What's on My Mind Today: While dealing with the depression, job loss and shortages, you have to work harder to succeed. I don't care if you flip burgers, work at the grocery story, etc. do the job you were hired to do to the best of your ability.
The fact you have a job is an important one but remember if you are let go or terminated there is someone in the ranks waiting for their chance. Come to work early, ready to start at your starting time, respect the rules and your co-workers around you.
Don't do it because the boss is watching but do it for yourself. But a work ethic you will be proud of. Make your accomplishments memorable in case your next employer calls to see what kind of employee you were. Don't back down when offered more responsibility. Take it on. Mentor your peers to ensure everyone succeeds.
Its important to help one another because one day it may be you who needs the help and the kindness you extended will be returned to you double.
LYJ
Friday, January 21, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Editor-in-Chief of The Cleveland Stater
What's on My Mind Today: Today, I begin a new chapter in my life at 40 years of age. I am stepping into a role I pray I will do justice too. I am following in the steps of friends who have successfully changed journalism as we read it on the campus of Cleveland State University.
I am honored to work with this group of journalists. Some would say "up and coming" while I will continue to call them journalist. Last semester, we produced a NEWSpaper with investigative reporting which took months to sift through the data, as well as brought to the attention many issues to the eye of the CSU community. These men and women work hard at the craft and succeed at it!
In the coming weeks, it is my goal to continue that foundation. I welcome you to follow The Cleveland Stater at http://www.clevelandstater.com/.
I am honored to work with this group of journalists. Some would say "up and coming" while I will continue to call them journalist. Last semester, we produced a NEWSpaper with investigative reporting which took months to sift through the data, as well as brought to the attention many issues to the eye of the CSU community. These men and women work hard at the craft and succeed at it!
In the coming weeks, it is my goal to continue that foundation. I welcome you to follow The Cleveland Stater at http://www.clevelandstater.com/.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Happy New Year!
What's on My Mind Today: 2011! This year is a special year for me, my 20+ year journey to obtain my bachelor's degree will end May 2011. While this is a mile stone, the decision to continue my education is the most exciting of all. I have decided to combine my love of writing and reading and follow my heart and go for my Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. The MFA is a terminal degree which means if I chose to stop there, I can teach creative writing and obtain tenure. But, TODAY, I believe I am going to pursue my doctorate in Literary Journalism. A combination of my true loves! I haven't forgotten about library sciences either!
But 2011 also holds many possibilities...I may be chosen to be a Chips Quinn Scholar, which is an honor, but the paid internship with a host newsroom from somewhere in the U. S. is the best. The invaluable experience I will gain will increase my marketability. I am also doing an Independent Study in Magazine writing that could land me published in several reputable magazines increasing my chances to be hired where I want.
But 2011 also holds many possibilities...I may be chosen to be a Chips Quinn Scholar, which is an honor, but the paid internship with a host newsroom from somewhere in the U. S. is the best. The invaluable experience I will gain will increase my marketability. I am also doing an Independent Study in Magazine writing that could land me published in several reputable magazines increasing my chances to be hired where I want.
Monday, December 20, 2010
What is TORTURE? Waiting for Professors to Post Grades
What's On My Mind Today: What is TORTURE? Waiting for Professors to Post Grades is my personal feeling definition of torture...Although I know I am on track for a 4.0 for this semester, anything could happen. The professors wakes up and decides, no, I won't give her that A cause the last class we had she kind of made fun of me. Or they, the professors, know you know you're getting an A, they just wait until Tuesday (TOMORROW) to post your grades. Just so you can't have the satisfaction of knowing you did a job, Well-Done.
And although, I cannot say that for this round of professors I had for Fall 2010, I can say that of others from previous semesters. They tell you, I already have your grades calculated, so why, OH WHY do you wait over a week before you post them? I have to admit, my least favorite professor, gave us our final grades before the semester was over and the Saturday after the final class meeting he posted the grades. Gave me a little more respect for him, even though I still despised his teaching method.
But as another professor informed me, they don't post grades until they can post everyone's grade. I understand it, but why does the majority who was at the exam, have to wait on someone who possibly was just buying themselves more time to study...
Doesn't matter since I am checking every hour on the hour until I see my grades...TORTURE
And although, I cannot say that for this round of professors I had for Fall 2010, I can say that of others from previous semesters. They tell you, I already have your grades calculated, so why, OH WHY do you wait over a week before you post them? I have to admit, my least favorite professor, gave us our final grades before the semester was over and the Saturday after the final class meeting he posted the grades. Gave me a little more respect for him, even though I still despised his teaching method.
But as another professor informed me, they don't post grades until they can post everyone's grade. I understand it, but why does the majority who was at the exam, have to wait on someone who possibly was just buying themselves more time to study...
Doesn't matter since I am checking every hour on the hour until I see my grades...TORTURE
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Conflicted About What to Study in Grad School
What's On My Mind Today: I am equally in love with journalism and creative fiction writing. It seems I am equally as good at journalism and creative ficition writing, so which Master's track to do I follow? My one professor wants to enter a play I wrote into a contest to have it performed. But then my journalism is good too.
The MFA though has a lot of financial perks including tuition remission, stipend, possible health insurance and the ability to just write, in some cases without teaching. A few even give you a relocation stipend! Where graduate and teaching assistantships for jounalism carry a 20 hr teaching load and smaller, if any, stipend.
At this point, while I am so focused on journalism, I must consider the severe cost savings I could gain from following my MFA track first. As well as I could probably move to a more desirable climate at the same time.
I AM SO CONFLICTED....what would you do?
The MFA though has a lot of financial perks including tuition remission, stipend, possible health insurance and the ability to just write, in some cases without teaching. A few even give you a relocation stipend! Where graduate and teaching assistantships for jounalism carry a 20 hr teaching load and smaller, if any, stipend.
At this point, while I am so focused on journalism, I must consider the severe cost savings I could gain from following my MFA track first. As well as I could probably move to a more desirable climate at the same time.
I AM SO CONFLICTED....what would you do?
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Immature People
What's On My Mind Today: At some time in your life, you must transition from child to adult. It occurs for boys usually later than girls, but still by the time your are a junior or senior in college, you would think the transition would be complete. This is just amazing to me because when I was 21 or 22, I was married with 2 children, working a full-time job and attending classes whenever I could at Tri-C (Cuyahoga Community College). Yet, in my second go round to finish my bachelor's, I find that these people who will be graduating with me in May 2011 are no more prepared to deal with the true pressures of life than they were before entering college.
Some of them are still trying to prove they know everything and what they are really showing is "I am immature" and wasted 4 years of time and money. Or they are still playing childish games from junior high. I feel sorry for them because it won't be their cute faces or fashionable clothing that will keep them employed.
TRUTH:
Some of them are still trying to prove they know everything and what they are really showing is "I am immature" and wasted 4 years of time and money. Or they are still playing childish games from junior high. I feel sorry for them because it won't be their cute faces or fashionable clothing that will keep them employed.
TRUTH:
- Your parents will not always be there to back you up so stand on your own two feet.
- Your boss only cares about your most recent accomplishment...Make yourself an asset to your employer with consistent, dependable work ALL THE TIME.
- Avoid office gossip and only talk about your children. DO NOT tell them how great your girlfriend/ boyfriend is because people are sneaky and may go after your man/woman because of what you spread.
- DO NOT date your co-workers. True some people have found their soulmates but just as many have had bad breakups that tend to effect the work evironment for both of you and your co-workers.
- Establish a strong work ethic, IMMEDIATELY, if you don't already have one. You cannot fake it til you make it!
- Keep your work area clean!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
FINALS-Different than before
What's On My Mind Today: I have a unique experience for the first time as an undergrad, NO FINALS! I will have to come to class to turn in assignments and get my final grades but I don't have one final and I am so excited. Even though I don't have formal final, I have a major paper assignment due in each of my classes if not more than one. But that is all good because writing is what I do!
I will not be doing note cards, staying up all night and hibernating this semester. I will not turn into one of the many people who live in the library searching for a quiet place. Yaaaaahhhhhhooooooo!
To those of you who have to do the study thing, here are a few suggestions, don't procrastinate. Start your study process, a few weeks in advance (NOW), especially if your final is cumulative. Study in the way usually study (examples: note cards, re-reading your notes, etc.) then give it a day or two and do it another way (examles: writing definition/key terms, reading book chapters, etc.). But the most important thing you can do is get a good nights sleep, DO NOT stay up all night cramming.
Good luck on your finals...I will be thinking of you as I chill and wait for my A's to roll in!
I will not be doing note cards, staying up all night and hibernating this semester. I will not turn into one of the many people who live in the library searching for a quiet place. Yaaaaahhhhhhooooooo!
To those of you who have to do the study thing, here are a few suggestions, don't procrastinate. Start your study process, a few weeks in advance (NOW), especially if your final is cumulative. Study in the way usually study (examples: note cards, re-reading your notes, etc.) then give it a day or two and do it another way (examles: writing definition/key terms, reading book chapters, etc.). But the most important thing you can do is get a good nights sleep, DO NOT stay up all night cramming.
Good luck on your finals...I will be thinking of you as I chill and wait for my A's to roll in!
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