Last week, I had the distinct honor of being invited to speak to the youth of Sugga’s Industries International, Behind The Scenes in Sports & Entertainment after-school program.

Held at Atlanta’s Turner Middle School, the program provides training to high school students in an effort to assist the sports and entertainment industry in diversifying its audience and talent pool.

Anyone who knows me is quite aware that I’m not a “public” speaking type of girl, so it was initially uncomfortable but because I was talking about something I love to do, the information flowed freely.

We discussed blogging, advertising, event coverage, video editing… just about everything that entails StraightFromTheA.com. Including social networking via Twitter, Facebook, etc…. we even touched on a bit of industry gossip (and you will be pleased to note, I kept it strictly P.G.).

[Sidebar: I almost fainted when told the others that Phaedra was my lawyer and I was at her wedding… you people really do pay attention, huh? 😆 ]

I’d like to take a moment to thank Tiphanie Watson and Suggas for inviting me out to speak to the kids. Hopefully, I shared some insightful information about this crazy world of entertainment blogging.

Additional information about the program and it’s mission below:

Behind The Scenes continues our mission of improving the quality of life for our youth by exposing them to sectors of the sports & entertainment industry that they may not have known existed or didn’t know how to get their foot into the door. When it comes to the industry, most only dream of being seen in front of the camera or on the field. We want to change that. Behind The Scenes allows youth to explore the possibilities and genius on the other side. We aim to spark infinite possibilities for youth who are preparing to step out into the world on their own.

Behind The Scenes allows our participants to explore teamwork, achievement of goals, build self-confidence, and define their unique identities while developing an affinity for a new vocation, and build a credible industry resume. Participants also build lasting relationships amongst their peers and mentors.

Behind The Scenes 2011 program will provide mentors for students wherein they receive hands-on training in tag-along situations that will instill the necessary skills for students to complete projects. Students will be required to attend after-school work sessions, production meetings, etc wherein they will receive further training and information about the business of sports & entertainment. Over the course of the weeks, with staff assistance, participants of Behind The Scenes will set-up their own companies, develop, produce, shoot, and screen their very own film, produce music video, produce songs, organize sports camps, etc.

Click HERE for more information about Tiphanie Watson and Suggas.