Mizzou on Today
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Mizzou journalism students Mark Welsh (left), former Miss Missouri Sarah French and Paige Hansen with Today Show host Al Roker.
Being a broadcast journalism major, I feel almost [as] excited by the gymnastic events taking place below me as I do by watching the NBC sportscasters doing their on-camera report.
Gymnastics is one of the most popular Olympic events, and the National Indoor Stadium, which seats about 18,000 spectators, is usually packed full. It is always crazy-loud inside, and I love hearing all the different languages. It is amazing to be surrounded by journalists from around the world. I have met journalists from everywhere from London to South Africa to Tokyo and Brazil.
The women’s individual gymnastics final was such a big event the Today Show) crew decided to come watch. They walked into the press tribune, right by me, looking flawless without makeup. They look just as they do on camera! I could barely focus on the event; I was so excited they were sitting just a few feet from me.
When Meredith Vieira left, I decided to introduce myself to her. She was so kind and gracious, just how she seems on television. I told her I was coming to the taping of the Today Show later that night (they tape at 7 p.m. for the 7 a.m. show in the states), and she told me to yell at her so she would know I was there. That night she recognized me! I was so excited, and we even got a picture with her, Matt and Al! It was great.
Mizzou journalism students with Today Show host Meredith Vieira.
Yesterday, Meredith was back watching gymnastics. She greeted me with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. I couldn’t believe it! Later I saw her getting ready to leave, but she couldn’t find her way out and asked if I would help her. I gladly escorted her to the exit she needed to get to, all the while talking to her about journalism, Beijing and my love for the Today Show.
I can’t believe all the great experiences I am having here in Beijing and really don’t want the trip to end. I have really gotten used to Beijing (the people, the food and even the sometimes-horrid smells) and know it will be bittersweet when I leave in just two weeks.
Journalism students Mark Welsh, Sarah French and Paige Hansen give a shout-out to Mizzou’s NBC affiliate station KOMU while talking with Today Show host Matt Lauer.
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