My Portland Campus Favorites

I’d like to highlight some of my favorite places on the USM Portland campus. These include places to study between classes, grab a coffee or bite to eat, or just a quiet place to kick back and relax (maybe a quick power nap).

This being a college campus I’ll begin with some of the places to study. Sometimes the computer lab and library can get old and it is nice at times to find a different place to be scholarly. If you’re in Luther Bonney there are several small couches with tables on the second floor next to the entrance of the Learning Center. Some may be asking themselves, “We have a Learning Center?” The learning center is right about the computer lab and can be accessed by the elevator or the set of stairs next to the Luther Bonney food stop. The LC is a great place to get help in your classes as they have tutors available. If your having trouble in one of your math classes for example, stop by to make an appointment and take advantage of the help that is available.

If you need a quick bite to eat I’m sure all of you have found the selections in the main Luther Bonney hall. Coffee is very popular here, although I have to say the prices are a little steep.

Moving down to the Woodbury Campus Center, a student can find plenty of places to study as well as relax and get a good meal. 

One of the first things that a new student will notice is the large dining area and the smell of food. The Portland campus lacks a cafeteria, although it has a very adequate À la Carte selection that accepts meal points. There is also a coffee shop in the dining room area serving all of the popular beverages as well as sandwiches made to order. This dining room area is not the quietest so if you plan on writing a paper over lunch you may want to bring headphones.

During my first few years at USM, the far left corner of Woodbury contained old but comfortable couches and a fifteen year old big screen T.V. The corner didn’t look the greatest and therefore didn’t attract that many inhabitants. This was perfect for me because it was always open and the couches were a great place to grab a quick nap during a long day of classes. A couple of years ago, the school revamped this area with new furniture converting it into a very nice living room. This was bittersweet to me as it meant fewer places to relax and more students, however it is a great addition to the campus center. This area also has a pool table to which the equipment can be checked out. 

If you are a member of the service then you are also welcome to relax inside the Veterans Resource Center, which is located to the right before you enter the À la Carte area.

Taking a right directly as you walk in the main entrance heading toward the bookstore, you’ll find plenty of other places to study and or relax as well. The heart of this area is the office of Student Involvement and Activities, which has information about anything from sporting events to performing arts.

Surrounding the office are computers and an array of tables in an environment that is much more study friendly due to the noisy dining area on the other side of the building. If you walk around the corner you will find an art gallery where the University features several pieces of art throughout the year.

Remember those old couches I was talking about napping on? Well, I thought they were long gone until just a few months ago when I found them in what I call a hidden gem on campus. If you are standing in the art gallery area you’ll find a set of stairs that lead up to a loft full of couches.

This is perfect place to study and relax due the fact that it generally has a low traffic flow and fewer distractions. This area also has a few tables if you find the couches put you to sleep.

I hope that these areas prove useful as the semester draws to a close.

- Kyle

Random Thoughts to Get You Through

As the end of the semester quickly approaches, needless to say I have a lot going on. So, here’s a collection of all things Andrea. (I know this may sound conceded, but you are sure to be entertained.)

…I’m pumped that the holiday season is officially upon us. Thanksgiving was great. As always, I ate too much and continued to do so through Black Friday and the holiday weekend. I’m also pretty excited to put out my brand new sequined Nutcracker, sparkly gift box decoration and trim the tree!

Each year, my family also takes our annual family photo at Thanksgiving. Here’s this year’s version: How cute are we?!

…Today, I began studying for the GMAT – essentially the business version of the GRE – which is the college version of the SAT. Following me? I hope so. I took a diagnostic practice test to determine what I need to work on before test day (January 6) today and I’ll score it tomorrow. I pretty much bombed the GREs, so here’s to hoping that my GMAT result is different. Let the studying begin!

…On the graduate school note, I’ve also narrowed my choice schools to five. I will apply to University of Central Florida, University of South Carolina, University of Massachusetts Amherst and Ithaca College for Sports Management. I will also apply to Syracuse University for Broadcast and Digital Journalism. I’m pretty excited for this next chapter in my life to begin. I’m definitely ready to move on and focus on the sports world. Sounds fun, huh?

…If this is your first time reading, you probably don’t know about my fitness obsession. Well, I’ve got one. Today I also planned out my entire 2011 running and triathlon schedule. Three marathons, four half marathons, a 50K and maybe a half Ironman? Those are just the highlights, but I’ve got a total of 14 races and I have yet to plan June and July. Winter base training starts tomorrow and I’m dying to get back into my routine after a knee injury and this constant cold/flu thing have seriously put a damper on things. Next up, Jingle Bell 5K – second to last one of 2010. Here’s my friend Danielle and I before last year’s:

 …Oh and as if this has gone unmentioned, I would like to give out a very special shoutout to fellow blogger and partner-in-crime, Alesia Brennan. Miss Alesia turned the big 22 back on November 17. I was unable to attend and so I missed the festivities. However, she is in for lots of fun in the very near future! Happy Birthday Girlfriend!!!

…As I mentioned previously, these next couple of weeks will be CRAZY. So much work to do!! I know you’re all busy as well, but try to get some rest, have some fun, purchase some great gifts and best of luck dealing with the stress!

-- Andrea

Food for Thought

I won't lie. "Mom" magazines have become some of my favorite reading material. When I say "mom magazines" I am talking about Family Circle, Martha Stewart Living, and Real simple. These are the magazines I tote around to my morning breakfasts, and to my desk jobs at the gym. In these magazines I find articles about how to make home more "homey", and how to create simple and delicious meals for my family. Granted I do not have a family, but hey, I am awfully sick of living in a dorm and cannot wait to decorate my own apartment. My favorite parts of these magazines have become the food ideas that I find.

I personally try to eat as healthy as possible. I consume as little white bread and pasta as possible, and instead reach for alternatives such as multigrain pastas and bread. I enjoy Cheerios, Tuna, Salmon, Spinach and most healthy foods. When reading these magazines I like to think about how I could learn how to cook the delicious foods I find in the articles and then put a healthy spin on them. When I am feeling especially classy I pick up an issue of bon appetit, or Food & Wine.

This has lead me to the conclusion that I might like to open my own eatery someday. I understand that this would be a risky investment, especially with the economy and the type of money that it would take for such a venture, but I certainly think it could be feasible. I mean, how could I not be in love with the fact that I could someday serve someone a beautiful dish such as these?

Seriously, I would love to be responsible for such delicacies. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sharing Strega Nona

Today, while I was paying for my 'Craming for the GMAT' study guide at Borders Books & Music, the cashier kindly asked me if I wanted to purchase a book for a less-fortunate child. She pointed in the direction of the wall behind her displaying about 25 different books and a handful of techy gadgets for me to choose from. When I accepted her offer and told her to 'hook someone up with my childhood favorite, 'Strega Nona,' she seemed surprised. Maybe because I'm 22 years old, maybe because I tend to sport a 'don't mess with me look' or maybe because it’s rare that people buy into her offer. Nonetheless, she climbed the ladder to reach 'Strega Nona' sitting atop the highest shelf and rang me up for a whopping ten dollars.

I had already spoken with my mother about how I wanted to donate a toy to a local toy-drive but wasn't sure how I would go about doing it, so I was more than willing when the Borders cashier propositioned me. I don't know why, but ever since I was young, I have gotten great joy of knowing that I'm helping out someone who doesn't get half the holiday experience I get. Every year, I get all giddy and can't help but buy into every 'help the needy' gimmick. Honestly, I can't wait to hit the local retail shop in the coming weeks just to plop a couple bucks into the bright red Salvation Army bucket. I remember ringing that bell in high school for three hours as a part of our community service club and I really appreciated those few people who took the time to reach in their wallet.

In general, I guess I just LOVE to give gifts - to my friends, my family, significant other and especially to people that need it. Not to toot my own horn, but I have dubbed myself 'the all-time best gift-giver,' so if you ever need any assistance, just let me know. 

Also, if you've never read 'Strega Nona,' I suggest you get your hands on a copy. Whether you keep it for yourself, give it to a youngster in your life or pass it on to someone less fortunate is your choice.

-- Andrea

Take the VAL'S Survey!

For one of my courses I was asked to take the VAL'S survey and then talk about my results. The purpose of the survey is to identify what kind of VAL'S type you are. These results reflect consumer/media habits, hobbies and attitudes. Here is a summery of my results as well as a link to the survey, which I highly recommend as it is fascinating to learn about oneself as a consumer!

http://www.strategicbusinessinsights.com/vals/presurvey.shtml

According to the VAL’S survey, which I took twice, I am a Striver (primary type), and an Achiever (secondary type). According to these VAL’S types, a striver, while fun and cool, always crave money and material wealth. They tend to burn out within employment because of a lack of focus and skills. Consumer wise, they are impulsive and see shopping as a social activity and an opportunity to show others their material worth.

            An achiever is a fairly conservative type according to VAL’S. They tend to value family and careers as well as have respect for authority. They don’t particularly value intimacy and self-discovery. They instead strive more for routine. They value image and time saving mechanisms.

            I felt that I had much more in common with the Achiever profile, as the Strive profile perhaps would have fit me better in past years, such as high school. One thing I did relate to within the Strive profile was the blurb about Strivers not moving ahead because of lack of focus or lack of skills. While I don’t believe I burn out because of lack of skills, I do get bored easily, which is a nicer way of stating that I lose focus. Additionally, as I have gotten older, I certainly do NOT see shopping as a social activity or a way to show others my buying power. If anything I shop on my own with a particular list that I usually follow.

            I feel that I fit into the Achiever mold with more accuracy. I am certainly more conservative than ever. I value structure very much and strive for it as well as a predictable pattern in regards to rules and regulations. I do like variety, but structure can certainly come with variety depending on the occupation.

Feel free to share your own results!

--Kaili

Graduate School: Keeping My Options Open

I’m applying to graduate school. There, I said it. And now it’s out in cyberspace for everyone (or at least everyone that reads this blog) to read. There’s no going back.

Unlike Andrea, I have not been at all certain about applying to graduate school. I didn’t want to, then I thought about it, then I sort of did, and now I’ve fully committed myself to the project. What changed? I realized how many great schools in New England offer the program I’m interested in—Higher Education Administration. As I said in my introduction post, I want to pursue a career in student affairs i.e. admissions counseling or academic advising. This program prepares you for these roles. After realizing that I have choices in terms of where to attend I was sold on the idea.

 Just because I’m sold on the idea of applying to graduate school does not mean I’m necessarily sold on the idea of actually attending graduate school right away. Of course I wouldn’t bother applying if I didn’t want to go but my decision is more based on keeping my options open. As of May, 2011 I will not longer be a college student and that’s a very scary thought for me. I need to figure out what I’m going to do with my life and make a plan. Applying to graduate schools is a part of my plan. 

 My thinking is centered on the idea that you’re more likely to make the best possible choice if presented with the most options. If I apply to graduate school I have the option of going to school full-time, getting a full-time job, and working out a part-time school, full-time work arrangement. Without applying to school, my only option (at least initially) would be to look for a full-time job and personally I’m terrified I won’t be able to find a job, at least not anytime soon. We all know the job market has not been at its best for a long time and I do not want to be unemployed for six months or a year after graduation. Also, if the whole going to grad school full-time thing did work out it would be a lot easier to get it done in a couple years than to drag it out for five or six years going part-time.

As you can probably tell, I’m a planner. I like knowing what’s coming next, where I’ll be, and what I’ll be doing. I don’t like unknowns and surprises. And I don’t like waiting for those unknowns and maybes to become for sures and definites. That’s part of the reason I’m so nervous about graduating college and why I want to apply to graduate school. Trying to plan out as many avenues I can go down as possible after graduation helps me feel better about the future. Also, getting a Master’s Degree is important to me and it’s something I know I want to do in my life. I always thought I’d get one some day after working for a few years but now I’m reconsidering going full-time.

Now for the specifics, as in where I want to apply. Even with limiting my search based on region (New England) and my desired program I found quite a few potential schools. As of now my list looks like this: Boston College, Boston University, Suffolk University, Salem State University, UMass Amherst, University of Connecticut, and…Harvard University. 

I know, I know the last one seems like a bit of a stretch. But it has my program and after knowing that how can I not apply? Even if I am swiftly rejected I can at least say I tried. And hey, maybe I’ll be accepted in which case I will frame that letter and mount it on my living room wall for all to admire.

The easy part is deciding you want to apply; the hard part is actually applying. On top of all my other school work I now need to spend time working on online applications, working extra hours to pay for $70 application fees, writing “statements of purpose,” and asking for letters of recommendation. Not to mention take GRE (basically the SAT for grad school) which is a whole different story. Let’s just say I didn’t exactly ace the SAT. I’ve already started studying a bit for it (something I definitely didn’t do for the SAT) and hopefully that will help. 

I will definitely keep you all updated on where I am in the application process, my acception/rejection status, and everything else that goes on in my life during this hectic fall.

Alesia

Proud to be an American

Today is Veteran’s Day – a day to remember those we’ve lost, celebrate what we have and honor tradition. When I was a little kid, I loved Veteran’s Day. Not because I knew what it meant, but because I had the day off from school and usually got to watch some kind of a parade. I actually remember celebrating the holiday in fourth grade by getting my ears pierced! While I don’t quite celebrate with an 11/11 piercing, the holiday still holds a special place in my heart for many different reasons. 

Now that I’m older and know how lucky I am to live here, Veteran’s Day is a whole new thing. I have such an appreciation for the courage and fight our military carries each and every day. As I am sure most of you do, I know a lot of people that have served in the military or are still serving. I have had three friends serve a tour in Iraq, two that have in Afghanistan, one stationed in Japan and one currently attending The Citadel. Both of my grandfathers were also proud members of the Navy (maybe that’s why I love NCIS so much.) I’ve sent care packages, heard horror stories and seen the change in the post-war individual. That being said, today I can’t help but think about my friends, about the people still serving overseas or those who have sacrificed their lives for the greater good. I’ll go about my usual business, but those aforementioned American heroes will surely be in the back of my mind.

In case you’re wondering a little bit about where Veteran’s Day came from … It marks the end of World War I in which all fighting ended at the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month. The following year in 1919, President Wilson declared it Armistice Day with the following words, "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

For the past few years, I have really enjoyed my drive through Deering Oaks Park in Portland, ME on Veteran’s Day. The city fills the park with hundreds of American flags representing thousands of men and women that have proudly served our country. It is truly beautiful and I find it to be very moving. Here’s a picture from last year:

Whether you celebrate it or not, get to see a parade or enjoy the day off, most importantly, be sure to remember how lucky you are to have veterans like this:

Producing A USM Video Project

I would like to open this post with the fact these next few weeks are the busiest of my semester.  It seems as if everything is due at the same time. One particular thing that is due is a continuity video assignment for CMS340 Field Video Production. As a partner and myself were filming the project I figured that this entire process would be something worth sharing with the world.

Pre production: This is the planning part of a video project where we figure out what kind of project that we want to shoot and what is needed to complete it. For this project a storyboard was needed which really helps with filming. Story boarding also gets your creative mind flowing and helps create a better overall production. The project called for a short sequence of shots that focus on cutting to continuity. This is the art of editing a story together with a series of cuts to appear that the action in front of the camera is one constant motion. My partner (also named Kyle) and I decide to shoot the process of someone getting up and going for a run. I will be acting in this particular project.

Production: We shot the project using one of the school’s Sony PD150 cameras. As we shot we followed the story board as close as we could however while shooting we found out that some shots just are not possible or just do not work. The storyboard sort of served as a reference manual as we shot. We ended up shooting the project over three separate days because of unexpected problems that arose. On the first day my roommates were enjoying a sports filled Sunday and could be heard screaming profanities in the next room. This limited our shots to the first page of the storyboard only. We then met up in the middle of the week to shoot the rest of the shots. First issue from day two was that it was now clear outside and then sun was on its way down making it much brighter in my apartment then the previous Sunday. The second issue was with the shots themselves to which we realized later that day. The shots from the fridge’s perspective featured the other Kyle in the background and a lot of our shots were out of focus. So we then met up for day three. We reshot a lot of the shots that we felt were too out of focus or washed out with light. The fridge shot is one of my favorites and required the use of a wide-angle lens. We also used this lens in a final outside shot where I run out of the frame.

Post Production: Now the real fun begins. We have to log and capture the footage, then edit the shots together into a finished product. Using a rather old but fully functional VHS deck I logged the footage. This log is essentially a list that has the name and time codes of every shot that we will be using. Once this information is entered in to the computer using the editing program Final Cut Pro it will capture all the needed footage from the MiniDV tape. 

 

While logging the footage I quickly realized that we probably should have reshot the rest of the footage from the second day. Once I got looking at it on a bigger screen it was very evident that a lot the shots were quite out of focus however it was too late. I figured I’d just make the best of it during editing. For the most part, the editing went very smooth except for the bathroom shots. We really didn’t have enough shots from the bathroom but I think I made it work the best I could. I ended up having to reverse a shot because we were missing a pivotal part (ten points to whoever can see which one). Once the rough cut was finished I went through and sweetened all of the sound including the yelling from football Sunday and shorted up unnecessary long shots.

In the end I feel as though the final project came out ok considering some of the shots weren’t the best. The biggest thing that I learned during the pre production phase is that when planning a time to shoot there is a lot more to consider then I thought. Next time we will definitely consider the lighting and time of day when using outdoor light. In addition, by the third day of shooting we started saying, “focus” right before we said “action”. So here it is, the final finished product. Enjoy. - Kyle

Halloween!

I don’t know about anyone else, but every year I have such a hard time deciding on a good Halloween costume. When I was younger I loved choosing my costume and finding just the right clothing and accessories to truly transform myself into Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz or a princess. Now that I’m almost 22, this task seems to have gotten much more difficult. Obviously, I don’t trick or treat anymore (although some people people clearly don't believe there's an age limit because I’m almost positive I gave candy to a 55 year old on Halloween night) but I do seem to be invited to at least one party every season which requires me to wear a costume. I’ll admit that I usually don’t make my life any easier in the costume department by not coming up with an idea until three days before the party. This tendency to procrastinate coupled with the limited budget of a college student typically results in a lame final product.

But everything changed this year; I finally came up with (in my opinion) a good costume idea (i.e. it was relatively original, not time consuming to make, and cheap). My boyfriend Matt and I were invited to a costume party on Saturday night and we decided we wanted some sort of couple costume. After bemoaning how much I hate Halloween because I can never think of something to go as, I was inspired. “I want to be a flower,” just burst out of my mouth and on closer inspection it turned out not to be such a bad idea. I then said, “and you can go as a bee.” And that was how our costume idea was born. Here’s a picture of us in our flower and bee costumes:

I’m sure that most of you out there are much more creative than I am when it comes to Halloween costume ideas. Leave us a message telling us what you were for Halloween, or even better, post a picture of yourself.

I hope everyone is hanging in there after mid-terms week. But don’t worry, Thanksgiving is right around the corner and then it’s on to winter break!

--Alesia

Make Mornings Easier!

      

        Getting up in the morning sucks. Especially when you have an early class or work. I used to hate mornings and I still have a habit of hitting the snooze button at least ten times before I finally roll out of bed. This semester has been my most morning-class intensive semester ever. I wouldn't be able to handle it if it hadn't been for two of my previous work experiences. For two summers I spent my time waiting tables at a 4.5 diamond resort on Sebago Lake. The hours were long and I always had to be out of bed by 7am and only had one day off per week. My most recent job involved getting up around 6:30am every morning. At first it was difficult, but I grew to like it a lot. I promise it is not impossible to be a morning person! Here are some tips to help you be well on your way to being bright eyed and bushy-tailed in the morning! (Or at least awake enough to make it through the morning).

1. Eat breakfast!
       It used to be the one meal a day that I skipped, but as I needed to wake up earlier and earlier, I found that if I didn't have breakfast, I didn't have the energy to get through the day. I live on campus so I usually just head to the cafeteria (around 7am) and hop into the Omelet line and have Sue (best cook EVER) whip me up an egg white omelet with sausage, peppers, tomatoes and cheddar. It has become such a habit for me that even on days that I don't have to get out of bed early, I still get up just so I can have my omelet. It is also really nice to spend some time to myself in the earlier morning hours before I begin my busy day.

2. Have everything organized the night before!
     Trust me, it makes a difference. By having all your homework, clothes laid out, and shower taken the night before, you take away a stressor out of your morning. It will also give you more time to enjoy breakfast!

3. For the cold winter months-Have a bathrobe waiting by the bed!
     There is nothing that I hate more than being freezing the second I hop out of (or peel myself) out of bed. Our dorm room is especially cold in the mornings since we do not run the heat at night. By keeping a bathrobe by the bed to put on right when I get up I am able to minimize the amount of time I am spent freezing my thinking cap off.

4.  Exercise!
    It will not only jump-start your metabolism, but wake you up! If you are a gym regular, you will stress less about having to fit in a gym session because you will already have it done.

5. Set your alarm earlier then you need to!
   I have been doing this for years. Before I began setting my alarm earlier then I needed to, I would waste a good half an hour hitting the snooze button to sneak in those last few minutes of shut eye, which would in turn give me less time to get ready. When I have to get up at 6:30am, I will usually set my alarm for 6, because I know that I'll waste time hitting the snooze.

So there are my personal tips. It might take a few weeks to ease into being OK with getting up early, but it will be worth it, and probably be a beneficial experience for the 8-5, 9-5 job world! If anything though, TRY SUE'S OMELETS!!! They are truly to die for!


-Kaili