could realistically provide a wide range of career paths. Each day at Arts Engine, I am reminded of the range of social justice issues that there are to get involved in.  This high-speed city has pushed me to not waste time and to pursue my passions right now.

Interning here has given me the chance to see the difference between both coasts in terms of social justice media. Yesterday I was in a small video shop with Sverre, director of Power Up, a Media That Matters Film Festival winner this year.  We were looking through the documentary section pointing out which we enjoyed and felt were successful.  We pulled out The Corporation and immediately agreed that the film was reputable. Maybe it’s because we’ve been engulfed in action inspiring film this past week, but we quickly rethought our statements of glory. We realized that while the film infuriated us about the corporate giants we run into on a daily basis, neither of us left the film ready to take action or make change. 

I think that the main difference in social media on either coast is, visibility.  Seeing The Corporation in Northern California had me looking into the smaller, independent shops in the area and seeing who and what they stand for. I did my research and then was able to follow through because there were tools everywhere I looked. There were communities of like-minded people to join, examples of inspiration, and success stories left and right. 

This next paragraph would be completely different if written four months ago but of interaction and work with Arts Engine and The Media That Matters Film Festival have changed my perception of New York’s “visibility”. Festivals and movements similar to MTM are all over and changing minds constantly. 

I believe that we are seeing the beginning of a wave of empathetic youth that will significantly change the direction of our society for the better!  I look forward to being a part of this wave and I have groups like and especially Arts Engine to thank.  I strongly encourage anyone with the desire to see change to explore this organization and get involved!

Peace out,
Sarah