Showing posts with label college. Show all posts
Showing posts with label college. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Success takes more than a degree
It really upsets me watching people who have college degrees work shitty jobs that have absolutely nothing to do with what they studied. It also really upsets me when some of those people claim "college is a waste" and "my degree did nothing for me." Yes and no... Either the college you attended did nothing for you, you did nothing for you, or both. I wouldn't place full blame on the degree you received but the institution from which you studied. How many colleges teach career planning along with the subjects offered as part of the curriculum? Too many college graduates are under prepared for the real world because all they practiced in those 4 years was how to regurgitate information. You will need a lot more than memorized theories if you want to have a career. The other half of the blame goes to the student who didn't take the initiative to research, plan (or try to plan) and execute the steps needed in order to work in the field in which they desired. Also, shame on them for allowing themselves to waste their degree, money, and time spent in college.
If there is one thing I am really proud of it is how Bunker Hill Community College wants to prepare students to be successful in every aspect of their lives. That is why the new LifeMap center was developed in the first place. Same with the Learn & Earn Program where students who study Biotechnology, Business Administration, Computer Technology, Engineering and Visual Media Arts gain paid work experience at some of the largest businesses in Massachusetts. Internships play a large role in gaining real life experience, work related experience, as well as a way to narrow down your career objectives. At Bunker Hill we have a long list of departments and services that are all committed to helping students discover their career and educational objectives and give them the tools necessary to achieve their goals.
It takes research, planning, hard work, and commitment to be successful. It also takes more than just attending class and submitting homework. Potential employers look for individuals who get involved on and off campus. Of course getting involved helps you to stand apart from your competition but it also teaches you how to appropriately interact with others. You learn invaluable interpersonal skills that will allow you to be more successful in both your professional and personal life. It may seem like common sense that interpersonal skills are a must but you would be surprised how many people lack the ability to communicate effectively or are unaware of their non-verbal cues. Having worked for over two years at a 2 year institution I have interacted with a wide variety of people. It saddens me to say that the level of disrespect, psychological projection, blame, and straight up insulting interactions I have witnessed and suffered through myself shows there is a problem. I understand in certain cases it can be the individual who might suffer from say a mental illness or as humans sometimes we can have a bad day and treat others poorly because of it. But I am getting off topic... More than history, science, and math needs to be taught in our school systems.
When making the decision to pursue an education it is so important to ask yourself the right questions.
Actually, the most important things you can do while in college is volunteer at organizations/companies, intern, join clubs on campus, and stay active within the community. Not only are you learning interpersonal skills, but being involved is how you are going to build your network. Networking is very crucial when applying to jobs. You never know how someone can and will play a certain role in your life and in helping you secure a position or by passing along information of opportunities. Ask the successful people that you know how they got to where they are. I bet most of them knew someone who assisted them in landing the position/s needed to be successful.
On that note, be nice to everyone! You never know when you might run into them again and if they might be your boss someday. What goes around certainly comes around.
And finally, it isn't just about who you know. You may know someone who could get you that job you've been eying... but will they? Are you someone with integrity and reliability? Use your time at college to build who you are and become that person no company could turn away.
If there is one thing I am really proud of it is how Bunker Hill Community College wants to prepare students to be successful in every aspect of their lives. That is why the new LifeMap center was developed in the first place. Same with the Learn & Earn Program where students who study Biotechnology, Business Administration, Computer Technology, Engineering and Visual Media Arts gain paid work experience at some of the largest businesses in Massachusetts. Internships play a large role in gaining real life experience, work related experience, as well as a way to narrow down your career objectives. At Bunker Hill we have a long list of departments and services that are all committed to helping students discover their career and educational objectives and give them the tools necessary to achieve their goals.
It takes research, planning, hard work, and commitment to be successful. It also takes more than just attending class and submitting homework. Potential employers look for individuals who get involved on and off campus. Of course getting involved helps you to stand apart from your competition but it also teaches you how to appropriately interact with others. You learn invaluable interpersonal skills that will allow you to be more successful in both your professional and personal life. It may seem like common sense that interpersonal skills are a must but you would be surprised how many people lack the ability to communicate effectively or are unaware of their non-verbal cues. Having worked for over two years at a 2 year institution I have interacted with a wide variety of people. It saddens me to say that the level of disrespect, psychological projection, blame, and straight up insulting interactions I have witnessed and suffered through myself shows there is a problem. I understand in certain cases it can be the individual who might suffer from say a mental illness or as humans sometimes we can have a bad day and treat others poorly because of it. But I am getting off topic... More than history, science, and math needs to be taught in our school systems.
When making the decision to pursue an education it is so important to ask yourself the right questions.
Questions to ask
yourself:
Identify your educational, career, life goals:
Do I have any hobbies? If yes, what are they? How could they be incorporated into a career?
What makes me happy? How can that be incorporated into a career?
Do I have any hobbies? If yes, what are they? How could they be incorporated into a career?
What makes me happy? How can that be incorporated into a career?
What do I hope to achieve in one semester? (4.0 GPA, join
a club, etc.)
What do I hope to achieve by continuing my education?
Where do I see myself in the future? Overall, what is my "big picture"? What steps can I take to get there?
Educational Plan/Course Selection:
What is my program of study?
What is my program of study?
What requirements must I fulfill in order to complete my
program?
Do I meet all pre-requisites? If not- which development
courses do I need to take? How will they fit into my academic timeline? Or,
which introductory course do I need to take first before taking a core course?
Which courses, if any, are taught only once a year (just
fall semester/just spring semester)? How does this affect my academic timeline?
Begin exploring transfer options:
What is my career objective? What major will guide me to my prospective career?
What is my career objective? What major will guide me to my prospective career?
Which schools offer my major?
Once a list of schools is compiled-- what are their general
education requirements? Do my courses fulfill their Gen Ed requirements?
Compare course descriptions.
Do any of my core courses match the core courses offered at
the schools on my list?
If I am unsure what classes/credits might transfer, contact
the admissions office at prospective schools. Set up a time to meet, discuss
everything via email, and/or take a campus tour--learn more about the schools.
What does each school offer me outside of the classroom?
Internships? Professional network? Connections to the industry I want to work
in? State of the art facilities? Community? Sports? Clubs?
Develop Financial Plan for continued education and life after
graduation:
How much does it cost to attend?
How much does it cost to attend?
In state or out of state tuition?
How much aid have I used so far? Grants? Subsidized
Government Loans? Unsubsidized Government Loans? Mass no interest loan? Scholarships?
How was each financial aid section distributed?
What do I currently owe?
What is the interest rate on my loans? In x amount of time
it takes me to complete my degree-- how much will I owe + interest?
Depending on the repayment plan-- what will my monthly
payments be?
How much money am I currently making? What are my expenses?
Will I have enough at this wage minus expenses to afford my student loan
payments?
How much is tuition and fees for my prospective schools of
transfer?
Will government aid be enough? Or will I have to consider
private loans?
There is so much planning that should occur when deciding to go to college. First it is important that you truly want to go to school and are willing to put in the time and commitment to complete your degree. It won't look good to employers if you cannot finish something you started.
If you do not know what you want to study at first that is ok. Not everyone knows what they want to do with their lives but what they do know is that they want to get an education. If you do not know what to study maybe apply for the general education program, take several different elective courses and pursue your options during your first year. Once you become a second year student you should have a better idea of the direction you would like to bring your life. If not, seek the help of an advisor, career counselor, volunteer at organizations or companies, intern, go to www.myplan.com and browse the different careers and majors... just stay active in discovering yourself and set short-term, mid-term, and long term goals.
If you do not know what you want to study at first that is ok. Not everyone knows what they want to do with their lives but what they do know is that they want to get an education. If you do not know what to study maybe apply for the general education program, take several different elective courses and pursue your options during your first year. Once you become a second year student you should have a better idea of the direction you would like to bring your life. If not, seek the help of an advisor, career counselor, volunteer at organizations or companies, intern, go to www.myplan.com and browse the different careers and majors... just stay active in discovering yourself and set short-term, mid-term, and long term goals.
Actually, the most important things you can do while in college is volunteer at organizations/companies, intern, join clubs on campus, and stay active within the community. Not only are you learning interpersonal skills, but being involved is how you are going to build your network. Networking is very crucial when applying to jobs. You never know how someone can and will play a certain role in your life and in helping you secure a position or by passing along information of opportunities. Ask the successful people that you know how they got to where they are. I bet most of them knew someone who assisted them in landing the position/s needed to be successful.
On that note, be nice to everyone! You never know when you might run into them again and if they might be your boss someday. What goes around certainly comes around.
And finally, it isn't just about who you know. You may know someone who could get you that job you've been eying... but will they? Are you someone with integrity and reliability? Use your time at college to build who you are and become that person no company could turn away.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
My only concern about transferring to Emerson is...
...the lack of diversity.
I have spent the last two and half years at Bunker Hill Community College. A place so diverse we have students from close to 100 countries attending and 75 different languages being spoken on campus. Heck, I’m the minority…and I LOVE it. I have never found another place so open and accepting of every kind of person. I have never once been judged for my beliefs, economical background, personality, or how I dress. I am accepted and liked by many for who I am. We are all accepted and liked for who we are— differences and similarities alike.
Will I be able to say the same when I attend Emerson College? The one complaint I have heard from many students is that Emerson has close to zero diversity. Unless of course you are talking about the variety of rich, privileged, sheltered, white kids. The thought of that kind of atmosphere actually makes me nervous. I don’t want to be put back under the same microscope I was under during middle school and high school. I don’t want to be in an environment of adolescent minds that lack wisdom, insight, and real world experience.
With that said, no matter the environment I will not allow it to affect my progression as a filmmaker. Nor will I assume every student is like that. Innocent until proven guilty, right?
As I usually do, I will keep a positive outlook and focus my thoughts on the relationships I will build while at Emerson. I have never been one to let anything get in my way or discourage me from my path. I am beyond excited to finally start studying TV production and take an active role in the clubs, organizations, and opportunities offered by Emerson. I have waited my entire life to fulfill this desire of mine. The majority of my life was spent trying to figure out how to be involved in what I love to do. Finally, I have found my way.
I have spent the last two and half years at Bunker Hill Community College. A place so diverse we have students from close to 100 countries attending and 75 different languages being spoken on campus. Heck, I’m the minority…and I LOVE it. I have never found another place so open and accepting of every kind of person. I have never once been judged for my beliefs, economical background, personality, or how I dress. I am accepted and liked by many for who I am. We are all accepted and liked for who we are— differences and similarities alike.
Will I be able to say the same when I attend Emerson College? The one complaint I have heard from many students is that Emerson has close to zero diversity. Unless of course you are talking about the variety of rich, privileged, sheltered, white kids. The thought of that kind of atmosphere actually makes me nervous. I don’t want to be put back under the same microscope I was under during middle school and high school. I don’t want to be in an environment of adolescent minds that lack wisdom, insight, and real world experience.
With that said, no matter the environment I will not allow it to affect my progression as a filmmaker. Nor will I assume every student is like that. Innocent until proven guilty, right?
As I usually do, I will keep a positive outlook and focus my thoughts on the relationships I will build while at Emerson. I have never been one to let anything get in my way or discourage me from my path. I am beyond excited to finally start studying TV production and take an active role in the clubs, organizations, and opportunities offered by Emerson. I have waited my entire life to fulfill this desire of mine. The majority of my life was spent trying to figure out how to be involved in what I love to do. Finally, I have found my way.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Just The Tip
I have been overwhelming myself with decisions and answers I can't possibly make or have yet. So much is left unwritten. With that said, I was talking to my friend about it. I was telling him how part of me wants to spread my wings and fly while the other part of me wants to stay put. I also went on to talk about sacrifices, regrets, and how much say we have in what is "meant to be". I mentioned how I struggle to stay happy being in one place but how being in one place is what I need right now. However, my internship abroad in London may be the escape I need before I return to finish my degree. My friend, who is EXACTLY like me, then responded with a statement that couldn't be any truer.
"trust me...we are both built the same way. You have a taste of London for 3 months you are going to want to extend it for a year and then if you get lucky and land a permanent contract, which I am sure you can, you will take it....we don't do well with just the tip, we want the whole damn thing lol"
"trust me...we are both built the same way. You have a taste of London for 3 months you are going to want to extend it for a year and then if you get lucky and land a permanent contract, which I am sure you can, you will take it....we don't do well with just the tip, we want the whole damn thing lol"
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Stuck In the Middle With You
I am feeling "stuck in the middle."
I am nearing the end of my long journey to Emerson which has taken three years of hard work, little to no sleep, and a lot of self-motivation. After working so hard for so long I have a rather laid back last semester. I am taking one class which only meets once a week. This has opened up more hours for me to work and much more time to myself. I even started to write a script! I haven't written a proper script since eighth grade. Even though that is how I wanted to spend my last semester before starting up the hard work again I keep finding myself eager to get to the point where I can actually start making money working in TV.
I have built a great academic resume and have years of experience working with a large diverse population of people along with a ton of other useful skills... but none of which could get me in the door to TV Production yet. As far as I know, anyway. When I browse through friends Facebook pages, a lot of whom have finished their undergraduate degrees, they are either working in their field or in grad school while also working in their field. I get so envious of this! I know my time is coming but I am just so eager to be there.
It just seems like all these people get to just live there lives doing all these exciting things while I am stuck here, not doing anything special per say, as I go through my transition. I know I will do exciting things in my future but it's the waiting part that feels like it lasts forever. I only submitted my application to Emerson 10 days ago and it already feels like an eternity. I keep going in circles of checking the Emerson Portal (even though I know nothing has changed), going to the BBC work experience page and day dreaming about possible future internships, researching Emerson acceptance rates, reading and re-reading the different Transfer Student info pages at Emerson.edu, drafting my prospective Emerson class schedule if accepted, researching the clubs and organizations I want to join while a student at Emerson, and so many other internet searches on the things I want to get involved in.
I can't stop anxiously waiting for May. May 15th is Emerson's decision notification day... My future depends on that decision. I can't help but be consumed by thoughts, concerns, and anxiety. That, and I seriously cannot wait to go to Costa Rica. Which, just so happens to start on May 18th. May is going to be a big month for me. Unless, of course, Emerson informs me of a decision before May. In which case, I suppose May will still be huge because I'M GOING TO COSTA RICA!!
I just can't wait to be living my dream. I can't wait til I am traveling, making TV magic happen, and making enough money to finally fully support myself, my needs and wants, and Ryan. I can't wait to be meeting big names and making a big name for myself. I can't wait to experience more of life and continue to grow as a person. I can't wait to give back to my community and help good causes. I just can't wait to have a life beyond college.
I am nearing the end of my long journey to Emerson which has taken three years of hard work, little to no sleep, and a lot of self-motivation. After working so hard for so long I have a rather laid back last semester. I am taking one class which only meets once a week. This has opened up more hours for me to work and much more time to myself. I even started to write a script! I haven't written a proper script since eighth grade. Even though that is how I wanted to spend my last semester before starting up the hard work again I keep finding myself eager to get to the point where I can actually start making money working in TV.
I have built a great academic resume and have years of experience working with a large diverse population of people along with a ton of other useful skills... but none of which could get me in the door to TV Production yet. As far as I know, anyway. When I browse through friends Facebook pages, a lot of whom have finished their undergraduate degrees, they are either working in their field or in grad school while also working in their field. I get so envious of this! I know my time is coming but I am just so eager to be there.
It just seems like all these people get to just live there lives doing all these exciting things while I am stuck here, not doing anything special per say, as I go through my transition. I know I will do exciting things in my future but it's the waiting part that feels like it lasts forever. I only submitted my application to Emerson 10 days ago and it already feels like an eternity. I keep going in circles of checking the Emerson Portal (even though I know nothing has changed), going to the BBC work experience page and day dreaming about possible future internships, researching Emerson acceptance rates, reading and re-reading the different Transfer Student info pages at Emerson.edu, drafting my prospective Emerson class schedule if accepted, researching the clubs and organizations I want to join while a student at Emerson, and so many other internet searches on the things I want to get involved in.
I can't stop anxiously waiting for May. May 15th is Emerson's decision notification day... My future depends on that decision. I can't help but be consumed by thoughts, concerns, and anxiety. That, and I seriously cannot wait to go to Costa Rica. Which, just so happens to start on May 18th. May is going to be a big month for me. Unless, of course, Emerson informs me of a decision before May. In which case, I suppose May will still be huge because I'M GOING TO COSTA RICA!!
I just can't wait to be living my dream. I can't wait til I am traveling, making TV magic happen, and making enough money to finally fully support myself, my needs and wants, and Ryan. I can't wait to be meeting big names and making a big name for myself. I can't wait to experience more of life and continue to grow as a person. I can't wait to give back to my community and help good causes. I just can't wait to have a life beyond college.
Friday, December 28, 2012
I've been having some down days recently
Published on October 31st 2012
Link to original post
The stress of how much I am balancing at school must be getting to me. The past two nights I have sat here nearly in tears even though I have no reason to be sad.
It's weird how you can make so much progress in your life and yet feel as though you've made none. Not to mention all the racing thoughts about the future... What if I land a career in TV but it isn't at all what I dreamed it'd be? What if everything I have worked so hard for doesn't turn out how I imagined? Such is life, right?
Will I always romanticize things in my head to the point of never really feeling satisfied? If I get what I want, will it live up to my expectations? Am I only setting myself up to be let down?
Will I be trapped within one medium or will I prepare myself enough to branch out into many aspects of performance, expression, and entertainment?
...and now I feel ridiculous because there are people out there worrying about where they will sleep tonight, how they'll eat, and how they will keep warm.
I'm out.
Link to original post
The stress of how much I am balancing at school must be getting to me. The past two nights I have sat here nearly in tears even though I have no reason to be sad.
It's weird how you can make so much progress in your life and yet feel as though you've made none. Not to mention all the racing thoughts about the future... What if I land a career in TV but it isn't at all what I dreamed it'd be? What if everything I have worked so hard for doesn't turn out how I imagined? Such is life, right?
Will I always romanticize things in my head to the point of never really feeling satisfied? If I get what I want, will it live up to my expectations? Am I only setting myself up to be let down?
Will I be trapped within one medium or will I prepare myself enough to branch out into many aspects of performance, expression, and entertainment?
...and now I feel ridiculous because there are people out there worrying about where they will sleep tonight, how they'll eat, and how they will keep warm.
I'm out.
I WANT TO BREAK FREE!
It has been done! I have completed the two college level maths required to graduate with my associates degree! Only had to take 5 math courses total… *gags*
Published on July 29th 2012
Make Yourself
I have gone with nothing for too long and I don’t want to continue to do so. When I moved to CA I packed my car with the most important possessions I had. The only possessions I had. When I found out I couldn’t move back to LA and I had no choice but to let someone take my car to donate it and ship me what belongings were left, I was severely devastated and lost.
I may not love Massachusetts, but Massachusetts is where I am. I am going to use this opportunity to finally get myself together… the right way. I can’t wait to finally start school! I am even excited about the Gen Ed stuff. But, honestly, I cannot wait to be in an environment where I can not only have equipment to use and learn from, but to network with people just as passionate about the arts as I am. Not to mention how connected to the entertainment industry Emerson is, period.
Living in Mass may not be exactly what I want, but what matters is getting to a point where I don’t have to always be in a position I don’t want to be in, but need to get out of.
I had a fear about going to school. It made me so nervous that I was going to devote that much of my time/life to something. It would mean once I made the decision to go and apply to college, I am in it for the long run. There would be no turning back. Then, when I thought about the age I would be graduating (depending on a few things the ages are 27, 28, 29)… I WILL BE FRICKEN 30 WHEN I GRADUATE! That also discouraged me from wanting to go to college.
I felt that by 30 I should already have a career-not starting one!! But then I also thought about where I am now. Nowhere.
Do I really think without learning a trade that I could ever really be happy with where I end up in my future? I don’t want to be in retail or fast food my whole life. Making minimum wage or close to it, struggling from paycheck to paycheck. I also wouldn’t want to be a stagehand again.
I was a stagehand for 3 years and my word it was so much fun!! I met so many great people who I am still friends with today. I got to experience a life style most don’t get the chance to. And it was a job I actually enjoyed. Until I realized I am as far as I will ever go with that job. I knew if I stayed at that company, or any other production company, I would always be just a stagehand. With that thought in mind I moved to LA to find more.
I did find more, but I also accidentally found my way back east too. Either way, I put down the clock and took out the compass. I cannot focus on the time or my age, I need to focus on the direction I want to be heading. It all starts with you. It may never be a quick and easy path. Heck, it may not even be something you are enthusiastic about doing at first. Just remember, every step taken is another step closer to where you want to be. Put in the time and effort, use diligence and perseverance, and you will succeed.
Concentrate on the joy you will get from doing something with yourself! Even though I have to learn Gen Eds for a BA, I am still excited to learn, have homework, and feel useful! Keep the big idea in mind, feel it in your heart, and you shouldn’t find it hard to make it through and to make yourself.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)