Since I've been on break, I've had major writer's block. I think after finals week and studying for 10+ hours a day, my brain decided to take a break. I guess it deserved a slight rest, but it just reminds me of how different it is being home rather than at school. I forgot what to do with myself when I don't have four classes a day and two meetings and trying to fit meals somewhere in between. Although I would never admit it when I'm in Athens, I sort of miss the structure of every day.
One thing I have enjoyed while I've been home is reading for pleasure instead of for classes. I've already finished two novels and I'm working on my third. I've also been catching up on my TV shows and Christmas specials on ABC.
I know eventually these two lives will converge when I graduate, but for now I'll enjoy the change and free time.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The end of the quarter
As the quarter is winding down, I feel the need to reflect on my year so far.
As far as my career path goes, I've learned so much already working with ImPRessions. I actually learned what a PR plan is and what it looks like. I've learned how to work under pressures, such as time crunches, and I have even learned a few new tricks on my Mac from fellow account members. Working with all upperclassmen has also given me great insight to where I should be going in the next two years.
I've also learned to deal with stress and to multi-task, although experts say there is no such thing. I've learned more about time management and how to prioritize. I've learned how to live with three roommates without any major crises. I also bought my first suit this quarter.
Eight quarters left in my college career and I cannot decide if that's too much or too little time. For now, I'll try to learn as much as possible and take it one day at a time.
As far as my career path goes, I've learned so much already working with ImPRessions. I actually learned what a PR plan is and what it looks like. I've learned how to work under pressures, such as time crunches, and I have even learned a few new tricks on my Mac from fellow account members. Working with all upperclassmen has also given me great insight to where I should be going in the next two years.
I've also learned to deal with stress and to multi-task, although experts say there is no such thing. I've learned more about time management and how to prioritize. I've learned how to live with three roommates without any major crises. I also bought my first suit this quarter.
Eight quarters left in my college career and I cannot decide if that's too much or too little time. For now, I'll try to learn as much as possible and take it one day at a time.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
We made history
We have officially made history: the first black president in America! It is simply amazing to be living through such a passionate election and one in which the college demographic has played such a large role. Minutes after the projection for Obama as the next president, a crowd swarmed East Green. Here is a picture I took of the "block party".
My first election day
Today is a pretty big day for me: I'm voting for the first time ever. My siblings and I used to go with my mom to vote, and I've grown up thinking that it was so cool to get to punch the pen in the ballot (although today I'll probably be using an ink pen). Now that it's actually my turn, I'm not as excited as I thought I would be, but I still feel like I'm taking a big step toward becoming an adult and being independent of my parents.
I do have to admit that I'll be very glad when this election is over. All the media hype and candidates bashing each other has gotten a little old and I'll be happy when I can watch Grey's and not have to watch 27 commercials for this candidate or that one. I've had a lot of mixed feelings about this election, mostly because I have people from both sides trying to tell me who to vote for. But ultimately, today I will make my own decision, and I think that's really cool that I'm able to do that in this country. Even though my one vote might not be that important in the overall election, it'll still be important to me because I'll know that I took that step to try and make a difference.
I do have to admit that I'll be very glad when this election is over. All the media hype and candidates bashing each other has gotten a little old and I'll be happy when I can watch Grey's and not have to watch 27 commercials for this candidate or that one. I've had a lot of mixed feelings about this election, mostly because I have people from both sides trying to tell me who to vote for. But ultimately, today I will make my own decision, and I think that's really cool that I'm able to do that in this country. Even though my one vote might not be that important in the overall election, it'll still be important to me because I'll know that I took that step to try and make a difference.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Bob Evans event
Today we had our first event for the Bob Evans ImPRessions account. Three of us from the account went to Chillicothe to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Bob Evans in town.
It was such a neat experience. All day we helped hand out prizes to those who attempted a game of corn hole and we gave away a gift card every hour. The local country station, 94.3, was at Bob Evans and I had my first experience doing a radio spot to draw people to our event.
I got to meet the VP of the marketing department for the company and I was very impressed with her. She seemed really excited about the event and passionate about her company.
We also got our picture taken with Biscuit and Gravy, Bob Evan's mascot dogs. The event was mostly outside and the wind was freezing but we kept warm with coffee and hot chocolate.
We learned some great tips about the correct way to give out promotional items and the importance of wording when publicizing an event. I am so excited to keep working on this account. We're even going to get to present to the Marketing department in Columbus sometime soon. Overall this is turning out to be a great experience.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
A new "digital divide"
We had a very interesting discussion in my Intro to Public Relations class today. Our topic was Public Relations and the Internet and we discussed how e-mail, blogs and other forms of internet media relations are coming more and more into the forefront.
One thing that really struck me during the lecture was the idea of this "digital divide" that is supposedly present in our society. I started thinking about it, and I came to the conclusion that the digital divide has changed to mean something else besides it's original connotation. Almost anyone who wants it has access to the Internet, at least in this country. Most libraries offer free Internet during operating hours, so even those who cannot afford computers or Internet access still can keep up with the new medium.
My thinking is that the new "digital divide" is defined by the different ways that people use the internet to communicate. Most people in my parents' generation are proficient in email, search engines, and online shopping, but probably are not involved in a whole lot of social media. My grandparents barely even know how to turn on a computer, let alone surf the web.
As more and more internet media venues develop, there is a fight to keep up with it all. So this digital divide becomes an issue of who is using what kind of media and for what purposes. Many companies are starting to use social media, but many more are still lagging behind in that area. Some are not even willing to try to use the new mediums to communicate and are satisfied with the ways with which everyone is familiar, such as print media. But as companies are striving to attract a younger generation, they are going to have to step over the digital divide and get their feet wet in this new phenomenon.
One thing that really struck me during the lecture was the idea of this "digital divide" that is supposedly present in our society. I started thinking about it, and I came to the conclusion that the digital divide has changed to mean something else besides it's original connotation. Almost anyone who wants it has access to the Internet, at least in this country. Most libraries offer free Internet during operating hours, so even those who cannot afford computers or Internet access still can keep up with the new medium.
My thinking is that the new "digital divide" is defined by the different ways that people use the internet to communicate. Most people in my parents' generation are proficient in email, search engines, and online shopping, but probably are not involved in a whole lot of social media. My grandparents barely even know how to turn on a computer, let alone surf the web.
As more and more internet media venues develop, there is a fight to keep up with it all. So this digital divide becomes an issue of who is using what kind of media and for what purposes. Many companies are starting to use social media, but many more are still lagging behind in that area. Some are not even willing to try to use the new mediums to communicate and are satisfied with the ways with which everyone is familiar, such as print media. But as companies are striving to attract a younger generation, they are going to have to step over the digital divide and get their feet wet in this new phenomenon.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Stress and a fast-paced society
This has been a very stressful week.
I'm still trying to learn how to balance homework, studying, classes and my other activities. I'm actually having a difficulty finding time to eat.
I was in line at Boyd Grab n Go a few weeks ago and I overheard some (obviously) freshmen talking about classes. One started talking about how she really liked college except for the fact that there's not many grades besides exams and papers.
I was thinking to myself: are you kidding me? Did she expect worksheets from her professors to boost her grades?
This brings me to the point of how our generation expects things to come so easily and that everything will be done for us. I admit that I'm guilty of this at times, complaining that I have to read 50 pages before the next day. I constantly get the lecture from my parents about how easy I have it with the search tools on the internet and how they used to go to the library and read books to do research for papers.
So I can't help but wondering: is the internet affecting the younger generation in a negative way?
We are so used to having everything at the tip of our fingers with the advent of the internet that when something can't be instantly obtained, we freak out or don't know how to handle ourselves. This fast-paced lifestyle definitely causes a more stressful environment for everyone, but I think we can adapt over time.
I'm still learning that adapting process and I'm trying to stay afloat in this crazy world of new media, but it can be a little daunting.
I'm still trying to learn how to balance homework, studying, classes and my other activities. I'm actually having a difficulty finding time to eat.
I was in line at Boyd Grab n Go a few weeks ago and I overheard some (obviously) freshmen talking about classes. One started talking about how she really liked college except for the fact that there's not many grades besides exams and papers.
I was thinking to myself: are you kidding me? Did she expect worksheets from her professors to boost her grades?
This brings me to the point of how our generation expects things to come so easily and that everything will be done for us. I admit that I'm guilty of this at times, complaining that I have to read 50 pages before the next day. I constantly get the lecture from my parents about how easy I have it with the search tools on the internet and how they used to go to the library and read books to do research for papers.
So I can't help but wondering: is the internet affecting the younger generation in a negative way?
We are so used to having everything at the tip of our fingers with the advent of the internet that when something can't be instantly obtained, we freak out or don't know how to handle ourselves. This fast-paced lifestyle definitely causes a more stressful environment for everyone, but I think we can adapt over time.
I'm still learning that adapting process and I'm trying to stay afloat in this crazy world of new media, but it can be a little daunting.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Social media/creating my blog
I'm creating this blog in the hope that eventually I'll have something interesting or worth while to say. I'm trying to get the hang of the new social media that is becoming such an integral part of our society, especially in the PR industry. For me, the changing landscape of media is slightly frightening, but anything that causes change is going to be that way. In all my journalism classes one of the most frequently asked questions is what the future will hold for print publications. Gen Y grew up knowing mostly print media and the thought that it might possibly be eliminated in our lifetime is mind-numbing. I'll just continue to do my part in subscribing to magazines I don't need and picking up my daily copies of the Post and hope that print and online media will come to some sort of coexistence that works for both industries.
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