As the semester comes to an end, I look forward to many of the events that CAB, Lasell, and Center for Spiritual Life sponsor. At the end of every semester there is a school-wide symposium which I have never had the opportunity to actually observe. All four years going here I have been a part of it; whether having a presentation in Rosen or a project on display in De Witt hall. This Symposium begins next Tuesday and continues on until Friday. I look forward to seeing the interesting projects that students have been working on as well as the refreshments, and sense of unity that this particular event provides. There is nothing better then seeing your classmates and friends all dressed up presenting what they have learned, as I learn more about the people I go to school with and the different connected learning projects that have been offered. It increases my school pride dramatically when I see some of the outstanding projects students have put together here.
It is finally the Holiday season and I am beginning to see events like "the giving tree" and holiday fest show up on my agenda. I can not wait to attend Holiday fest today... I love the holiday season!!!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
From Cradles to Lasell Village
Lasell College's media relations class hosted a fundraising event at the Campus center last Thursday. The event was called "Rock the Cradle", and it consisted of a dance party with food and drinks in which admission was either 1$ or a winter clothing item. Erin Dologhan's media relations class organized this event, which raised 200$ for Cradles to Crayon's "gearing up for winter" clothing drive. The fundraiser also collected many jackets and other winter gear. DJ Mr-Rea was on the turn tables during the dance, as there was also food, popcorn and drinks available. I attended this event, took many pictures and enjoyed the music. I think more people would have gone if the dance party was later in the evening, (it ran from 7:30-1030)
This morning I had the opportunity to attend probably one of the cutest events I have been to in months. Since Thanksgiving is on Thursday, children from the Rockwell Nursery school came to sing and hang out with the residents of Lasell Village. This nursery school children come for most holidays and many of the Village residents such as Mrs. Kaplan and Mrs. Thurber visit this school multiple times a week. I loved seeing the cute little kids dressed up as Native Americans singing and drumming (on their hand-crafted drums). The teachers were very nice and energetic as well. It was definitely a nice way to start my day, reminding me of youth and the purity of little children!
This morning I had the opportunity to attend probably one of the cutest events I have been to in months. Since Thanksgiving is on Thursday, children from the Rockwell Nursery school came to sing and hang out with the residents of Lasell Village. This nursery school children come for most holidays and many of the Village residents such as Mrs. Kaplan and Mrs. Thurber visit this school multiple times a week. I loved seeing the cute little kids dressed up as Native Americans singing and drumming (on their hand-crafted drums). The teachers were very nice and energetic as well. It was definitely a nice way to start my day, reminding me of youth and the purity of little children!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Project ACES
What a fabulous idea! Students from the Boston Renaissance School came to visit two Thurdays ago for Lasell's Awareness Confidence Education Success (ACES) program. CCBL ran a couple of days full of entertainment for these students as they explored the campus as if it were their own. The students were given campus tours, time to build their futures electronically, time to play basketball, classroom activities and time to simply indulge in our campus dining hall/ 1851.
I met these students to take pictures in the 1851. They got very excited when they saw that I had a camera and their leader James had them pose for some very cute photos. Next I followed them into Wolfe hall, where I watched as several of the classrooms were used for the students to play facilitated games.
It was adorable too, there were 44 students and many of them knew a lot about college already! I remember being that age and not knowing ANYTHING about college life. What a great Idea to give kids early exposure to college in order to mark it in their minds as an ultimate goal.
I met these students to take pictures in the 1851. They got very excited when they saw that I had a camera and their leader James had them pose for some very cute photos. Next I followed them into Wolfe hall, where I watched as several of the classrooms were used for the students to play facilitated games.
It was adorable too, there were 44 students and many of them knew a lot about college already! I remember being that age and not knowing ANYTHING about college life. What a great Idea to give kids early exposure to college in order to mark it in their minds as an ultimate goal.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Light the Night Walk
I interviewed with Seth Mantie of CCBL Tuesday, in order to learn more about the successful Light the Night walk which took place Last Thursday night at the Boston Common. Seth informed me that Lasell had impressive participation/ representation, having had the biggest team out of 27 colleges, even big inner-city school colleges! We raised almost 1800$ for the Leukemia Lymphoma society as well and it was a unifying experience despite the cold. How impressive!!!
Fall Interviews
Wow.. This semester is flying by!
In the midst of school, work and figuring out what my life will consist of post December graduation, I have been learning a lot of very interesting things through interviewing people and writing for this internship.
Michelle and I interviewed Mairead Van Heest of Sodexo dining in order to get the scoop on how Lasell's dining has become "more green". I learned many things from this interview. As a student that dines in the cafeteriea, I was suprised that I had not heard of many of the things Mairead told us. After the interview I noticed that the tables started having informative fliers on them, regarding the changes Lasell has made.
I learned that the trey belt they installed this semester is more energy efficient because it allows for students to not have to use a tray in order to send their dishes back into the kitchen. I also learned that excess vegetable oil is being recycled and used to heat homeless shelters this winter. Lastly, regarding heat, NStar has agreed to use Lasell for a pilot study this spring, allowing for students to control their own heat consumption. Lasell in turn, is going to offer their students prizes for having the most energy efficient residence hall.
Some other things I have learned include Lasell's purchase of sustainable fairtrade coffee and Nalgene bottles that offer each student a refill of a 16 oz. beverage for the price of a 12 oz. beverage once refilled. There are also now candy bars available at the campus center whose benefits go back toward stophunger.
Last but certainly not least Lasell is going to offer a can drive, with hopes of entering the Guinness Book of World Records.
In the midst of school, work and figuring out what my life will consist of post December graduation, I have been learning a lot of very interesting things through interviewing people and writing for this internship.
Michelle and I interviewed Mairead Van Heest of Sodexo dining in order to get the scoop on how Lasell's dining has become "more green". I learned many things from this interview. As a student that dines in the cafeteriea, I was suprised that I had not heard of many of the things Mairead told us. After the interview I noticed that the tables started having informative fliers on them, regarding the changes Lasell has made.
I learned that the trey belt they installed this semester is more energy efficient because it allows for students to not have to use a tray in order to send their dishes back into the kitchen. I also learned that excess vegetable oil is being recycled and used to heat homeless shelters this winter. Lastly, regarding heat, NStar has agreed to use Lasell for a pilot study this spring, allowing for students to control their own heat consumption. Lasell in turn, is going to offer their students prizes for having the most energy efficient residence hall.
Some other things I have learned include Lasell's purchase of sustainable fairtrade coffee and Nalgene bottles that offer each student a refill of a 16 oz. beverage for the price of a 12 oz. beverage once refilled. There are also now candy bars available at the campus center whose benefits go back toward stophunger.
Last but certainly not least Lasell is going to offer a can drive, with hopes of entering the Guinness Book of World Records.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Lunch with Liz Walker
Before Liz Walker gave her breath-taking speech on Tuesday, Michelle and I (joined by a couple of other faculty) sat down in Valentine dining hall for a lunch chat with her. My first thought: what a powerful lady. Her presence alone radiated power as she probably stood at least a foot taller then myself, and knew how to start, entertain, and animate the conversation! What a lady, I thought. We chatted about a trip to Israel she had made, and her overall humanitarian work, Liz's activates for Women's rights, poverty, Sudan and domestic violence. She is also part of a church group. I was tremendously inspired by her sophistication.
And then it was time for her speech. Michelle and I grabbed a video camera from IT and made our way up to De Witt where we occupied the first row. Her speech gave me the feeling that you get at weddings and graduations. She related the subject of connection to how everyone in the world is connected, and brought up the irony and importance of real life. The irony being that there are so many people living their lives stressed out everyday, on their cell phones, making money,listening to static that the world has created for itself, forgetting to pay attention to their inner- most voices.
Walker calls these "voices" callings, that we cannot neglect. She based her speech around three themes: taking risks, answering your callings and connections in order to educate us about the importance of finding your innermost passion and taking risks in order to do what you feel you were meant to do on this earth. Discussing the true essence of life and continuously quoting Martin Luther King, Walker did an amazing job of making me realize A) how lucky I am and B) How I can't let my life pass me by without following my calling. I personally feel like I know what I was put on this planet to do. Walker said that callings were what your contribution to the world was meant to be, considering that we are all connected, in conjunction with everyone else.
Having lunch with Liz Walker prior to her speech showed me how humble she was on top of inspirational and proactive. I really look forward to hearing Liz speak again. What a lady!
And then it was time for her speech. Michelle and I grabbed a video camera from IT and made our way up to De Witt where we occupied the first row. Her speech gave me the feeling that you get at weddings and graduations. She related the subject of connection to how everyone in the world is connected, and brought up the irony and importance of real life. The irony being that there are so many people living their lives stressed out everyday, on their cell phones, making money,listening to static that the world has created for itself, forgetting to pay attention to their inner- most voices.
Walker calls these "voices" callings, that we cannot neglect. She based her speech around three themes: taking risks, answering your callings and connections in order to educate us about the importance of finding your innermost passion and taking risks in order to do what you feel you were meant to do on this earth. Discussing the true essence of life and continuously quoting Martin Luther King, Walker did an amazing job of making me realize A) how lucky I am and B) How I can't let my life pass me by without following my calling. I personally feel like I know what I was put on this planet to do. Walker said that callings were what your contribution to the world was meant to be, considering that we are all connected, in conjunction with everyone else.
Having lunch with Liz Walker prior to her speech showed me how humble she was on top of inspirational and proactive. I really look forward to hearing Liz speak again. What a lady!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Lasell's Sukkot
Today I celebrated the Jewish festival of Sukkot for the first time ever! Located directly to the left of Carpenter house, the tent- like, topless Sukkot occupied about an 8'x 10' block. Barbara Asinger did a fabulous job of gathering candy apples and hot apple cider for the celebration and Michelle and I sat in and observed the holiday as students passed through. I learned that the celebration was created in order to show appreciation for the sweetness of life.
I love attending unexpected events such as this, considering I am not jewish...and look forward to more to come. It is important for me to attend these events also in order to write more vividly about them in describing to the community how Lasell is becoming more spiritually diverse.
When I first got into the Sukkot, it was so nice just being able to feel the cool fall wind blowing through my hair and looking at the foliage. The event gave me a feeling of prosperity, with proof that one does not need to necessarily be Jewish in order to appreciate the celebration of another religion.
I love attending unexpected events such as this, considering I am not jewish...and look forward to more to come. It is important for me to attend these events also in order to write more vividly about them in describing to the community how Lasell is becoming more spiritually diverse.
When I first got into the Sukkot, it was so nice just being able to feel the cool fall wind blowing through my hair and looking at the foliage. The event gave me a feeling of prosperity, with proof that one does not need to necessarily be Jewish in order to appreciate the celebration of another religion.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Lasell has a new campus!
And alas I finally saw it... getting out of my car behind McClelland I walked onto the courtyard area that now constitutes the front of East and West. I had only seen it from afar, and hadn't had the opportunity to stop over by that part of campus .. so finally seeing it was quite the experience for me.
At a glance I thought "It is now almost like Lasell College has a stronger pulse." The campus seems so much more alive, with the new workout area overlooking the courtyard... guitar players, skateboarders and socializing students inhabiting the first enclosed, lighted area...ALL promoting a new sense of community. What a fabulous way to get Lasell students to connect with each other more!
While I had ventured over to this new territory simply to grab a book from a friend living in West, I thought about how different my college experience would have been, had that area existed when I was an underclassman. Feelings of jealousy and pride are the only things that I feel when I think about what could have been, thinking about the progress Lasell has made over the years.... becoming a four year college, going co-ed... all of the recent improvements Lasell has made, becoming more competitive and accommodating..... I am only left to conclude that I could not be happier to be helping Michelle out with Lasell's PR at such a progressive/imperative time.
At a glance I thought "It is now almost like Lasell College has a stronger pulse." The campus seems so much more alive, with the new workout area overlooking the courtyard... guitar players, skateboarders and socializing students inhabiting the first enclosed, lighted area...ALL promoting a new sense of community. What a fabulous way to get Lasell students to connect with each other more!
While I had ventured over to this new territory simply to grab a book from a friend living in West, I thought about how different my college experience would have been, had that area existed when I was an underclassman. Feelings of jealousy and pride are the only things that I feel when I think about what could have been, thinking about the progress Lasell has made over the years.... becoming a four year college, going co-ed... all of the recent improvements Lasell has made, becoming more competitive and accommodating..... I am only left to conclude that I could not be happier to be helping Michelle out with Lasell's PR at such a progressive/imperative time.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Runway 2009/Marathon Monday
Runway 2009 is fast approaching, senior show is May 2 so mark your calenders. And if you don't make it, check out the fabulous collections online after the show, hopefully they'll have it up there asap.
On another (sad) note, my internship at the NewtonTAB is over and now I am ready to buckle down and write those final papers. It's so hard to do homework when it's almost 70 degrees out like today, but the library is open until midnight most nights so I'll get to lay in the sun AND do my work. Probably. Plus, everyone usually scrambles to finish their final projects and papers a week before school ends so you're sure to see a bunch of your friends there which makes it not so bad.
MARATHON MONDAY is in two days!!! The race goes right past our school and there are always crowds of students everywhere celebrating. We have school off which is great. You really get to enjoy the atmosphere and relax before finals hit. It's funny to mention Marathon Monday to other schools not in the area or out-of-state friends, they have no idea what this "holiday" is all about.
If you really want to get a taste of what Lasell is like, walk around campus Marathon Monday. There's sure to be a cook-out or two :)
On another (sad) note, my internship at the NewtonTAB is over and now I am ready to buckle down and write those final papers. It's so hard to do homework when it's almost 70 degrees out like today, but the library is open until midnight most nights so I'll get to lay in the sun AND do my work. Probably. Plus, everyone usually scrambles to finish their final projects and papers a week before school ends so you're sure to see a bunch of your friends there which makes it not so bad.
MARATHON MONDAY is in two days!!! The race goes right past our school and there are always crowds of students everywhere celebrating. We have school off which is great. You really get to enjoy the atmosphere and relax before finals hit. It's funny to mention Marathon Monday to other schools not in the area or out-of-state friends, they have no idea what this "holiday" is all about.
If you really want to get a taste of what Lasell is like, walk around campus Marathon Monday. There's sure to be a cook-out or two :)
Friday, April 3, 2009
We NEED a Lasell Fashion Store!
As my birthday quickly approaches (17 more days wooooo) I am obsessively hunting for THE perfect dress. I googled, yahoosearched, and looked at all the stores' websites for exactly what I was looking for, something loud and bright. And no luck.
I wish Lasell had a fashion store where you could buy student designs' or request something to be made (for an affordable price). The collections at last year's Runway 2008 fashion show were amazing; most I would have even purchased for myself and a lot were impressively sewn and constructed. Some of my friends' are designers and their work is so original and inventive. I remember a few that would have fit my birthday criteria perfectly.
On another fabulous fashion note, Lasell will be in another design competition at the Natick Collection called Form to Fashion. Lasell will present student garments at the Neiman Marcus court for a few weeks in May while mall-goers vote on their fave.
Mount Ida, Framingham State and The School for Fashion Design are competing also...but of course I am biased :)
I wish Lasell had a fashion store where you could buy student designs' or request something to be made (for an affordable price). The collections at last year's Runway 2008 fashion show were amazing; most I would have even purchased for myself and a lot were impressively sewn and constructed. Some of my friends' are designers and their work is so original and inventive. I remember a few that would have fit my birthday criteria perfectly.
On another fabulous fashion note, Lasell will be in another design competition at the Natick Collection called Form to Fashion. Lasell will present student garments at the Neiman Marcus court for a few weeks in May while mall-goers vote on their fave.
Mount Ida, Framingham State and The School for Fashion Design are competing also...but of course I am biased :)
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Boomer the TorchBearer?
The mascot was revealed tonight. There was a loottt of people. I did not expect sooo many students to show up and it wasn't just the pizza that got them there. They handed out flashlights in the beginning (making us confused at first) but then during the presentation they had the atheletes flashing them and whatnot, so it made sense.
President Alexander rocked out a Lasell t-shirt and running sneakers. His speech was theatrical and entertaining, except I think people were too excited to listen to the whole thing.
Well, Boomer the TorchBearer is our new Mascot! And yes I know it sounds silly at first and may not make sense but: 1. torches are a big part of Lasell history and are used in graduation ceremonys and 2. the people who founded Lasell in 1851 were nicknamed "boomers".
Clever, easy to remember and "historically based"...do you think it was a good name?
President Alexander rocked out a Lasell t-shirt and running sneakers. His speech was theatrical and entertaining, except I think people were too excited to listen to the whole thing.
Well, Boomer the TorchBearer is our new Mascot! And yes I know it sounds silly at first and may not make sense but: 1. torches are a big part of Lasell history and are used in graduation ceremonys and 2. the people who founded Lasell in 1851 were nicknamed "boomers".
Clever, easy to remember and "historically based"...do you think it was a good name?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Post-vacation
So it's back to work for me. Spring break was too short, I miss the sunshine!
In my last post I pointed just out how frantic I was with assignments in the beginning of the week and just how relieved I felt for spring break week.
Well, I'm thinking maybe the whole "frenzied and frantic" me from last week is just me...
Yesterday was my first day back to class. We had an assignment due and I completely blanked and didn't do it. Today I rushed to get to class by 3, except once I got there I remembered my class doesn't start until 4! Oh, and at work today, I almost walked out without my sunglasses and with a co-worker's coffee, thinking it was mine.
Maybe I need another week off Michelle and Gail? Please?
I can't get too upset today because the snow is gone, the sun is shining and I got a parking space in my lot :) The landscapers were out on campus today lawn mowing and doing yard work. Spring is finally coming! The campus looks so beautiful when spring hits…its one of the main reasons why I chose Lasell. I am excited that my dorm this year has a porch and a large lawn; my friends and I are definitely going to break out the beach chairs and tan once it’s warm.
Last year one girl dragged her mattress outside to lay on it in the sun…not sure if that’s allowed but it was a great idea.
Also, I attended a Women in Islam speech this morning. I learned a lot about the aspects of Islam, the struggles Muslim women face and sexuality-based aspects of the Koran.
Although, after the presentation I did walk out of the auditorium looking for my car in the parking lot and started to flip out when I couldn’t find it...until I realized I parked in the street.
In my last post I pointed just out how frantic I was with assignments in the beginning of the week and just how relieved I felt for spring break week.
Well, I'm thinking maybe the whole "frenzied and frantic" me from last week is just me...
Yesterday was my first day back to class. We had an assignment due and I completely blanked and didn't do it. Today I rushed to get to class by 3, except once I got there I remembered my class doesn't start until 4! Oh, and at work today, I almost walked out without my sunglasses and with a co-worker's coffee, thinking it was mine.
Maybe I need another week off Michelle and Gail? Please?
I can't get too upset today because the snow is gone, the sun is shining and I got a parking space in my lot :) The landscapers were out on campus today lawn mowing and doing yard work. Spring is finally coming! The campus looks so beautiful when spring hits…its one of the main reasons why I chose Lasell. I am excited that my dorm this year has a porch and a large lawn; my friends and I are definitely going to break out the beach chairs and tan once it’s warm.
Last year one girl dragged her mattress outside to lay on it in the sun…not sure if that’s allowed but it was a great idea.
Also, I attended a Women in Islam speech this morning. I learned a lot about the aspects of Islam, the struggles Muslim women face and sexuality-based aspects of the Koran.
Although, after the presentation I did walk out of the auditorium looking for my car in the parking lot and started to flip out when I couldn’t find it...until I realized I parked in the street.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Spring Break next week!
Spring Break is next week and I couldn’t be happier.
Five days in Florida lying on the beach and two days sitting at home doing absolutely nothing. The perfect week if I do say so myself!
Monday and Tuesday of this week were absolutely hectic. I had deadlines for the TAB and my Magazine & Feature writing class, assignments due to Michelle, a test in Publication Editing and an internship evaluation “essay” for Field Experience.
Everyone thinks I’m crazy for taking on so much my last semester of senior year, but in this economy I need to do anything and everything to put me ahead of the competition. The way I have been trying to see it is, I have the rest of my life to party and most of my friends still have a year of college left so I can visit them if I’m missing the “college life”.
Plus, there’s always enrolling in grad school: new friends, new classes and possibly a new city.
Also, internships are a way to learn what I hate and love in a career while I’m still in school, rather than figuring it out by having to quit job after job because I’m unhappy.
I will miss Lasell but for right now all I am worrying about is how to stuff a week’s worth of bathing suits and maxi-dresses into a carry-on.
Have a great spring break everyone! :)
Five days in Florida lying on the beach and two days sitting at home doing absolutely nothing. The perfect week if I do say so myself!
Monday and Tuesday of this week were absolutely hectic. I had deadlines for the TAB and my Magazine & Feature writing class, assignments due to Michelle, a test in Publication Editing and an internship evaluation “essay” for Field Experience.
Everyone thinks I’m crazy for taking on so much my last semester of senior year, but in this economy I need to do anything and everything to put me ahead of the competition. The way I have been trying to see it is, I have the rest of my life to party and most of my friends still have a year of college left so I can visit them if I’m missing the “college life”.
Plus, there’s always enrolling in grad school: new friends, new classes and possibly a new city.
Also, internships are a way to learn what I hate and love in a career while I’m still in school, rather than figuring it out by having to quit job after job because I’m unhappy.
I will miss Lasell but for right now all I am worrying about is how to stuff a week’s worth of bathing suits and maxi-dresses into a carry-on.
Have a great spring break everyone! :)
Community politics...a learning experience
I had to cover a Sherborn selectmen meeting recently. When the Sherborn editor and my Newton editor asked me, I of course said yes even though I had never even heard of Sherborn.
And yes, I admit. I googled what a selectmen was.
I studied the news site about the issues that were to be discussed at the meeting and when I got there, realized I was way over my head. The terms “motion” and “bid” were thrown around in discussion over the construction of a new garage. I had no idea what was going on!
After the first (almost 4 hour) meeting, I had all the information down, quotes, figures etc…but had no clue what most of it meant. Thank goodness for the Sherborn editor and the Sherborn Town Administrator, they saved my life! The editor reminded me to write the article in “laymen’s” terms so I could stop being nervous about how to use the political and architectural phrases. I was to write for the people who read the Sherborn paper, not for a lawyer or architect.
I went to a follow-up meeting on the garage and knew exactly what they were saying and understood almost everything.
Michelle, who worked in newspapers, gave me tips and taught me that these types of meetings are the “bread and butter” of community newspapers. And although the meetings and politics can be complicated, the task is usually thrown to an intern or newbie reporters.
I’m glad I learned these lessons now. Perhaps I won’t get so nervous when I have to report on Newton’s 24 aldermen; Sherborn only had 3 (selectmen).
And yes, I admit. I googled what a selectmen was.
I studied the news site about the issues that were to be discussed at the meeting and when I got there, realized I was way over my head. The terms “motion” and “bid” were thrown around in discussion over the construction of a new garage. I had no idea what was going on!
After the first (almost 4 hour) meeting, I had all the information down, quotes, figures etc…but had no clue what most of it meant. Thank goodness for the Sherborn editor and the Sherborn Town Administrator, they saved my life! The editor reminded me to write the article in “laymen’s” terms so I could stop being nervous about how to use the political and architectural phrases. I was to write for the people who read the Sherborn paper, not for a lawyer or architect.
I went to a follow-up meeting on the garage and knew exactly what they were saying and understood almost everything.
Michelle, who worked in newspapers, gave me tips and taught me that these types of meetings are the “bread and butter” of community newspapers. And although the meetings and politics can be complicated, the task is usually thrown to an intern or newbie reporters.
I’m glad I learned these lessons now. Perhaps I won’t get so nervous when I have to report on Newton’s 24 aldermen; Sherborn only had 3 (selectmen).
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Thank goodness for my camera!
When I left the TAB in Needham the other day, a car crash happened right in front of me! So the journalist in me grabbed a camera and took a few pictures of the damage and sent them to a reporter at the Needham newspaper. (Don't worry, no one was hurt!)Just goes to show, if you wanna be in journalism, always carry a camera. You never know what may happen!
Oh, and here is what I did for an assignment for the TAB. We took pictures of the aldermens' sidewalks. Some were perfectly shoveled and well, others were awful. I almost fell flat on my butt a few times and people were staring at me trying to take these pictures. Either they thought I was crazy or I was some secret photog.
So, what exactly do I do?
I guess I never really explained what I do as a Communications Intern...
I work in the Office of Communication alongside Michelle Gaseau, the Director. I help Michelle put together stories for the school website and alumni newsletter. If there are possible story pitches, I usually contact the person involved or research the event or speaker. Then Michelle will ask me to create a media advisory notice or a blurb for a weekly "what's going on at Lasell" email.
For instance, today I attended a Torture and Democracy talk, something that I probably would not have gone too if it was not assigned. Michelle was away at a conference and wanted me to see how it was. Although the topic of torture is not generally a preferred subject for me, the speaker was entertaining and informative. I assume that I will write up a short blurb about it as an assignment tomorrow morning, which will help me practice reporting on events.
The assignments I am given are always varied, which keeps the days I work from blurring together. I am learning a lot about public relations and writing; two valuable skills that I can take with me to my future job in communications (well, hopefully I'll find a job in communications!)
I work in the Office of Communication alongside Michelle Gaseau, the Director. I help Michelle put together stories for the school website and alumni newsletter. If there are possible story pitches, I usually contact the person involved or research the event or speaker. Then Michelle will ask me to create a media advisory notice or a blurb for a weekly "what's going on at Lasell" email.
For instance, today I attended a Torture and Democracy talk, something that I probably would not have gone too if it was not assigned. Michelle was away at a conference and wanted me to see how it was. Although the topic of torture is not generally a preferred subject for me, the speaker was entertaining and informative. I assume that I will write up a short blurb about it as an assignment tomorrow morning, which will help me practice reporting on events.
The assignments I am given are always varied, which keeps the days I work from blurring together. I am learning a lot about public relations and writing; two valuable skills that I can take with me to my future job in communications (well, hopefully I'll find a job in communications!)
Friday, February 27, 2009
Oh, they’re complimentary...
“Oh, they’re complimentary” …being a reporter is great
I now officially understand the perks of being considered “the media”. As a Newton TAB reporter, I was able to snag floor seats to the Boston Symphony Orchestra last Thursday night (and the post-concert Project Runway fashion reception).
(The fabulous designs at the finale of the Project Mozart runway show...)
Funny thing that happened: I noticed someone sitting in front of me with a faux-hawk hairdo who was writing during the concert. I found out later that it was Jonathan Soroff of the Improper Bostonian, who ended up “hosting” the Project Mozart runway show after the concert. Weird, right? I felt sort-of important—for about 5 minutes—when I found out I had just as good of seats as he did.)
Thursday was the last night for Project Mozart, a fashion design competition that challenged participants to create a garment inspired by the work of Mozart. Five Lasell College students and one from Mount Ida were chosen for the competition so the TAB sent me there to cover it. It would have been a great local story if someone from Newton had won. But I still wrote the article anyway from a local angle (necessary for community journalism) and sent it to the editor for deadline day.
I opened the paper the next day and found that my article got bumped for a more regional piece (appearing in all the TABs) that didn’t just focus on the Newton students. Oh well, I learned that sometimes you write something for nothing except the experience, but hopefully it will end up on Newton’s website at least.
I wasn’t upset because just being able to go to the BSO was a great experience in itself (I had never been before). I even brought my ice fishing, flannel-hat-wearing boyfriend…who loved it.
Even if you aren’t a die-hard classical music fan, the BSO is a fun way to explore Boston and just do something different. It even has discounted tickets for students and is right on the MBTA line, so there are no excuses to do the same thing every night.
I now officially understand the perks of being considered “the media”. As a Newton TAB reporter, I was able to snag floor seats to the Boston Symphony Orchestra last Thursday night (and the post-concert Project Runway fashion reception).
(The fabulous designs at the finale of the Project Mozart runway show...)
Funny thing that happened: I noticed someone sitting in front of me with a faux-hawk hairdo who was writing during the concert. I found out later that it was Jonathan Soroff of the Improper Bostonian, who ended up “hosting” the Project Mozart runway show after the concert. Weird, right? I felt sort-of important—for about 5 minutes—when I found out I had just as good of seats as he did.)
Thursday was the last night for Project Mozart, a fashion design competition that challenged participants to create a garment inspired by the work of Mozart. Five Lasell College students and one from Mount Ida were chosen for the competition so the TAB sent me there to cover it. It would have been a great local story if someone from Newton had won. But I still wrote the article anyway from a local angle (necessary for community journalism) and sent it to the editor for deadline day.
I opened the paper the next day and found that my article got bumped for a more regional piece (appearing in all the TABs) that didn’t just focus on the Newton students. Oh well, I learned that sometimes you write something for nothing except the experience, but hopefully it will end up on Newton’s website at least.
I wasn’t upset because just being able to go to the BSO was a great experience in itself (I had never been before). I even brought my ice fishing, flannel-hat-wearing boyfriend…who loved it.
Even if you aren’t a die-hard classical music fan, the BSO is a fun way to explore Boston and just do something different. It even has discounted tickets for students and is right on the MBTA line, so there are no excuses to do the same thing every night.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Meeting Industry People
Thank goodness for that long President’s Day weekend we just had!
I love being at Lasell, but everyone needs a break from classes and internships now and again. Plus, I think too many late night trips to the Campus Center for delicious pancakes and buffalo chicken wraps are taking their toll…
I had a really interesting class last week in Publication Editing, with adjunct Professor Patrick Kennedy, who works at Boston University as an editor in the Office of Creative Services. He arranged for us to have a Q and A with Joe Keohane, former editor of the Weekly Dig. Keohane was personable, down to earth, and taught us a lot. He told us about the dynamics between writer and editor, teaching us that in order to be a journalist, you cannot be overly sensitive. You’re going to get your work edited, cut and sometimes completely overhauled, he said.
Personally, I used to hate whenever a teacher would grab that infamous red pen and “ruin” my work. But now I realize editing can be good for you and helps you grow as a writer.
I also recently attended an Intercultural Communication seminar hosted by the International Association for Business Communicators for FREE. Plus the seminar’s featured speaker was the author of the book we used in my intercultural communication class. Now that’s what I call “Connected Learning”, (Lasell’s motto f.y.i)
I thought that whole “Connected Learning” idea was just a motto, but I'm really seeing that this is how Lasell delivers education.
I love being at Lasell, but everyone needs a break from classes and internships now and again. Plus, I think too many late night trips to the Campus Center for delicious pancakes and buffalo chicken wraps are taking their toll…
I had a really interesting class last week in Publication Editing, with adjunct Professor Patrick Kennedy, who works at Boston University as an editor in the Office of Creative Services. He arranged for us to have a Q and A with Joe Keohane, former editor of the Weekly Dig. Keohane was personable, down to earth, and taught us a lot. He told us about the dynamics between writer and editor, teaching us that in order to be a journalist, you cannot be overly sensitive. You’re going to get your work edited, cut and sometimes completely overhauled, he said.
Personally, I used to hate whenever a teacher would grab that infamous red pen and “ruin” my work. But now I realize editing can be good for you and helps you grow as a writer.
I also recently attended an Intercultural Communication seminar hosted by the International Association for Business Communicators for FREE. Plus the seminar’s featured speaker was the author of the book we used in my intercultural communication class. Now that’s what I call “Connected Learning”, (Lasell’s motto f.y.i)
I thought that whole “Connected Learning” idea was just a motto, but I'm really seeing that this is how Lasell delivers education.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Hey Everyone!
My name is Shannon, and I am a senior at Lasell. I am a fashion merchandising major with a minor in communications. I work on campus for the Registrar’s Office: I am the one who puts up class cancellations at 8:30am in 9 degree weather and helps angry students who can’t get into their preferred classes :)
I am interning with Michelle, the Director of Communications in the Office of Communications. I learn about media relations and assist her with gaining press for Lasell. I sometimes work from my room, sometimes at Klingbeil (the Institutional Advancement building), or I am running around campus. It’s a lot of fun, I never know what assignment or task I’m given next. This blog is one of them!
I also intern at the weekly newspaper Newton TAB; my fancy job title is “correspondent” (so cool!). I write stories for the paper and help the Editor with proofreading and formatting. I just edited something that said “pubic administration” instead of "public administration"…can you imagine if that went into the paper?!! Yesterday I got to write the Police blog. It’s funny to read what weekly “crime” happens in Newton, which is hardly any.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
