life...or something like it

Sunday, January 28, 2007

Wiping the Slate Clean

This week in capstone it was Aidan’s idea to blog about skills we each have that would enable us to do something outside of broadcasting after graduation. I love this idea because, while most of us know what field we want to go into as of right now, I have a little less of an idea J. So, here are some things I know about myself that could be valuable to future employers:
1. Reliable. If I say I’m going to be somewhere or have something done at a certain time, there is an excellent chance that will happen. I want to be the kind of person that other people know they can count on and I will really try my best to help.
2. Good Listener. I have been the go-to advice-giver for my friends for as long as I can remember. I love listening to what other people have to say (whether it’s their latest love crisis or their political perspective) and being able to help them out if they need advice.
3. Organized. I wouldn’t say I’m a perfectionist, but I’ve been pretty neat and organized since elementary school. It honestly didn’t occur to me until about the 5th grade that some kids didn’t do their homework on time. (maybe this trait should be re-named loser…)
4. Personable. Maybe it’s the southern girl in me. I’ve always been comfortable around people, and I hope I make other people feel comfortable as well. I love to talk and joke and work together…which is why broadcasting at Westminster is so much fun for me.
5. Open-minded. I am very open to change, and kind of like not knowing what is going to come next. And as much as I love learning about politics, I am usually the one sitting to the side and listening to others debate and forming my own opinions out of that. I change my mind all the time and I’m not one to be stuck in one place too long…some may label that as flighty…but I think it’s fun!
6. Independent. The funny this is, I was the opposite of independent growing up. I was the kid who couldn’t even have sleepovers without getting homesick…and summer camp? Forget it! Then, when I came to college, it was like I became a completely different person that thrived on being on my own and creating a life separate from my family.
7. Hard-working. I expect a lot out of myself which means I am always trying to do better. Sometimes I’ll get frustrated if things don’t turn exactly right, but I know I put a lot of time into projects so I can be proud of them.
8. Punctual. Even though I am notorious for taking some time to get ready (I’m easily distracted at times…), I am pretty good at being on time. Actually, for the most part, I like to be early to give myself time to get settled and ready for class/work/whatever.
9. Good Sense of Humor. Don’t ask me how this will help in future jobs, but I have a way of lightening the mood sometimes when people are frustrated or upset or stressed. I absolutely love making people smile/laugh and seeing that I’ve made a difference in their day.
10. Fast typer. Just throwing this out there…I took a few years of keyboarding classes in my day and I can type at unknown speeds!! If I was a superhero that would probably be my power.

Thanks to everyone (Mr. Weaver and those in capstone especially) for easing the anxiety of final projects and graduation. Thank you for reminding me to enjoy my last semester and focus on what I have accomplished instead of what more I could’ve done. I think we’ll all be alright because we are all unique and I really think Westminster has had a lot to do with me finding that out.

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Well it’s back to school time…for the last time! I’m pretty much picking up where I left off…so here goes.

Since my senior project involves my dating article from Westminster Magazine, I asked a local newspaper editor from my hometown to critique it. Her name is Georgia Boring, and she is the editor of the Penn-Franklin News in Murrysville. Marshall Adams, News Director at KDKA 1020, is actually familiar with the paper and keeps in contact with those who work there. I explained the purpose of the article and what in particular I wanted her feedback on the most. She returned some constructive criticism and some suggestions to make the article more relevant.

First of all, she pointed out that I never answered my own question in the title (to date or not to date?). I provided opinionated interviews to give an inside look at what it’s like to date on campus…but never came to any real conclusion. Also, she suggested that I broaden my interviews to include professionals, local restaurant-owners, professors, etc. This would make my story a little more valid considering that students are mostly just guessing on what dating is like in the “real world”…because none of us are there yet! As for the writing style and technical stuff, she didn’t have too much of a problem with. I really appreciate her feedback, and it was nice to get an outsider’s opinion.

So now I just need to figure out where to go from here. On the one hand, I’d like to just start all over with new interviews and music and make a better long format story.

In other news, I’m excited about my classes this semester! (That will wear off…) I’m looking forward to announcing with Dr. B because all of the projects sound like a lot of fun. Also, I’m loving the idea to have someone in the newsroom each day to kind of regulate things…I think news will come a long way this semester. I have sort of have a big work load with science and politics and the digital photography class, but there’s only one semester to go.

Pem and Em returned on the air on Wednesday morning!!! One of my favorite things J I have a regular shift Mondays from 4-6 and news Friday mornings at 8 and 9…so don’t forget to tune in!!