"In a world filled with hate..."

"...we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe.” --Michael Jackson, the Pop King

10 interns, Bob Long, and the NBC Conference Room...a meet and greet of sorts. As the current News Director of NBC, Mr. Long spent almost two hours talking to us about his journey to the top, how he accidentally fell into broadcasting because he hung out with Castro when he was 14 years old, and how we, the upcoming leaders of tomorrow, should prepare for our futures.

There I was, listening to a true mentor, soaking in all the wonderful, straightforward advice...when his secretary stepped in and handed him a Post-it. "I can't read this...Michael who?" "Sir, Michael Jackson may have passed away.."

I looked around at my fellow interns. I thought it was a joke. After learning of Ed McMahon's passing earlier in the week and Farrah Fawcett's this morning, it had to be joke... right?

After the career-affirming meeting, I ran straight to the Assignment Desk to find out the facts. Only TMZ had confirmed. Five minutes later, the LA Times confirmed, and we knew that he was officially gone. Suddenly, I witnessed my "colleagues" stand, yell, point...there I was, in the middle of it all, amongst the top journalists of Los Angeles. I looked around and took a deep breath. TV stations have the power to share history with the rest of the world...and I stood right where it would be handed off.

Now, I never listened to Michael religiously, but as a performer, I have the utmost respect for him. MJ possessed a special gift...a gift so special that he could entertain people all over the world. Michael held a literal life-long career, and his iconic contributions to our American pop culture and the music industry will live on. Anyone can say what they want about his questionable actions, but a death is a death.

Having the privilege to witness how history is shared is an experience I will never forget. To be a part of history, whether you are making it or sharing it, is a life worth living.

And today, I got to help share a piece of history.

Don't only let tragic days like this remind you how precious life is. Live life vivaciously every day. With the right attitude, life is good in purple and gold. Farrah and Michael, rest in peace.