Graduation: Bachelor of Science in Journalism

College is a place like no other for a young mind. As I stood in the Al Lawson Center at 9 a.m. on Florida A&M's campus, I realized I had closed a chapter in my life. There would no more classes at 8 a.m., no more handing in assignments and praying that no one noticed you wrote that paper an hour ago. All of that support, nurturing and guidance would be a phone call away and no longer in a classroom setting. This all hit me at 9a.m. in the green gown, which was now ripping because my jewelry kept getting caught after I paid about $80.

But the ripping of the gown is not the point. The real lesson here is what do I do now after 9 a.m. The class work is over, News 20 at Five is over and the grades are in. I am done with college. I realized I had applied for jobs, but I wasn't thinking about how much I really needed a job right now. Not even, a job but a career. There's the question of where do you see yourself in five years. I realized at this moment how important those questions are and how real life is because the real world hits you fast. You have to plan. You have to know and you have to be open but assertive. So, this is a question for all of my college grads who graduated today or graduate sometime this month. Are you really ready for life, adult life or are you just excited to have a degree?

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The "FAMU Alumna" Phoenix

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FAMU NABJ Multimedia Short Course

At  FAMU NABJ Multimedia Short Course on September 8, journalist were enlightened to seize the moment and to continue learning new skills to stand out from the crowd. This was the first day for the participants of the short course who were eager to be apart of the three-day course this year. The presentation opened with Dean Hawkins speaking to the journalist reminding them to stay relevant within journalist because “There’s always room for another good person.” Senior Producer of CNN, Jill Cox-Cordova opening her presentation with the question: “Are you a multi-media journalist?” Jill’s question was actually the answer to staying relevant in journalism. As long as you have skills of a well-rounded journalist you will always be an asset to your company.

            The tips that Jill gave during her presentation were simple but very critical when it comes to journalism.  What I thought was so vital in Jill’s speech is her acronym for YES, which stood for your brand, embrace a support system and skills.  I have never heard of this acronym and I feel it was the most important piece of the presentation. I learned that a solid support system is needed when you have questions, concerns or when you need to relax and get away from life’s stressors. Your brand is yourself because you are marketing your intergrity and knowledge. Knowing how to brand yourself and knowing your strengths is the main intity in the job market. Lastly, skills are something that no one can take away from you. Jill mentions that even if she may lose her job, she still has her skills to continue her journey.  

            Reinventing yourself and being well rounded another topic Jill spoke on when you are a multimedia journalist. You must be a multimedia platform journalist and a multimedia journalist.  A multimedia journalist is a journalist who is skilled in multimedia. This journalist can shoot, edit and produce their own video and write their own script. While a multimedia platform journalist can take one story and present it to all forms of media such as, online, TV,  radio, and print. As a journalist Jill explained that you must be a multimedia and multimedia platform journalist. When someone is talking about journalistic skills, you must be a go-to person for a specific topic but you must also know a little about everything. Be great in one subject and be good in the rest and learn how to do the things you don't know. I learned how to stay relevant in journalism through Jill’s tips. And I am looking forward to being a participant next year of  FAMU NABJ Multimedia Short Course.

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The "Journalist" Phoenix

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FAMU HOMECOMING 2010 WITH J. COLE AND WALE

Well, what can I say except it has been a great week maybe the greatest week here thus far. Homecoming events for me started on Monday night at the new gym when Chrisette Michelle came out singing "Fragile". That was the only song I knew by her because I am not a true fan but she is a great performer especially with her emotions. I love how she said "I love you FAMU" as though she met each one of us before. I honestly was not expecting her to come out, it was truly a surprise to me because I was expecting it to be a joke. The host screamed "Chrisette Michelle" and I was pondering. Is this going to be a look-a-like or someone who sounds like her? I'm thinking this is a talent show so maybe the host calls out every talent like they are a famous musician. But there she was in the flesh singing her heart out on stage and begging for crowd participation. The crowd seemed a little bit uninterested which did not bother her true fans lip singing and screaming out of key. I could feel their love for her and I opened up my heart to her to see what did they love? She seems really down-to-earth and so had alot of energy with a great combination for an artist. Sadly, I had to leave the Comedy/Talent show early but according to my room mates and friends I did not miss anything because the comedian was a bored with sexual innuendos. Even though last year there were sexual innuendos I could actually laugh at them and that was not the comedian's main joke. But I am guessing that was the subject of every comedian's joke this year. It is a shame how sex has become the headline to get people's attention. So leaving out of that gym upset that I had to miss this event because a crucial meeting that aids my craft, I am elated to hear Chrisette was the best performance that night. Unfortunately my meeting was canceled last night so I could have stayed and participate in the crowd doing the wave on less than mediocre performers. Yes, I will admit Florida A&M is tuff crowd but our peer are always the hardest to please but I applaud those students who participated.

The next day tuesday I had a study session for my journalism class which was so unfocused and unorganized. Yea that was disappointing at 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. I sat at a round table with six class mates to talk about adverbs, adjectives and subject-verb agreement. Oh the joy, I know that is not the way I should feel about my major but sometimes it is so tedious, I get frustrated with the rules and trying to remember them. But in between studying we discussed the comedian, Kevin Hart who has a new dvd named "Seriously Funny". We looked at YouTube videos by Hotdamnirock who is hilarious, he just talks about the funny side of life in a real way. He is not corny at all, some of the subjects he talks about are things everyone has witness in their life so it does not matter who you are you can still relate. But with all the laughter there was less studying so we need someone out of the group that will get us on track.

The following day Wednesday I had a Geography Test and my last test was suppose to be Friday morning but it was changed on wednesday afternoon to thursday afternoon. Changing the test date was bitter sweet becuase I would be able to sleep in but then again that means I have to really study now. After that last test I was drained it was wednesday and raining which did not seem like Homecoming to me so I went home. I had time to take a nap before my five-thirty class but I was so drained I could not even sleep. So after I feel asleep in my five-thirty class I was ready to go home. Three test in a row I was stressed and and tired, asking the week to just end. On friday I intended to sleeo and study but I ended up getting my nails done which got messed up but saturday trying to wash my hair. Yes I was upset fifteen dollars down the drain. So, friday was a fun day and it reduced the stress of this week.