Excitement building

It's a week from now that I can finally see my friends and family again back in Malaysia. Things are rolling out kind of slow this week -- you know, when you are anticipating something, time seems to pass a lot slower.

Since there isn't any final exams to attend to, all I have been doing this week was eat, sleep, TV and sleep. Well, I also spent time working more at the Dean's office since I had to finish off a project before I leave for the summer.

Ahhh... I guess I should start packing and stuff. Just don't feel like doing so, wonder where is the motivation. All I care now is to quickly get back and attend Saturday's BB parade. Also, I feel that God is directing me towards a second internship this summer. For now I am looking at Ogilvy and hope that I get accepted soon as I step back on my motherland.

This made my day. The email came early afternoon and my supervisor at work was kind enough to circulate this announcement around the department; I'm glad many staff there were concerned and came to congratulate. How very often would I get a "Cool!" from the Dean? I feel that all the hardship is worth the experience.

Alright, I find that I'm beginning to speak nonsense since my brains ain't functioning normal as it should. Just pray that things go smoothly for this entire week and look forward to a warmer week ahead.

Cheers!

A Journalist's Passion

I saw fire in every pair of eyes that night - not just the reflection of the bonfire, but because they were all flared-up about the allegory each person has to offer...

We don't do bonfire very often in Malaysia - it is a Minnesotan culture. Well, I guess it is probably due to the innate desire of Minnesotan to "get outside" after surviving six- to seven- months of winter each year.

I consider it an honor to attend Professor Mike Vadnie's annual bonfire recently at his very own mansion. This annual tradition started in 1988 when Vadnie began as the advisor for the University Chronicle. Since then, the bonfire became a "must-do" gathering for all old and new Chronnies, as well as their friends and family. I had no idea what the "ritual" was all about when I first arrived there. The entire party, I would say, was more like a social night. I got to meet some outgoing editors who have been with the Chronicle for more than two years, as well as to take this chance for bonding with new editors for the next year.

Like all other parties we had food and beverages. Everyone seemed pretty comfortable hanging around Vadnie's place. The real ritual began when the 30-some people - all related to the paper in one way or another - sit outside around the fire while MJ, Vadnie's wife, kicked off the night. We go round giving everyone a chance to say something, especially for those who are going to leave after graduation.

I was particularly inspired by Tim Hennagir's sharing about us being in a circle, echoed by Vadnie about the passion each journalist should take pride in. Tim was Vadnie's first editor-in-chief when he first advised the paper. It was fascinating to listen how these fine men who had gone through the test of life and shared with us their career stories. Speaking about stories, I would quote Vadnie's saying that

every person we encounter our lives has a story, it is up to us to find it out.

As we struggle through the institution's reorganization as well as the recent budget situation, it is fair to say that we, journalists and editors alike, are not well-paid for the hours we put into the craft we do. In my case, as an opinions editor, I cannot foresee how tough it would be to tell my fellow writers that we never pay opinion articles. It comes right down to me that what keeps a columnist/writer going is the passion to write.

Though I am an advertising major, I have been writing for the Chronicle for the past two years. I didn't surprise me that Tim, who maned the paper back then, was a public relations major. This makes me feel proud to be one of these "mass comm kids" who don't mind crossing the borders, going above and beyond what is expected of us. But I'll never say it is going to be an easy task.

As I'm pretty motivated to edit the op-ed section next year, I'm inspired to put in my very best so to leave a legacy in this school. At least 10, 20, or 50 years down the road, when we alums come back to visit, we will be proud of the marks we left in the archives -- that will be kept as long as men can read.

Journalism should be fun, let's keep it that way.

How important is your GPA?

I begin hearing rants and complaints about the school, professors, exams and assignments as the final week of classes' approaches. The most thought-triggering comment of all the remarks I have heard was how important (or unimportant) a student's GPA is.

I have always argued that a student or a scholar needs to put studies as priority. Yet, I see that many students - especially those who perceived GPA as irrelevant to their future career - have not really looked at this issue from a professional viewpoint.

"The short answer to this question is, 'it depends,'" said Heather Huhman, a career expert, founder, and president of Come Recommended, a career and workplace education and consulting firm specializing in young professionals. On examiner.com, Huhman wrote that the level of importance of a student's GPA depends on the industry, the level of entry, and even the hiring organizations themselves.

"For example, consulting and major public accounting firms seek candidates with strong GPA - 3.6 and above - whereas other business-related roles may not be as particular, some sales professions, said Dale Austin, director of career services at Hope College.

"Got my application?"

Don't be relieved, this does not mean that students can get away with an okay performance at college. Huhman remarked that most organizations "simply need (legal) ways to weed out" the hundreds of applications they received for any one position. A student's GPA becomes very crucial at this point.

So to me, it is not about the skills and leadership qualities you beg to offer; it is about competing with hundreds of thousands of candidates out there who claim to have the same skills and qualities. What motivates your potential employer to pick up your resumes, from the thousands that are sent in each year? What makes you stand out? What helps you to jump off the page?

Answer: Your ability to be persistent, which is reflected upon your GPA.

Karen Nethersole, Esq., CEO and founder of Full Circle NY said the GPA is "not the be-all end-all."

"It is important for a student to show that he or she takes courses seriously enough to do whatever it takes to achieve the highest grade possible. This shows the ability to work consistently and persistently to achieve excellent results," Nethersole said.

It tells me something when a student is able to retain a 3.9 GPA while working 20-plus hours a week, volunteering on three different organizations, nailing several scholastic awards, and keeping a girlfriend/boyfriend happy.

"It is about what you are bringing to the table," Nethersole said. I have always observed some classmates of mine who claim that they do not need to take things "too seriously" since they are not into the "real-world" yet.

Let me tell you, my friends, "real-world" is just an excuse you give yourselves to have a little more time monkeying around. There is no "real-world;" it is now. If you don't plan to take things serious enough at this point in life, I have no confident that you are going to be any better in the near future.

Hence, stop alleging GPA as nonsense. Especially to seniors out there who are looking for an internship or entry level position, your GPA is the key to accomplish that.

"Without a long resume or professional accomplishments, employers have few criteria on which to judge potential new hires... the GPA may be one of the most important factors potential employers look at when evaluating their candidacy," Kristen Campbell, national director of College Prep Programs at Kaplan Admissions, said.

So, let's drop this rant and move on working on your grades. Good luck on your finals, and have a great summer.

Read more from Heather Huhman: Just how important is your GPA?

GPA, students grade, academic performance, important, Heather Huhman, Kaplan admissions, employers, hiring, internship, grades

Towards the finish line

As the semester comes to a final sprint, things begin to coalesce - due deadlines, exams, projects, etc. Yet I am happy that it is almost done! I cannot imagine how fast this semester has gone, from the freezing cold December till the sunny spring now (though it snowed this morning). I am grateful for all things that took place this year.

I am not going to list here all the works that are awaiting completion - who isn't struggling now? I just want to take this chance to reflect on the approaches I have taken on to deal with this semester, and how it has affected the overall performance.

Every semester I tried different methods to overcome difficulties and challenges. Last year it was all about the planner, marking dates on calendar, highlighting events, and even blog posts. Did I mention the planner?

This year, I made a weekly time table on my own and realize that it is whole lot more convenient when it is customized. It is also more eco-friendly since I fit three weeks' schedule onto one sheet of paper, making it last at least, well, three weeks. I also find this approach better then a regular planner because I can see for myself what is going to happen for the next week or two (depending on where I am on the paper).

I am reminded of the 1st KL BB training of NCOs that a Lance Corporal must foresee/plan ahead what is going to happen next week, Corporal next two weeks, Sergeant three, Staff Sergeant the entire month, and Officer the month after. I hope my Boys are still practicing that now in the company. I find that planning ahead is almost the best way because you get to react faster and more adequately if undesired events come up.

It is why I pride myself for not having to cram my assignments last minute. While many are juggling two or three major papers, I get to focus on simply proofreading my works that were completed earlier the semester. I am not being arrogant or whatsoever, I am trying to make a point here that a a well-planned project can lead to quality work. When you are trying to finish up two to three assignments at once, I can assure you that none is going to be the best work produced. It is like hunting three deers that are running in three different directions. Like the below MV suggests, it is best to go one step a time.

Music relief: Step-by-step (New kids on the block, yes 90's rock!)

Here, I wish everyone the best of luck as we march towards the finish line. Eat well, sleep well - let's wrap it up well.

Cheers.

new kids on the block, homework, spring, stress, planner, ahead

Don't you get it?

I recently learned that it is really hard to get ideas across to people of different backgrounds and professions, especially when your ideas are idiosyncratic, or subjective.

Working in a team made up of students from different parts of the world challenged me to convey my message via various methods to various people. Because people grew up in different environment, it is really tough to come to consensus quickly if your ideas were not portrayed in a way that everyone could understood.

In other words, it is difficult to bring everyone to the same page.

Yet, I am glad I'm placed into this process, a learning process. It dares me to sharpen my interpersonal communication skills so I can more proficiently transmit a thought. This brings me to think about the importance of learning to deal with others on an international stage.

If this entire project is a play, we all are actors of messengers, each carry distinct ideologies, some supportive while others contradicting. And I believe we get better at communicating to one another in every scene past.

I pray that God continue to teach me the ways to exchange effectively with my friends and colleagues. One thing that I would like to take away from an undergrad degree is the ability to conduct mutual discourse in this diverse, globalized marketplace.

Thanks for the support

Just a quick shout out to express my gratitude to St. Cloud State University Department of Mass Communications for the scholarship awarded to me yesterday at the annual banquet. I especially want to thank Granite Broadcasting Corp. & KBJR-TV for their generous contribution towards this scholarship.

This award is not only a monetary support to my studies but also an encourage and recognition of our potential. Thank you, for your endless succor.

KBJR-TV, Granite Broadcasting Corp., scholarship, SCSU, Mass Communications, recognition

Ten days later

I'm swayed. Way too focused on the other aspects in life that I had almost forgotten about updating this site. Forgive me.

There's just too much going on that I do not know where to start off. Classes are going well for now since there's only one month left before the semester ends (woot!). Luckily, I do not have many final tests for this semester as most of my classes focus on assignments and quizzes. But I will still be working my butt off until the final week of school.

Good things first: I am grateful that I was selected as one of the recipients of the mass communications scholarship this year. Hard work are finally paid off, praise the Lord. Also, my submission for the Student Research Colloquium has been identified for semi-final qualification. This means I will compete with the rest of the presenters on April 19 for the $300 best paper & presentation award. Again, this shows that hard work bears fruit.

Greater things are installed for next semester: My position as the communication and design assistant with SCSU Learning Resources & Technology Services is secured, same goes to the CA job. The most exciting thing is that I will begin next semester serving as a Teaching Assistant at the Communication Studies department, teaching CMST 192 (intro to communications) and probably some 100 level classes. These three positions are the ones that I am looking forward most, not forgetting also the possible Editor position with the Chronicle. (Wow, I just realized there's quite a bit on the plate already. But who cares, you only go to college once right? Most people do.)

So, hopefully these are some good news for those who wants to know how I am doing, after missing in action for the entire week. I pray that God continues to sustain me so I can survive the rest of the semester and ends with a bam.

Please do continue to stay in touch and let me know how you guys are doing. Oh, I also want to take this chance to thank you readers for breaking MyLife | HisWay's stats record of 4,000 unique visitors in a month! The readership increased 200% after the publication of Aron Ralston's story. I appreciate that your support and attention.

Cheers!

aron ralston's story, spring, work, life, communication assistant, teaching assistant, fall, scholarship

Resume

It's a "go on" for the next seven to eight weeks of the remaining semester. Last week was a total paradise to my college life.

This break has been a blessing; Not only that I've restored the energy that was lost during the restless nights fighting against deadlines, but also strengthened the friendships with many international comrades.

Those nights spent tasting different homemade cuisines of different regions and laughters collected from watching in-house movies are truly memorable. Since many of the exchange students will leave after this spring, I wonder when we could be together and enjoy each other's company again. I guess pizza will never taste the same without you guys.

As I sit back and restrategize my directions for the rest of the semester, I am reminded of the importance to keep striving bring out the best in every area pursued. There should be no excuse to do an okay job while there's potential to achieve excellence. In addition, I hope I can be an example to many friends around me who may not have the right attitude in their course of learning.

Yet, one should never forget to take good care of personal well-being and relational life. Guess I will have to go back to the regular gym sessions and indulge in a healthier lifestyle.

British historian Arnold Toynbee said, "The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play." In fact, I think it is more appropriate to say that it is to blend the line, instead of blemishing them. A blend would be able to show a balance between the two.

So, I take this to be a headstart for the second half of the semester, and wish you many blessings for all undertakings as well.

Cheerios!

Spring Break - Part 1

Tomorrow marks the end of spring break part one. I have really been putting myself into leisure and enjoyed the company of good friends, who have also decided to stay in residence during this break.

For the past few nights, we featured different cultural/ethnic food at dinner - Korean, El Salvadoran, Costa Rican, and tonight, Moldovan. Besides, we also turned the basement lounge into movie theatre every night at ten o' clock. It's been fun and fulfilling to spare time with friends whom you can laugh along.

Korean "mix rice"

El Salvadoran beans and potatoes

As for myself, I have been working since the beginning, both as CA and also at the dean's office as design assistant. I wouldn't whine or anything because I am able to earn some extra bucks to spend for the rest of the semester.

I guess this break came at the right time since we all really needed a breather from our hectic schedule. I mean, when else would you get long breaks like this, when you are out working in real business? I'm seriously thankful for this.

Though the snow hasn't melt yet, I am hearing spring - real spring - on its way. I hope that it will turn better out there when the break is done so we don't have to put on those heavy, fluffy winter coat anymore.

For now, just keep taking pleasure beside the heater, tucked into my fuzzy kingdom.

Goodnight, America.

spring break, lawrence hall, st cloud state university

First Week

*snap* *snap*

There goes one week of classes + introduced to new professors + meeting new classmates + given new assignments. I consider this the busiest first week I've ever experienced at school. Due to the advanced level of courses I am embarking on this semester, most professors begin their classes with expectations that students are all-ready to sprint.

And since I have no class on Fridays, tomorrow will be a great time to relax and catch up with all the social time I've lost during the massively loaded weekdays. Phew ~

*snap* *snap* *snap* (No, this is not just for Europeans, Chad.)

I had a good time bonding with residents in the hall just this evening. The 2nd and 3rd floor CAs organized open-door night and invited residents to meet with one another. I'm glad that most international students and settling well in the community. We have new exchange students from El Salvador, Philippines, Cambodia, China, Pakistan, etc. These guys and gals are making this hall very interesting for the semester, I'm proud to know them by names.

Would like to share so much of my excitement that arose just these two days; I'm decided to participate in the Student Research Colloquium organized annually by the university. I thought this would be a good chance to work on an actual research by myself, with a sponsoring faculty. I'm also hoping that this work will increase my academic competence in the field.

Besides, I will also be travelling to Northern Iowa for an RA/CA conference at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) by next two weekends. My fellow CA and I will be presenting some case studies during the course of the conference, too. So, this adds up to the excitements that I'm looking forward to in this month.

Guess that is a rough draft and pretty much wraps up the highs of January. I pray that more good things are installed for you and for me. Cheerios!

ReStart

It's almost time for classes to resume! 'Tis the time to pack the holiday mood back under the bed and put ourselves together for the new semester.

So, I've decided to take 18 credits this semester, five classes in total:

COMM 403 Advertising Creatives

COMM 471 Advertising/PR Research

COMM 486 Advertising Campaigns

CMST 300 Theories of Communications

ENGL 331 Advanced Academic Writing

Have met quite a few new international students already, reminded of how exciting I was during my first day at SCSU. Some say this is the "real" Minnesota winter, with -2 degrees Fahrenheit outside, woo! Poor the new students.

Well, the CA training will begin tomorrow and residents will kick back in real soon, oh I miss the quiet floor during the break! Well, with them there will be more life, minus the drama, in a way kinda brighten up the hall.

So, to sum it all up - Sleep, eat, play, sleep, eat, play..this is life minus school! I am glad I had some fun though. I pray that the new semester will be a fruitful one, and that people I meet will enlighten me for whichever aspects of life it may be. I can already see a list of to-dos coming already, however!

Do share with me how your break has been! Cheerios.