Waiting On The World To Change

I cried in front of an auditorium full of people last week. It’s not something I’m proud of, but it was a moment in my life where I was touched and overwhelmed by the generosity of others.

A few weeks ago, I had the oppurtunity to speak to the Human Right’s class at Windsor High School. When I met these 16- and 17-year-olds, they told me about a program they had been organizing all year long: An event in hopes to raise public awareness about genocide taking place in Darfur right now. I was moved by the compassion of these young people and their willingness to stand up and do something for people halfway around the world.

I had the honor of emceeing their event on Thursday.

Throughout the evening, students read their own poems to serve as inspirational and motivational calls to action. We watched a heart-wrenching film about the injustices going on in Darfur, produced, created and directed, by 17-year-old student Peter Carpenter. The Windsor High School Gospel Choir performed, forcing hundreds of people on their feet for a well-deserved standing ovation. The class and their teacher, Alan Strauss, managed to get amazing speakers like radio show host Deacon Arthur Miller as well as survivors of genocide from Southern Sudan and Rwanda to speak.

I heard one inspiring speech after another, but one of the many instances that touched me came at the end of the night. Out of nowhere, the human rights class presented me with school bags filled with crayons, construction paper, pencils, erasers and markers to send to girls in Pakistan who are not able to afford these simple luxuries that we take for granted — The girls who strive to get an education but don’t have the basic tools or money. I thought of the smiles these teenagers are bring to the girls in Pakistan and I couldnt help but cry.

I learned a huge lesson that night from these young people — a lesson it takes many of us a lifetime to comprehend — that you alone can make a difference, that you alone can change the world. All you have to do is care!

Hena Files Report From Pakistan

Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporter Hena Daniels traveled to Lahore, Pakistan, last week and files this report from the country in turmoil.

Click here to watch Hena’s story

Back From Pakistan

I want to thank everyone who sent me e-mails wishing me a safe trip to Pakistan. I did, along with one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I am now at the airport waiting to board my flight back to Queens, NYC.

Despite the state of emergency life is as usual here. People acknowledge the political turmoil in their country but for the most part it hasn’t disrupted their lives. In fact, I was laughed at when I asked people if they felt unsafe. The response I routinely got was “no more than usual”. I was lucky enough to visit all the big cities that included Karachi, Lahore and the capital city of Islamabad. I had a chance to talk to dozens of people from all walks of life, from one of Pres. Pervez Musharraf’s retired Lt. Col’s to a man who sells bangles at a stand in a nearby market. Through them I have a better understanding of how the Pakistani government works, why the country may be the way it is, and what a HUGE role American politics and culture play here.

The Pakistani people I spoke to they have two big fears. 1) U.S Troops will “invade” their country like they have Afghanistan and Iraq and 2) the extreme Islamic ideology of the Taliban and Al-Quaida will continue to spread like it already has in the Northern region of the country. Many I interviewed consider both the American Government and Islamic extremists rich, powerful and equally dangerous threats. They feel Pakistan is stuck in the middle of a no win situation.

A lot of stereotypes have been dispelled for me personally during this trip. Stereotypes, where I am actually embarrassed by my own ignorance, especially considering this is where my parents spent their adolescent lives. I also realized how important it is for me to travel and get out of the perimeters of the life and routines I’ve established for myself.

What bothered me most is the extreme poverty levels here. It’s a way of life that the poorest of the poor may not be able to understand in our country, but on the same hand what touched me most is the generosity of some. People who barely have enough to survive themselves share food and give money to the homeless children, disabled, and handicapped who roam the dirt streets without thinking twice. More than 50% of this nation lives in poverty. The mentality of the generous is they have a roof over their head, clothes on their back and food on their tables and with that they are completely content and happy. The poor are usually begging for ten rupees to feed themselves and their entire families for a week. The equivalent to that is just 60 cents!

Even with this unforgettable experience, I would be lying if I said I can’t wait to board this flight and come back home to my friends, family, and job in the States, but I am leaving with some sadness. I have met people here that have changed me for the better. My next mission is trying to figure out what country I’m going to visit next, and more importantly, not forget the lessons I’ve learned here.

Country In Turmoil

I woke up this dreary Saturday morning to a flurry of phone calls and emails. Friends, family and co-workers wanted to tell me Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf declared a state of emergency and martial law in the country. A country that I am visiting in a couple of days.

Even though I was born and raised in Queens my mother use to send me to Pakistan alot as a child. It was important to her that I knew the culture and the language, that I knew my family. I have fond childhood memories of the country and the people. I remember playing with other children and realizing they were just like me. In fact, there were times I was so sad to leave, it meant my summer adventure was coming to an end. All those experiences now seem like a distant memory. Next week I am going for the first time in years, on my own, as an adult.

A few people have urged me to postpone my trip or cancel it completely. I would be lying if I said the thought hasn’t cross my mind, but the truth is, I would be disappointed in myself if I don’t go. This may be the best opportunity and time. All of us have been hearing so much about my parents native country in the news. I want to know whats going on first hand. I want to talk to people and hear about their experiences. Is it the journalist in me? Probably. Will the country resemble the morbid pictures and chaos I see on television or will I see a glimpse of the country I use to love spending my summers in? Only time will tell as my new adventure begins next week.

Tragically Busy

One tragic story after another the last couple of days. Last week 3 Wolcott high school students died in a car accident. The driver of the car, 17 year old Anthony Aspruzzese, lost control of his Subaru and crashed into a utility truck. In the car with him was his 14 year old sister Jessica and 15 year old friend Thamara Correa. We had a few debates in the newsroom and in the live truck on how much we should indulge into Anthony’s driving record. According to the D.M.V the teenager had several driving citations and recently had his license returned to him after a D.U.I. We decided to share the information as tastefully as possible keeping his family in mind.

On Friday we covered the death of a 2 year old boy. Aidan Halter drowned in the tub while his grandmother Marcia Maglisco was watching him. At first police ruled it accidental but on Monday the 911 call was released. The 62 year old grandmother told the dispatcher Aidan slipped in the tub and banged his head. She then admitted she left the baby lying in the tub for at least ten minutes before calling police. She claimed she was psychotic and wanted police to come arrest her. Maglisco was charged with risk of injury to a minor. She hung herself a day before her court appearance. Now, the family is mourning the loss of a child and a mother.

This story also prompted several debates in the newsroom. First, should we even cover this story at all(originally we all thought it was just a tragic accident) and then how much of the 911 tape should be released on air after Maglisco died. We decided to leave the decision up to our viewers. The entire transcript and audio of the 911 call is on our website.

Today I covered the death of Killingworth native Sgt. Jason Lantieri. The 25 year old lost his life in the line of duty in Iraq. He was scheduled to come home in January.

There are weeks that are very slow when it comes to news. Unfortunately, in this case, the last few days have been tragically busy.

Eyewitness News is Everywhere

We started our morning at 4 am in Manchester for a water advisory due to the dry weather. There are people in the state with wells that are bone dry. They can’t shower or even enjoy a cup of coffee at home. Some are staying with family, friends or hotels. About an hour into our coverage I get a call from the assignment desk telling us to head to Danbury for an explosion that ripped apart a propane gas company.

For those who don’t know, Danbury is well over 50 miles away. It took us 90 minutes to get there after getting caught in rush hour traffic with the commuters headed to NYC. When we got there no one was hurt but the explosion sent debris flying 75 to 100 feet and completely destroyed everything in the building except the metal framework.

Moments later we get another call from the station, this time sending us to Derby. The high school principal was arrested for failing to report a teacher accused of groping at least 7 female students. On our way there…yet another call. Now we were being re-routed to Orange for a cement truck vs. car accident. The driver of the car was injured and taken to the hospital. He is expected to be okay.

At the end of the day we went back to cover the story in Derby. Very often when we are out on stories our wonderful viewers recite our slogan to us: Eyewitness News is Everywhere! Well, this morning we were and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Remembering 9/11

Most of us remember exactly where we were and what we were doing the morning of September 11, 2001. I was on the 7 train headed to Manhattan when my train was re-routed. All the riders expressed our displeasure about the inconveniences of being late not having a clue what was going on in the world right above us. Even now, six years later, I don’t think we would of believed it if we did.

It wasn’t until we walked upstairs that we learned about the attacks on our country, our city, my home. Dozens of people were crying on the street while others sat on the sidewalk in utter disbelief. Most of us were on our useless cellphones hoping to get in touch with loved ones. Many were listening to the radio fearing what was going to happen next. Its a day when life in New York City just stopped. Its a day of overwhelming anger and sadness but it was also a day we all came together, sharing the same pain and despair.

This past weekend a childhood friend of mine was in town after spending the last few years abroad. He asked to go to Ground Zero for the first time. Saturday we stood on the street he and I walked on hundreds of times as kids. The street where the Twin Towers (that we took for granted growing up in the city) once stood. There is now a growing memorial marking the 6 years that have passed.

After a few minutes of silence I looked over and saw tears coming down my friend’s face. Despite being in NYC as regularly as I am I couldn’t help but follow suit but then something happened. People standing next to us, New Yorkers themselves, also started crying. It was from that moment of complete sorrow that a sense of unity was formed similar to 6 years ago. Then, in a New York minute, we all went back to our lives.

Today is a rainy, dreary day in Connecticut but for many it reflects the somber mood as we cover 9/11 ceremonies across the state. Its a day to remember the victims but it is also a day to honor the men and women serving in the U.S. military and in harm’s way everyday. THANK YOU!

Everyday Heroes

I love when we have the opportunity to share stories of courage and character. Today we covered a fire on Allen Place in Hartford where a woman in a wheelchair was trapped on the second floor.

The reason she is alive is retired Hartford Firefighter Hector Hernandez. Earlier Hernandez was driving by and saw the flames and then without any hesitation he jumped out of his car and into the burning building. Hernandez says once inside he could barely outline the victim because of all the smoke. When he finally reached her, she was terrified not being able to get out of the building on her own. Hernandez then carried the woman down 2 flights of stairs and out of harm’s way, not thinking about his safety once. When I complimented the 23 year veteran on his heroic efforts he humbly answered that the firefighter in him will never die.

Overnight Tragedies In Two Towns

What a busy night for Eyewitness News crews! We covered two very tragic stories in two different towns, both of them happening at the same time.

Around 11 Thursday night Plymouth Police were called to a home on Scot Road. When they got there they found a woman who had been shot and killed on her front porch. The State Police Tactical Team were brought in and after an intensive search and found the gunman nearby. He had also shot himself. It turns out the murder/suicide involved a couple who were in the process of getting a divorce. The real victims here may be their 3 young children. We’ve learned their mother was shot right before their eyes.

Around the same time in nearby Bristol 4 teenagers were killed in a car crash. The driver was speeding down route 6 when he crossed the yellow lines and collided with another car. The oldest victim was 19 years old…the youngest, only 15. Two other teenagers were seriously injured. All 4 of them were from different Connecticut towns. The Subaru they were riding in is now an unrecognizable, mangled mess.

Earlier this summer, my 20 year old brother got into a serious car accident. He is lucky to be alive. The thought of what could have been still haunts me. This week, my 16 year old brother got his Learner’s Permit. Ever since he has been asking me to take him driving. If I wasn’t reluctant enough stories like this make me not want to see him behind the wheel until he’s 25.

This was a very tragic end to such young lives. It will be a somber beginning to the school year when students go back next week.

Fire Claims Life Of A Two Year Old

While working on the morning shift reporting on fires is a major part of our news coverage. Despite how many of them we cover fatal fires never get any easier, especially when they involve children. Last night Meriden firefighters responded to a horrific house fire by anyone’s standards. When they arrived to a Franklin street home they were told of 4 children all under the age of 5 who were trapped on the second floor. Despite all efforts rescue crews were not able to save a 2 year old boy. Two other children were badly burned and taken to the Shriner’s Burn Unit in Boston. Two firefighters were also hurt.

While reporting these fires you can’t help but form relationships with the heroes who risk their lives everyday. This morning even the most veteran firefighters told me coming to terms with the death of a child on their watch is a burden they always have to bear.