Just the Beginning

I can't believe this semester is already coming to an end. However, now that it's over I'm pretty relieved. I would have to say that this has definitely been my most challenging semester yet, all because of Capstone. It seems just like yesterday that I was sitting in my Capstone class trying to brainstorm some idea for my senior project. Hard to believe, but that was 8 months ago! Now, that I'm completely done with my project I have a lot to be proud of.

It took a long time to figure out what exactly I was going to do, but I'm so glad that I chose to make a documentary because it allowed me to use my creativity in so many different ways including filming, writing, and editing. I also got the opportunity to work with an actual client, the Lawrence County Community Action Partnership. I'm so glad that I was able to work with them because I met so many wonderful people throughout the process.

When it all comes down to it though, I feel like my project had a really meaningful purpose. I was able to show people how important it is to volunteer and get involved in your community. The volunteers in my documentary were so inspiring that I actually had a few members of the audience come up to me after my presentation and tell me that after watching my documentary, they wanted to go out and volunteer right away! When I heard this, I knew that the goal of my project had been accomplished.

Before I even started my project though, I was so nervous. I was worried about filming, editing, writing, everything! It just seemed like a lot, and since I was doing most of it over the summer I knew I would be completely on my own without help or advice. I just had to keep telling myself that everything I needed to know, my professors had taught me. Another challenge for me was conducting the different interviews. I'm not an extremely outgoing person, so getting the courage to go up to strangers and ask them to be on camera was a little difficult. Luckily, by the third day I felt very comfortable and confident talking with the different volunteers and homeowners. Editing was another challenge for me. I love to edit, but going through hours of video and picking out the different pieces and putting them into some kind of order is a tedious task. I was worried it wouldn't turn out the way I wanted it to, but in the end it turned out great!

The one thing I gained from my senior project would have to be confidence. I'm somewhat self-conscious of my work and not always sure of myself, but after receiving such great feedback from my family, classmates, and professor, I felt like this is actually what I'm suppose to be doing. I always use to wonder, "should I really be in broadcasting? Am I really cut out for this?" This project answered all my questions. I can do this. As long as I use the knowledge I have learned here at Westminster and keep my confidence, I can pursue a career in broadcasting.

Capstone almost Complete!

This Tuesday I presented my Capstone Presentation on the documentary I created, "Helping Hands." Up until my presentation day I had been working extremely hard on editing, tweaking, and writing my introduction. It seemed like this day would never come, and when it did I was extremely nervous. A few of my fellow capstone classmates had already presented including, Melissa Maines, Amanda Conway, and Nicky Piszczor, and they all did a great job. I was hoping I could do just as good as them.

My presentation started at 7 PM and was held in Mueller Theatre. After arriving, setting up, and preparing my speech a few times, people started coming in around 6:45. I was extremely nervous, but once my family started to arrive I felt much better knowing that they were all there to support me. Not only did a lot of my family show up, but also a lot of the broadcast students and a few of my good friends.

My introduction went fairly well however, I did stumble a little in the beginning. I think my notecards hurt me more than they helped me. When I would look down to see where I was, I couldn't find my place and then I got flustered, but when I just kept talking I was fine. Then it was time to play my documentary. This was the most important part of my presentation and most nerve-wrecking. I wasn't worried about anything except what the audience would think. Not only did I want to meet people's expectations but I wanted to impress them.

After my documentary concluded I asked if anyone had any questions. My classmate Doug Kunst raised his hand, but instead of asking any questions he gave me 3 wonderful compliments which made me feel really great. I also got some great compliments from my family and friends. I was lucky enough to have one of the actual volunteers from my documentary there as well. Ray and his wife came to my presentation and she told me that after watching my documentary she felt like she needed to go right out and volunteer. It was great to hear this because that was the main goal of my project. I wanted to make a documentary not just for the sake of making a documentary, but to actually serve a purpose and inspire people.

Overall, I'm happy and relieved that my presentation is finished, but more than anything I'm so happy that it went well. As I look back on all the different goals I made for this project, I truly feel that I have met each and everyone of them. The final step of my capstone project is to enter it into several contests. Thank you everyone who came to my presentation and supported me! I would also like to thank Debby Hennon, The Lawrence County Commnunity Action Parntership, and of course all the volunteers of His Hands Ministry!

Mind My Manners

Last Thursday all seniors of Westminster College were invited to Dine 'n Shine. The dinner was sponsored by the Career Center and included a guest speaker as well as a brief fashion show. Our capstone class decided that we would all sit together at a table which was a great bonding experience as we enjoyed our meals and got some helpful tips on proper etiquette in a business setting.

The guest speaker for the night was Dr. Cary Horvath, who spoke while we ate our meals. She discussed the importance of manners and gave us some great tips for etiquette whenever we have a lunch or dinner job interview. My first thoughts were that I had pretty good dining etiquette and knew the "rules" of eating properly in a public setting. However, to my surprise I learned a great deal that I will carry with me in the future.

Most of the tips Horvath gave us are simple ideas, but can make a great impression on a future employer. For example, when shaking a person's hand, you should not look down. Instead, you should look directly at the person. I'm assuming that this is to make you appear friendly and social, yet confident. Another tip that I never really thought about is that you should be careful what you order. Try to avoid messy foods such as spaghetti. This is something I will always remember because it's not easy to eat these kinds of foods without either looking awkward or making a mess. By the end of the meal I realized my dinner etiquette wasn't as good as I thought, but I learned from my mistakes. I used my dinner fork to eat my salad, and my salad fork to eat my dinner, I took a piece of bread when I should have passed the basket first, I didn't place my napkin on my lap until I got my meal, and I passed the salt without the pepper.

After we were finished with dinner, the Career Center had put together a fashion show in order to show us the difference between business casual and business formal. I thought that all the students and faculty involved in the fashion show did a great job. Through the fashion show we were able to visually see what's appropriate for a normal day at the office or a job interview. Once the show was finished several students asked questions. I learned that slacks or a skirt are equally appropriate for a job interview, women can wear flats or heels, and when in doubt dress conservatively!

Overall, I greatly enjoyed Dine 'n Shine. Not only did I get a delicious meal out of it, but I also got some valuable tips that will help me in the future.

Ten Minute Interview!?

As I've mentioned in previous posts, my college experience at Westminster has been a challenging, yet extremely worthwhile journey. Looking back I can see how all the classes and projects have really transformed me into the young professional that I am today. Coming in as a freshman, I was nervous, shy, and not really sure of what I wanted to do. Now that I'm a senior I can look back and see how I have really transformed throughout the years, not just my focus, but my whole attitude. There are several classes that I believe have played a large role in making me who I am today.

TV and Radio announcing with Dr. B was one of my BC electives second semester of my sophomore year. I first decided to take this class because it sounded like fun and I really enjoy having Dr. B as a professor. However, on the first day of class I was second guessing myself when we were handed a syllabus with all of the assignments we would be doing throughout the semester. Ten-minute interviews, live radio remotes, and so much more. I was overwhelmed and wasn't sure if I would make it through this class.

One of my first ten-minute interviews for this class was to be with Kayla, who is a blind student. It was to be used as part of the Round Table series for Titan Radio. I was extremely nervous. I remember thinking, "how do I get in contact with her?" " Do I send her an e-mail?" "Does she even have e-mail?" I know it may sound silly, but just getting in contact with her and going about asking her to do an interview was a little bit of a challenge for me. The second challenge for me was figuring out what kind of questions to ask her. I had to do a lot of research and come up with many questions that I thought would be appropriate for the interview. To my surprise, probably the easiest part of this whole project was the interview itself. Kayla was such an easy person to talk with and was willling to talk about anything and everything. That long ten minutes ended up flying by for me.

I had many more projects like this for TV and Radio announcing, and as the semester went on I could see myself really improving and getting more comfortable with radio interviews. This class truly was an eye-opening experience. I realized then that if I was going to be in this business I can't be a shy person and I can't be intimidated by simple assignments. I also learned that by challenging myself I actually gain a lot more rather than always looking for the easy way out. I'm very thankful for all of the classes, professors, and projects that have challenged me to get me where I am today.

10 Years From Now...

This past weekend was Homecoming here at Westminster. Each year so many alum come back to WC to watch the parade, visit the college campus, and of course, meet up with old friends and fellow classmates. This weekend I got the opportunity to meet up with old friends and see how their lives were going. Some had jobs in the field, some were still living at home, and some were either in grad school or law school. It's kind of scary to think that next time Homecoming rolls around, I'll be the one answering all the questions about my current life and occupation. However, it will be such a great experience to talk with my fellow capstoners and see how their lives are going as well.

If I could look to the future 10 years from now I think there is one person from my class in particular who I would be interested in seeing what they're up to. Doug Kunst, who is actually a year older than me, has really impressed me over the years. Even though he may not like being at Westminster for an extra semester I'm glad he's here because he always has a positive attitude and brings humor to our class. Over the past two years in particular though I've really noticed Doug excelling and taking on new tasks. For example, this year for his capstone project he's been covering the Wilmington Greyhounds football team each home game and has created a video blog where he posts updates on each game. My first time watching his video blog I was so shocked! I thought to myself, "Wow, Doug is really good at this, why hasn't he done more reporting?" Not only is Doug good at putting the story together, but he does it in such a fun and unique way which really makes it interesting to watch.

Along with his current project, Doug has always been involved in the major. Doug does a lot for out weekly news show, The County Line. I have to admit Doug is my all-time favorite director. He's very cool, calm, and collected when he directs a show and it just brings a positive atmosphere to the rest of the show. Doug has also been involved in TitanTown sports each year. Although I'm surprised Doug hasn't done more on-air stuff, since he's so good at it on his blog, he's really great at working behind the scene.

I think I'll be most interested in seeing what Doug is doing 10 years from now because he always seems to surprise me whether it's in sports, on-air, or directing. I could see Doug doing a number of things once he graduates. I could see him working with some type of sports team, working as a director at a news station, or even being on-air talent! Whatever Doug Kunst is doing 10 years from now though I know he'll be excelling and be doing it with a positive attitude!

Andy on the Air

When I was a freshman I looked up to the seniors so much and was so impressed with their knowledge and how dedicated they were to the major. The funny thing is, now 3 years later, I look at some of the underclassman and think the same thing. However, I feel that one person in particular has the potential to really shine.

When my sophomore year started, Andy Borts was one of the freshman broadcasters that I noticed right away. He was so excited to jump right in and get started. Coming in to college he already had a background in radio and DJing, but he's always up to learning something new. Not only is he very talented, but he also has a great personality. I don't think I've ever seen Andy in a bad mood. He always has a positive, upbeat attitude that puts a smile on everyone's face.

At the end of his freshman year I remember that he was voted by the broadcast majors as the "Most Valuable Freshman," which I agree with. Andy has really stepped it up and taken on a lot of responsibilities. He's currently our Music Director at Titan Radio as well as on-air talent. Even though Andy has a strong background in radio I really admire him for experiencing all aspects of broadcasting. He's done announcing for football games, reporting for the County Line, and he's currently the host for Coach's Corner.

Not only is Andy great at what he does, but he's also great at encouraging others. Whether it's upperclassman or freshman, Andy is always willing to lend a hand. Another thing I notice about Andy is he's very dedicated and he takes his responsibilities seriously. For example, last month, Amanda and I were in the radio station to do our Thursday morning talkshow. However, to our surprise their was no sound coming from the board or over the radio. We didn't know what was wrong so we called Andy to see if he had any idea. At 7 in the morning Andy came right over to the radio station (even though he was sleeping) to try and fix the problem.

Overall, I think Andy will really go far with his talent and personality. He's always striving to get better at what he does and I really admire that. As long as he keeps doing what he's doing, I think next year Andy will definitely be one of the seniors that the freshman look up to!

Looking Up to a Westminster Alum

Now that I'm a senior broadcast major I feel as though I have some large shoes to fill. The previous senior broadcast students were all very dedicated to the major and worked really hard. My fellow seniors and I have been trying to step up and take on this leadership role and maybe even become mentors to some of the underclassmen. I know when I was an underclassman I definitely looked up to a lot of the seniors.

Although there are several Westminster alumi who have had an impact on my college career, there is one person who I look up to more than others. Chris Norris (aka Chucko), who graduated last spring, has always impressed me with his broadcast skills. Whether it was anchoring, reporting, filming, or announcing, Chris always knew what he was doing and was good at it. However, I think one thing that Chris and I both have in common is we both really enjoy editing.

I remember when I was a sophomore I was in video production class with Mr. Weaver and he had us make individual mini-movies as one of our video projects. This was probably one of my favorite college courses because it wasn't strictly focused on news and it let me be really creative with my projects. For my individual mini-movie I filmed a really cheesy "scary" movie, starring my fellow capstoner, Amanda Conway. I remember when I went into the edit bay to capture my video I wasn't real sure of how to do it. Luckily, Chris was there working on a project and he was very willing to help me out. As I sat there and let my extremely "cheesy" video capture I was thinking that Chris probably thought I was crazy, but to my surprise he watched some of the video while it was capturing and said, "wow, you can do a lot of cool stuff with this when you edit."

Not only is Chris extremely talented at editing, but he's also very versatile in other aspects of broadcasting. He was always involved with the County Line whether it was reporting, anchoring, or producing. He was involved in sports as well. He did packages for Titan Town sports and announced the Men's basketball games. Chris was also invovled with the radio station by doing news and DJ shifts throughout his college career.

I really look up to Chris and admire him. I believe that seeing him work so hard has really pushed me to work harder. Now that I'm a senior, I feel as though I have to take on the responsibility of stepping up and being a role model to the underclassmen. Hopefully someday someone will look up to me as I do to Chris.