Keenan Griffey's Writing

  Back in February, I was approached with the opportunity to be the host of 30FPS by the "phenomenal" Cecil Felton. I did not see myself being the host of an MTV-style Christian music show, but my knowledge of television grew like a flower while working with Cecil. Throughout the semester, I learned that television comes with a lot of responsibilities. It's easy to think that being on the other side of the screen makes it simple — but it's not. Television requires a lot of thought regarding scripts, camera work, and editing. Professor Felton encouraged me to always be myself on camera and to bring the message that God had laid on my heart for each episode.   This past year was not easy, but my faith always gave me a boost each day. My grandmother passed away this past October, which was extremely devastating. The move from North Carolina to New York was also a significant milestone in my life, but with the support of family, friends, and countless professors, I was st...

  Finding Good In A World of Darkness Keenan Griffey A few weeks back, I had the opportunity to have lunch with a very special lady. I was first introduced to this woman from my Uncle, who had met her several years back. The special person I am talking about is Constance Towers. I have always admired her work, being a young person growing up watching classic films. Through the cinematic medium she not only taught me—and millions of others-- the importance of film and music–but the values of being a good person in a dark world.   When I had lunch with her, it was my first time visiting Los Angeles–and California in general. I was blown away by the city's history and the kind people who lived in it. Being a kid from a small town in North Carolina, it was always my dream--seeing cities that produce big lights.  I felt as if I was in Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory when I first laid eyes on the beautiful city of Los Angeles.   I can honestly say that two more of the trip...

      J immy Carter has always been someone that I have admired. Politics is not an easy game and requires a lot of empathy and understanding. President Carter has always stuck out to me because he understands the qualities of empathy, kindness, and understanding. As I grow older, I find that it becomes harder to find people with those qualities. This book uplifted my soul because he describes what it truly means to have a faith based life--especially in politics. President Carter always stood for what was right, regardless of which side of the aisle people were on.     As our world becomes more dark and anxiety rises higher, we must remember faith in our lives. We must not only cherish out faith--but live it in the world. President Carter is now 99, but his legacy still touches young people like me today. Each of us must choose the world we want to live in. We must decide the future we want our children and grandchildren to grow up in. To me, it all begins wit...

  The Gold-Hearted Man Sometimes as life takes us in our chosen direction, it  leads us to something special. Throughout my life I’ve fortunately met very some very special people, but I’ve never admired a man so much as I have Dr. Reverend Steve Pieters. Reverend Pieters has personally battled AIDS for several years and has amazingly managed to come up on top of it. The AIDS epidemic has inflicted suffering in the hearts and bodies of many families’, but he has managed to inspire others to deal with this affliction with the same faith and courage we can summons in other human struggles.   I recently sat down with him—and had one of the best conversations I ever had. He was so generous to me with his time. AIDS has been a burden for him for several years and has taken a dramatic toll on his life. He said that when he first was diagnosed with the disease, he asked himself “Will I ever have a family” or “Will I ever have kids?”.   All Steve felt initially was pur...

  A Refuge of Peace and Love As a fifteen-year-old kid at a Catholic school, I’ve discovered that true heroes are all around me, and can lie in places you don’t expect. President and Mrs. Carter supply the definition of what a hero is, and what changing the world is all about. Over the course of my life, I’ve heard what a great impact the Carter Center has had on people, and so I decided to sit down with some of the staff members there and palpate that impact.   First, I (virtually of course) sat down with the educational program assistant “Samantha Long” who had nothing but great things to say about President Carter. She said that the Carter Center strives for peace, and a safer environment for our world. Of her extensive background experience with the Carter Center Samantha proudly confirmed tha t she enjoys being a problem solver and seeing the progress being replicated in over 80 different countries. The progress that has been accomplished over the years at the Ca...

  Mount Airy Hero (Betty Lynn) When you think of a hero you think of Spiderman, Batman, Iron man, but a hero can be anybody. A hero can be somebody who simply shows love and compassion and brings joy to everybody. I am a 15-year-old boy who recently had the opportunity to meet the Andy Griffith super star, “Thelma Lou” and experienced the thrill of meeting a hero. Standing in a long line of fans seeking her autograph, I watched the way she gave herself to her people. I saw her hugging fans and kissing and speaking in greater depths with older people but treating everyone as dear long-lost friends. I believe that showing kindness to someone is the greatest gift you can ever give someone because that is the key to friendship and happiness. In both her T.V portrayal of Thelma Lou and signing autographs for fans decades later, Ms. Lynn has inspired me to be a great person and to always be grateful for each blessing God bestows upon us. I believe that a hero is somebody who does somet...