This summer, I am living a "townie summer" and staying in Athens to take 16 hours of class, and intern at the Ohio University Alumni Association.
Last week was my first week of work and I have to say - I already love it! My coworkers have been so helpful in showing me how to figure out how to do my tasks, I couldn't ask for better, friendlier people (unless, of course, I was in West Virginia).
My official title is "Regional Programming Intern", and my boss, Dawn, is wonderful - she's incredibly down-to-earth, and really loves her job which makes the work environment very pleasant.
I'm mostly just excited to be able actually work in an internship that I will actually be able to do PR. At my internship last summer, no one would teach me to do this or utilize my writing skills because they didn't want to teach me things that they could already do themselves.
So far, I have done chapter giveaways, and have started on event planning for several alumni events. I can't wait to really get involved with the OUAA, and hone my skills.
I'll keep you posted!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Sex and Another City
As most of you are well aware, I am a die hard Sex and the City fan. I have the series, the book to go with the series, the movie, the book to go with the movie - I even bought the book to go along with the second movie before it came out.
I stalked the movie on blogs and other websites from day one of filming in NYC back in September. So naturally I was anticipating the midnight showing with a ridiculous eagerness. I don't know why I have been so drawn to the show - perhaps the Carrie and Mr. Big scenario hits close to home (although mine turned out somewhat differently - haven't we all had a "Mr. Big"?), maybe it's the "That's exactly how I feel!" reaction we ladies get to so many of the episodes, or it could be the fashion. Oh, how I, and any other woman with whom fashion holds a special place in their heart, covet the fashion of our four fab gals.
Now after two screenings of the movie, and much reviewing by flipping through the book, I have finally made up my mind about this movie. I'm disappointed. I feel like this movie was a flashy show, and much less like a carefully planned story like each episode of the series, and the first movie were.
Of course, there were things I loved, Carrie and Big's apartment was amazingly decorated. It seemed reminiscent of the redecorating Carrie did to her old apartment in the first movie, and just masculine enough for a man like Mr. Big, or John James Preston as we now know him. And the closet! Oh the closet! It was amazing to say the least - I loved the subtle fact that Carrie's beautiful clothes were spilling over into Mr. Big's side of the closet. The apartment did seem somewhat somber though, it seemed every time the two were there, there was some tension between the two of them. When Carrie waltzed in to her old closet I almost died, while longing for the old carefree Carrie. I liked how true to the series her closet was - the green dress she wore in Pairs, and the red and white starfish Marni coat she wore in season 2 or 3 was still there. Maybe that was their intent. However, I did find it odd that they were able to sell "Heavan on 5th" but not Carrie's old apartment.
The fashion was by far my favorite part of the movie, however I've heard mixed reviews from friends. I loved every single pair of Carrie's shoes. The countless custom Manolo's, Brian Atwood, and the Louboutains were all amazing. I actually loved every outfit Miranda wore, which is rare - in the show I was never a fan of her staunch wardrobe. I loved the Chanel accessories on Charlotte, I always liked her classy Park Avenue style. But Samantha's, I have to say was my least favorite wardrobe of the bunch. It was too flashy, and as the lady in the store said, a bit too "young". I was also not a fan of her story line. Throughout the show Samantha was trying to "be herself" and be the master of her own life - in this movie she was fighting off menopause and getting old. I would have liked to have seen her embracing it, and coming to terms with it. I like Miranda's story line the best, I liked that she is finally happy, and drama-free and that she served as a sort of cheerleader for the girls in this movie. I liked Charlotte's story line as well, because she had to fight her questions of motherhood. I wasn't a fan of the nanny, and the Irish music that played every time her boobs bounced.
I have always felt myself a "Carrie", as I think she is a blend of her three friends, which is why I like her best. Also, no matter what, it seemed Carrie always believed in love no matter what happened to her, and I really like that about her. I was always a fan of Mr. Big over Aidan, I thought Big gave her the "zsa-zsa-zou", and the stomach flip over Aidan - and after all, isn't that what it's really about? The fact that she seemed bored with Mr. Big after just two years of marriage seems odd to me for the two of them. While I did identify with feeling bored in a relationship, and the absolute horror at receiving a gift that is no where in line with who you are. Although it is a real marital problem, I never thought I would see it between the two of them, which disappointed me.
When I saw that they were bringing Aidan back, I wasn't really sure what to think. I realized that mostly what I was feeling was - ANGER! Why bring him back? For drama? Not cool! My anger mounted when they kissed in the movie. Then, she comes back and her repercussion is that she has to wear a diamond? Seriously? It amounted to nothing. What was the point of that?
What I really missed was the four girls, especially Carrie, in New York City. I think that was the biggest disappointment of the film. The show is called Sex and the CITY for a reason, and I wasn't a big fan of the whole "sex and another city" thing. Carrie seemed different in this movie. Maybe it's because she is "older and more wise" but it just didn't seem like the same Carrie we knew and loved from the series. Where was Carrie the writer? The Carrie who always had the inner monologue happening?
The ending of the movie, I think was the worst. So you kiss another man and you have to wear a diamond as punishment? Wait a minute what? It JUST didn't make sense, it seemed thrown together and wrong.
Don't get me wrong, I will most likely be buying this movie the day it comes out on DVD, because I am a through and through SATC fan, but it just seems that something is missing from this movie.
I would LOVE to know your opinions! Comment! Please!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
The American Dream
As I sit at my kitchen counter, home from school for Memorial Day Weekend, I'm watching the History Channel as I do my weekly online Philosophy 101 homework. America: The History of US has been on for the majority of the evening. I have always been terribly interested in history, especially American history, so naturally I'm glued to the TV.
As I have watched this show for the last couple of hours, one strong theme has seemed to emerge - The American Dream. Yes, I'm capitalizing it - I think it's a proper noun. Although many think The American Dream is having 2.5 children a home, a job, and a car - it isn't. I have watched the emergence of the Industrial Revolution - the cotton gin, the Eerie Canal, the trans-continental railroad, an interstate that spans the entire country and how life-changing these innovations were, and still are today.
People came to America searching for refuge and freedom often from the oppressive countries in which they lived. In America, they were able to become entrepreneurs of their own lives. Those who came here in those early days had a drive and a want for something more then they had previously been able to attain. There was a drive for accomplishment. Our nation is known for being ambitious and go-getting. If there is something an American wants to achieve, we find away to achieve it. We are the masters of our own destiny.
When you come to America, you are assured unalienable rights. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Those are the core values and beliefs that disenfranchised peoples came to America in hopes of establishing, and fought against those trying to take those rights away. Our struggles became a nation.
As I watch these people building our great country from nothing, it seems many of those in my generation have lost this sense of leadership, drive and want to build a better life. People have become more complacent, even laissez-faire in their lives. Why? Why sit back with the attitude that 'someone else will do it', 'someone else will take care of it'? We have been known for our drive for our entire history. It is what makes the U.S. US - where did the American drive go?
I was always raised to believe that I would do 'better' than my parents, as they had done better than their parents and so on, and so on. But it seems as though the attitude of a great number of my generation seems content with the idea of settling.
Doesn't anyone want to work anymore? It definietly doesn't seem like it.
I raise these questions without any real answers. I do however, propose a challenge for everyone. Step up. Follow your dreams. It's what millions of people have died for our country, for you to be able to do - so do it.
As I have watched this show for the last couple of hours, one strong theme has seemed to emerge - The American Dream. Yes, I'm capitalizing it - I think it's a proper noun. Although many think The American Dream is having 2.5 children a home, a job, and a car - it isn't. I have watched the emergence of the Industrial Revolution - the cotton gin, the Eerie Canal, the trans-continental railroad, an interstate that spans the entire country and how life-changing these innovations were, and still are today.
People came to America searching for refuge and freedom often from the oppressive countries in which they lived. In America, they were able to become entrepreneurs of their own lives. Those who came here in those early days had a drive and a want for something more then they had previously been able to attain. There was a drive for accomplishment. Our nation is known for being ambitious and go-getting. If there is something an American wants to achieve, we find away to achieve it. We are the masters of our own destiny.
When you come to America, you are assured unalienable rights. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Those are the core values and beliefs that disenfranchised peoples came to America in hopes of establishing, and fought against those trying to take those rights away. Our struggles became a nation.
As I watch these people building our great country from nothing, it seems many of those in my generation have lost this sense of leadership, drive and want to build a better life. People have become more complacent, even laissez-faire in their lives. Why? Why sit back with the attitude that 'someone else will do it', 'someone else will take care of it'? We have been known for our drive for our entire history. It is what makes the U.S. US - where did the American drive go?
I was always raised to believe that I would do 'better' than my parents, as they had done better than their parents and so on, and so on. But it seems as though the attitude of a great number of my generation seems content with the idea of settling.
Doesn't anyone want to work anymore? It definietly doesn't seem like it.
I raise these questions without any real answers. I do however, propose a challenge for everyone. Step up. Follow your dreams. It's what millions of people have died for our country, for you to be able to do - so do it.
Monday, May 10, 2010
The Future
As the weather gets warmer, the days get longer, and summer gets closer and closer, we college students should be settling into rockstar internships and our biggest concern is when we can squeeze in some time to get a tan, right?
Wrong.
At least for me anyway.
For me the future is weighing heavily on my shoulders. Like a ton of bricks.
My situation is slightly different, you see I am graduating next year. A year earlier than I expected to when I came in as a freshman.
Why is that so scary you ask?
Well, I'm still sifting through my options for my post-grad career. Internship? Grad school? Job? Travel abroad? Sabbatical? (only joking.) It seems as though I have to have to make some major decisions this fall. Do I need to sign a lease for a fourth year? Do I really need to start saving money? Paying off my college loans?
Woah.
Every time I weigh each of my options, I get thoroughly overwhelmed.
So then here are my options:
1. Grad School – So this option would mean staying at OU for a fourth year and getting my masters in that fourth year. An undergraduate and graduate degree in four years sounds pretty sweet, however, every single PR professional I have spoken with has said that a graduate degree isn’t really necessary unless at some point you want to teach. Also, I have been told it is more relevant if you have some real-world experience to bring to the table.
2. Post-grad Internship – I can and probably will apply for countless post-grad internships. I have been seriously considering this because that way I will gain more PR experience without having to join the real working world just yet. I feel like it will give me some time to get more experience before I go for a real job.
3. Travel abroad – Something I have always wanted to do. I would love to go to Europe and travel for a month, but with what money would I do this? I absolutely cannot incur more debt then I will already have from college.
4. Real job – This is terrifying to me. I wonder every day if I’m ready for such a big step. Am I ready to go into the real world, start paying for everything on my own, and pay back my loans? Do I have enough experience? Am I really graduating from college at age 20?
I have been told that once I join the working world, I'll do it forever, so I really need to consider everything I want to do in life before I take any steps.
It’s comforting to know that I have options, but at the same time its scary. I have to make decisions relatively soon, and I’m still not sure what I want to do, and I’m not even really leaning in any one direction.
I will definitely be posting more on this, as it is a topic that weighs very heavily on my mind.
Wrong.
At least for me anyway.
For me the future is weighing heavily on my shoulders. Like a ton of bricks.
My situation is slightly different, you see I am graduating next year. A year earlier than I expected to when I came in as a freshman.
Why is that so scary you ask?
Well, I'm still sifting through my options for my post-grad career. Internship? Grad school? Job? Travel abroad? Sabbatical? (only joking.) It seems as though I have to have to make some major decisions this fall. Do I need to sign a lease for a fourth year? Do I really need to start saving money? Paying off my college loans?
Woah.
Every time I weigh each of my options, I get thoroughly overwhelmed.
So then here are my options:
1. Grad School – So this option would mean staying at OU for a fourth year and getting my masters in that fourth year. An undergraduate and graduate degree in four years sounds pretty sweet, however, every single PR professional I have spoken with has said that a graduate degree isn’t really necessary unless at some point you want to teach. Also, I have been told it is more relevant if you have some real-world experience to bring to the table.
2. Post-grad Internship – I can and probably will apply for countless post-grad internships. I have been seriously considering this because that way I will gain more PR experience without having to join the real working world just yet. I feel like it will give me some time to get more experience before I go for a real job.
3. Travel abroad – Something I have always wanted to do. I would love to go to Europe and travel for a month, but with what money would I do this? I absolutely cannot incur more debt then I will already have from college.
4. Real job – This is terrifying to me. I wonder every day if I’m ready for such a big step. Am I ready to go into the real world, start paying for everything on my own, and pay back my loans? Do I have enough experience? Am I really graduating from college at age 20?
I have been told that once I join the working world, I'll do it forever, so I really need to consider everything I want to do in life before I take any steps.
It’s comforting to know that I have options, but at the same time its scary. I have to make decisions relatively soon, and I’m still not sure what I want to do, and I’m not even really leaning in any one direction.
I will definitely be posting more on this, as it is a topic that weighs very heavily on my mind.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Thread Magazine
As I mentioned in my first entry, fashion and PR are two of my biggest interests. So naturally, I am part of the PR Team for Thread Magazine, which launches online tomorrow! Above, is a sneak-peak at our cover shoot on College Green, playing to the lack of men's fashion in Athens.
Thread is a student-produced online fashion magazine which focuses on "Athens culture, stylishly tailored".
(I promise this isn't a shameless PR pitch.)
The magazine is legitimately, really cool!
Anyone, especially you Bobcats, should seriously check it out. Our first issue launches TOMORROW!!!
In this issue, staying true to spring style, one of our main stories was focused on spring florals. However, in true Athens style, we added flavor by putting soft florals against a hard rocker edge. Also, (as you can see playfully above) we looked at the lack of men's fashion in Athens.
For my role on the PR Team, I am the liaison between Thread and the uptown vintage store, Athens Underground. We will be featuring them in our next issue to be launched May 25!
We will be having our launch party tomorrow night on Mill St. from 9-11:30pm! For more details check out: www.facebook.com/threadmag
www.outhreadmag.com
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
My Decision to Blog
With all the sincerely random, but seemingly important (to me, anyway) thoughts bouncing freely around in my head lately, I have finally broken down, and jumped on the blogger bandwagon.
I have wrestled with the idea of starting a blog for several months now, while bouncing ideas of what the hell I would write about around in my head. For a long time, I wasn't sure I could focus my interest enough on one specific interest enough to have a consistent blog, but now I have officially decided that quite frankly, blog readers, I just don't give a damn.
This decision is thanks in large part to social media strategist Nate Riggs (http://nateriggs.com/). I listened to him him speak at Otterbein College's PaRtner's Conference this past weekend. His presentation, Brand You, detailed 13 steps to creating your own personal brand. Step number 10 just happened to be 'Start Blogging Today'.
Here goes nothing.
So, what is it exactly that I am so interested in that I have decided to blog about?
Life.
In the past nine months (No, I did not have a baby) my life has been changing so much, that I feel it is my job to write about it. My most compelling interests include PR, fashion, music, and skating. So, as I'm sure you can imagine, those topics are largely what my blog will be about.
I have recently discovered that I will be graduating from college one year early, which means all the terrifying major life decisions that a graduating senior must make, for me, are happening a whole year early.
Yikes!
As you can imagine, this scares the bejeesus out of me. Now that I have this blog, I will be able to put all my options out on the table, in full view, not only for you to see, but for me to see as well.
These thoughts are plagued by my recent strange desire to develop my writing skills. Why you ask? Your guess is as good as mine. Yes, I am a journalism student, and isn't the desire to write programmed into our brains from the first time we pick up a crayon?
Who knows. But here goes my best attempt at thoughtful, insightful writing.
I have wrestled with the idea of starting a blog for several months now, while bouncing ideas of what the hell I would write about around in my head. For a long time, I wasn't sure I could focus my interest enough on one specific interest enough to have a consistent blog, but now I have officially decided that quite frankly, blog readers, I just don't give a damn.
This decision is thanks in large part to social media strategist Nate Riggs (http://nateriggs.com/). I listened to him him speak at Otterbein College's PaRtner's Conference this past weekend. His presentation, Brand You, detailed 13 steps to creating your own personal brand. Step number 10 just happened to be 'Start Blogging Today'.
Here goes nothing.
So, what is it exactly that I am so interested in that I have decided to blog about?
Life.
In the past nine months (No, I did not have a baby) my life has been changing so much, that I feel it is my job to write about it. My most compelling interests include PR, fashion, music, and skating. So, as I'm sure you can imagine, those topics are largely what my blog will be about.
I have recently discovered that I will be graduating from college one year early, which means all the terrifying major life decisions that a graduating senior must make, for me, are happening a whole year early.
Yikes!
As you can imagine, this scares the bejeesus out of me. Now that I have this blog, I will be able to put all my options out on the table, in full view, not only for you to see, but for me to see as well.
These thoughts are plagued by my recent strange desire to develop my writing skills. Why you ask? Your guess is as good as mine. Yes, I am a journalism student, and isn't the desire to write programmed into our brains from the first time we pick up a crayon?
Who knows. But here goes my best attempt at thoughtful, insightful writing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)