technology: problem unsolved?

When I chose to major in Communications at Springfield College in Illinois I expected I would graduate with a Bachelor's degree and be ready for the workforce. I hope that is the case. However, right now it would be hard to be prepared to have a career in the Communications field with the computer software knowledge and experience I have gained thus far from Springfield College/Benedictine University.

Springfield College in Illinois has recently changed its name to Benedictine University. Our sister school in Lisle seems to make most executive decisions for both campuses. One thing that has not been changed or updated recently is the equipment we use every day to try and get an education. I am sitting here typing on a table with a Dell desk top that took six minutes to turn on. According to the sticker on the side of the machine, it is more than seven years old. The programs on this computer consist of Microsoft Word, Windows Media Player, and Adobe Player. I've used these programs since typing class in the 4th grade.

Our Communications class is requesting that we get some help to upgrade our equipment. If we are expected to learn and graduate with the necessary classes to have a bachelor's degree, we need to have the necessary equipment to do so.

There are several arts schools in the country and the most well-known is Savannah College of Art and Design. There, Film and digital media students work with equipment found at major production and postproduction facilities, and use digital technology, nonlinear editing systems, digital audio workstations and comprehensive labs for screenwriting, scheduling and budgeting. Production facilities and equipment include Steadicam EFP, Super Panther and Fisher dollies, chroma key/green studio and sound stage. Students have access to high-end Avid Media Composer Nitris DX and Symphony Nitris DX editing suites. Cameras include Red One digital 4k cameras, Panavision Panaflex G2 cameras, Ariflex 416 and 35 mm Ariflex and 35 mm MovieCam.

http://www.scad.edu/

I am more interested in the Photography area of communications and at Savannah they use high-tech equipment and Macintosh computers as well. More locally, The University of Illinois at Springfield offers many different degrees in the Communications field with the assistance of more advanced software and technology.

Mary, a Communications student at University of Illinois- Springfield says, "We have a great program here. The equipment we use is high-speed, up to date, and capable of teaching us what we need to learn."

After contacting the Communications/Design program at Robert Morris I found out they use MAC computers as well.

When students and faculty members showed interest in using MAC computers, a faculty member reported taht we would not be using them because "sister school" in Lisle does not use MAC computers. OK, so it doesn't seem like we will be able to use MACs. The school needs to figure out a way to bring in extra money to boost our department. It is important that we (current students) and future students have the opportunity to make the school proud. How would we make them proud if their graduates cannot even find a job in the workforce due to their lack of education?
For the past two years I have been very happy with Benedictine University. The staff and instructors are wonderful, everybody is up-beat, and I have felt like the education I've received has been adequate, and I love that the class sizes are small.

It would be really nice to use the programs that our future employer's use such as Adobe Premier for movie making, Video Studio Pro X3, Avid, and Final Cut Pro- just to name a few.

I was able to talk to a recently hired employee at the Illinois Times who has a Bachelor's degree in Marketing with a minor in Communications. When I asked about the experience he had to help him get the job, Jonathon told me, " I had recently graduated college and had been working for an Advertising Agency in Missouri. There I was able to learn how to work with, design, and even sell advertisements. In college, we were educated on several different computer softwares both for MAC's and PC's. I feel like Macintosh provides better software to work with in this field." Jonathon attended St. Louis University for four years.

With the technology upgrade we hope for, and experience we wish to build, it would be nice to find myself working happily in a local company in less than two years. Some prospective employers that have recently hired people with communications degrees include, the State of Illinois, City of Springfield, the State Journal Register, Horace Mann Insurance Companies, WICS Channel 20 & WAND, and the FBI.

I hope to one day have a career in one of these companies, or somewhere similar. I am very interested in photo journalism because I like to take photos and I like to write. I hope that I am prepared by the time I graduate to have a career like one of these. Let's make our school proud by doing so!

http://www.uis.edu/communication/about/degree.html
Above is a link that goes to the University of Illinois at Springfield's web site concentrating on their Communications department. By looking around, you are able to see their class requirements, prospective careers and employers, and much more.

RED

This takes me back to my younger days. When I played a classical guitar and a flute. I have a great appreciation for music, and especially making music. MANY different ways to make music and I'm sure before too long my little girl will be showing me NEW ways to make music. I can't wait.

I didn't chance the life of this beauty by holding the Tenor due to my clumsiness, however I can only imagine what it feels like to feel the power of the Candy Apple Red Saxophone. The sounds are low and high, soft and hard, and everywhere in between. I can remember from experience the joy of being on stage, with all eyes on YOU, enjoying the music to the ears.

I have never seen a Red saxophone before but I'm glad I have now. Rare Form.

October in Pink

In the month of October we see more pink than any other time of year. I'm sure everybody knows why. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many organizations nationwide encourage people to wear pink- especially on Fridays in October. Wearing pink spreads awareness about this vicious cancer which will hopefully get more people involved with the fight against it.

Background: There are several parts to a woman's (or man's) breast in which cancer starts. Most cancer begins in the breast ducts and is called Ductal cancer and some others begin lobules and is called lobular cancer. The American Cancer Society's most recent studies show that there are about 207,090 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women. About 39,840 of these resulted in deaths.

The Chicago Tribune has a whole section on their website dedicated to Breast Cancer. This section has many stories and real people's faces "getting the word out" about education, treatment, signs of the cancer, and events going on in October (and other months as well) to support Breast Cancer Awareness.

The reason I chose to write about this topic is unfortunately, my family is very familiar with this illness. My mom is a two-time survivor. My grandmother is a survivor, and my aunt is a two-time survivor. I am proud to say that they are all heroines for this. These women take "being strong" to a whole new level. For me, my sister, and my cousin, all we can do is be aware and get checked on a regular basis for this type of cancers and others alike.

One of the "faces" on the Tribune's website said, ""There is light at the end of the tunnel. You have to believe." These are her words of wisdom and inspiration. (Jill Mull, 37)

Be aware! Some of the symptoms are : a lump, either hard or soft.
                                                             skin irritation or dimpling.
                                                             swelling of all or part of the breast.
                                                             nipple pain, or nipple turning inward.
It is important to be aware of your body and what is normal. The sooner these symptoms are addressed, the better! Breast cancer is easier to beat if the signs and symptoms are addressed early on.

Help out to spread the awareness by participating in small donation opportunities. Purchasing clothing or accessories that donate money to the Susan G. Komen foundation. Buy products that are spreading the awareness. The numbers are huge...help them decrease!

Photography It Is (EM)

Ever since I was young, I have been passionate about the Camera. I started out with an older Kodak Advantix Camera and loved taking panoramic photos. Since then, I have upgraded of course. In high school, I took classes at a trade school where we learned how to use the old 35mm cameras and develop our own film in the "dark room." If I could do this all the time, I would. The "dark room" consists of many different machines, a lot of chemicals, and very expensive equipment. Maybe someday, when I'm rich and famous (idealistically speaking!) I will have my own dark room with my own film and all of my own old school cameras and equipment.
For now, I enjoy taking pictures with my digital Kodak of the sky and sunsets, landscapes, people, places, and pretty much everything else! Lately, I have been working on a project that I call Alphabet Photography. I enjoy this because I can find my objects anywhere. These pieces of artwork make great decorations and great gifts as well. Who wouldn't want their own last name on their wall?
http://www.alphabetphotography.com/?gclid=CNv62Pe3sKQCFUcz5wodqmI4zg
Some people ask why I like to take pictures. I don't really know how to explain or what to tell them. It's my hobby. Why do people enjoy fishing? Because they benefit from it and that is how they relax. There isn't anything in this world that I wouldn't consider capturing in a photo. If it has meaning, is pretty, or if I could use it later for something neat- why not take a picture of it?
When I was a young teenager I used my camera all the time. I took pictures of my friends, of us doing stupid things, and spent tons of money on pictures that may not ever serve a purpose. But now, I look back and laugh and remember those times. Without these pictures, I don't think I would remember half of my youth.
My ultimate dream job would be to travel and take pictures for-eh say National Geographic Magazine- and write about them. Realistically, this will probably never happen. However, I can still take all the pictures I want and enjoy them!

To the right of my home page there is a tab that says PHOTOS. If you are interested in my projects here is where you can view a few that I have done so far.

When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs.  When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.  ~Ansel Adams