James Foley

If you search James Foley, it is a name associated with words such as ISIS, war on terror, American journalist beheaded etc. 

When I read the news, my first thought is what a horrible way to die. Then I thought about his family and hope they did not watch the video released by ISIS. With more reports on James work as a journalist coming out, I was drawn into images of him holding camera in war zones – the most dangerous situations on earth. 

From reading what his colleagues wrote about him, I imagine him being very brave, quick to action, charming and easy to get along. Because without these traits, it will be very difficult to survive in that environment. I also believe he has that type of personality which makes life sitting behind a desk or having a garden to mow seems worse than having bullets flying by your ear. 

Journalist is a carrer I have always been interested. James obviously loved what he does, not only he pursued this career and also did a good job. The ending of his life is the most tragic and made publicly by his murderer. He poured his life into doing the job as the messenger, go to the unknown, meet the people who have stories to tell to the rest of the world, and hope using media as a way to change this world a little at a time. I bet at times, when he has seen so much sorrow and unjust first hand, its hard to keep maintain that hope for a better tomorrow. But through the lenses of his camera, the words of his report, people live in the peaceful part of the globe get to see what life is like at the other parts of the world. Not only we feel sorry for those suffered souls in the war torn region, we also realise how important it is to keep the peace. It is very fragile,easily broken, lost and when it does , your world literally falling into pieces. 

James died as a messenger too. The killer hope to use this death to spread fear around the world. I am sure that is the last thing James would like to happen. His death makes me respect the journalists who risk their lives to pursue the truth. His death reminds me once again that we all have stories to tell, no matter what the ending is, it is what you have been through life means the most. Looking back at the life of James Foley, what he has achieved, what he has showed to the world, these are the things to remember and to carry on…