During my years of high school, video production had been a huge passion of mine. I enjoyed going to various events with a video camera and tripod and could spend several hours in an editing room. Video production was something I was good at and found myself yearning to do more of.
While I spent lots of time in editing rooms with the footage I had taken, doing digital photography with still pictures was something I never considered. I was closed minded at the time and didn't think the skills could really translate. I enjoyed working with moving pictures instead of still images and never gave thought to using a still camera.
When high school ended, I moved away from home and decided to become more open minded in regards to trying different activities. I hadn't planned on learning digital photography before I went to college but eventually picked up the hobby...on accident.
I was scheduled to help out with a promotional event with our campus radio station and decided to bring my small digital camera with me. I decided that while I was in college, I may as well have something to capture the memories with. I took the time to take several pictures at the event and didn't think much of them when I edited them.
After the photos were edited, I received lots of positive feedback from the people who worked at the radio station. As a result, I started taking more pictures at different events and received similar feedback. When we got done with one event in particular, my friend Cat mentioned something I hadn't given much thought to:
"You ought to become a photographer."
It was just an idea but enough for me to want to pursue the hobby even more. I ended up upgrading to a larger camera, took a photography class and a new hobby was born! I went from taking pictures at campus radio station events to sporting events and charity events.
During this time, I realized I was developing the same passion I had for video production. I was motivated to improve my technique, get out with the camera and find different events to take pictures at. I was enjoying a hobby I closed myself off to in high school but found a passion when I became more open minded about giving it a try.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
College Students: Key Tips for Interviewing for Internships
Throughout the course of your college career, internships will help provide the experience needed to increase your skill set and gain professional experience. Internships are great opportunities to gain professional experience while in college and also provide networking opportunities.
In some industries and businesses, internships can be highly competitive and the interview is important. The interview can make or break an opportunity and below are some tips on how to prepare for the interview:
1) Do Research on the Organization Beforehand - You will be surprised how many people will walk into an interview without doing any research beforehand. Not doing any research beforehand will give the impression you don't care about the organization or you are unwilling to learn. Most internships managers are looking for people who can help his or her organization and have a strong desire to learn. Not doing your research beforehand will be a turnoff.
2) Look Presentable During the Interview- Dress professionally and look presentable. Leave the cut off jeans, t-shirts and casual clothes at home. Prove to your potential internship manager that you will dress professionally when coming to intern for his or her organization.
3) When the Interviewer Asks "Do You Have Any Questions?", Ask Questions - This will show you paid attention during the interview and are interested in learning more about the organization
4) Thank You Notes - Make sure to send a handwritten thank you note to the person you interviewed with. Not many people do this and it will set you apart in a positive way
In some industries and businesses, internships can be highly competitive and the interview is important. The interview can make or break an opportunity and below are some tips on how to prepare for the interview:
1) Do Research on the Organization Beforehand - You will be surprised how many people will walk into an interview without doing any research beforehand. Not doing any research beforehand will give the impression you don't care about the organization or you are unwilling to learn. Most internships managers are looking for people who can help his or her organization and have a strong desire to learn. Not doing your research beforehand will be a turnoff.
2) Look Presentable During the Interview- Dress professionally and look presentable. Leave the cut off jeans, t-shirts and casual clothes at home. Prove to your potential internship manager that you will dress professionally when coming to intern for his or her organization.
3) When the Interviewer Asks "Do You Have Any Questions?", Ask Questions - This will show you paid attention during the interview and are interested in learning more about the organization
4) Thank You Notes - Make sure to send a handwritten thank you note to the person you interviewed with. Not many people do this and it will set you apart in a positive way
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Taking Advantage Of the Opportunities Presented Can Pay Off
As a way to attract students, many college and universities offer different types of technology, opportunities and build state-of-the-art facilities for many of their academic programs. Some schools have spent numerous dollars to improve different facilities on campus, improve the equipment needed, or have developed organizations aimed at providing students with opportunities. Attracting students is a goal for these improvements but taking advantage of them can have benefits later on.
During your undergrad years, finding a major you will enjoy can be a daunting task but taking advantage of what is offered in that major is just as important. Understanding where you would like to move forward in life and pursue will point you in the direction you need; taking an active role to get as much experience as possible will help you down that path.
Once you pick your major, take the time to understand the opportunities available for students pursuing the same degree/major. If you are a biology major, take the time to understand the different types of facilities or opportunities to work in the lab. If you are an athletic training major, take the time to learn how you can help with the sports teams on campus and get involved. For broadcast communication majors, take time to learn the equipment available, the editing software and work on various crews when you have time. No matter what major you have, take the time to understand what opportunities are available.
In addition to taking time to what the campus has to offer in your major, take the time to get an internship if it applies to your field. Internships are great ways to get professional experience within a field and can provide different skill sets. Don't simply take an internship to get a bullet point on your resume; take the time to learn another skill set, meet professionals who work in that field and build on the experience. Most people who take on interns want someone who is willing to learn from the experience so take the time to get as much out of it as possible.
While you are interning or taking the time to volunteer with the opportunities presented to you on campus, you may wonder if the experience will pay off later on. You may not know it at the time but chances are, that experience could open up doors later on. A connection who knows you or having certain experiences on your resume may open up the door for an opportunity later on.
During your undergrad years, finding a major you will enjoy can be a daunting task but taking advantage of what is offered in that major is just as important. Understanding where you would like to move forward in life and pursue will point you in the direction you need; taking an active role to get as much experience as possible will help you down that path.
Once you pick your major, take the time to understand the opportunities available for students pursuing the same degree/major. If you are a biology major, take the time to understand the different types of facilities or opportunities to work in the lab. If you are an athletic training major, take the time to learn how you can help with the sports teams on campus and get involved. For broadcast communication majors, take time to learn the equipment available, the editing software and work on various crews when you have time. No matter what major you have, take the time to understand what opportunities are available.
In addition to taking time to what the campus has to offer in your major, take the time to get an internship if it applies to your field. Internships are great ways to get professional experience within a field and can provide different skill sets. Don't simply take an internship to get a bullet point on your resume; take the time to learn another skill set, meet professionals who work in that field and build on the experience. Most people who take on interns want someone who is willing to learn from the experience so take the time to get as much out of it as possible.
While you are interning or taking the time to volunteer with the opportunities presented to you on campus, you may wonder if the experience will pay off later on. You may not know it at the time but chances are, that experience could open up doors later on. A connection who knows you or having certain experiences on your resume may open up the door for an opportunity later on.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Finding Time to Do Something That Has Been Apart of You For a Long Time...Priceless
Announcing sporting events had been a huge part of my life when I was in high school and college. There were several Friday and Saturday nights spent in old gyms, high school stadiums and small college venues calling the action for local radio and television stations. Calling games had been a big part of my life during that time and I look back on those times with great memories.
When college ended, I entered "the real world" and didn't have much of an opportunity to call games at all. I spent a lot of time adjusting to life after college but didn't spend a lot of time in old gyms, high school stadiums or small college venues calling the action. Something that had been a big part of my life wasn't there anymore.
Right before 2011 began, I received an e-mail from a neighbor of mine asking if I would be interesting in calling a Solon hockey game for the local community station. I hadn't called any type of sporting event in a couple of years and couldn't belief an opportunity presented itself. I said yes and ended up having a blast when I called the game two days later.
One year later, another opportunity presented itself to call two Solon hockey games and a wrestling match. I immediately said yes to these opportunities because I wanted to call the games again. I didn't care where and when the game or match was going to be played; I wanted to be in front of the microphone again.
The first game I called was a hockey game between Solon and Brecksville-Broadview Heights and the experience started to bring back great memories. The action was back and forth and as the game went into overtime, I couldn't help but be in the moment. It reminded me of so many close games I had called before and realized how much fun I was having behind the microphone again.
Not too long after that hockey game, I had an opportunity to call a Solon vs Maple Heights wrestling match. I personally hadn't been to a match in a couple of years and couldn't wait for the opportunity. Within the first couple of matches, I knew I was having fun again and couldn't help but feel grateful for the experience.
In both of these instances and with the second hockey game I would call a couple weeks after the wrestling match, I couldn't help but realize how much fun I had. Calling games had been a big part of my life in high school and college and on three separate occasions, I was able to do something I love once again. It was on a small scale but it didn't matter; what mattered was I had the opportunity to do something that had been apart of my life for a long time.
When college ended, I entered "the real world" and didn't have much of an opportunity to call games at all. I spent a lot of time adjusting to life after college but didn't spend a lot of time in old gyms, high school stadiums or small college venues calling the action. Something that had been a big part of my life wasn't there anymore.
Right before 2011 began, I received an e-mail from a neighbor of mine asking if I would be interesting in calling a Solon hockey game for the local community station. I hadn't called any type of sporting event in a couple of years and couldn't belief an opportunity presented itself. I said yes and ended up having a blast when I called the game two days later.
One year later, another opportunity presented itself to call two Solon hockey games and a wrestling match. I immediately said yes to these opportunities because I wanted to call the games again. I didn't care where and when the game or match was going to be played; I wanted to be in front of the microphone again.
The first game I called was a hockey game between Solon and Brecksville-Broadview Heights and the experience started to bring back great memories. The action was back and forth and as the game went into overtime, I couldn't help but be in the moment. It reminded me of so many close games I had called before and realized how much fun I was having behind the microphone again.
Not too long after that hockey game, I had an opportunity to call a Solon vs Maple Heights wrestling match. I personally hadn't been to a match in a couple of years and couldn't wait for the opportunity. Within the first couple of matches, I knew I was having fun again and couldn't help but feel grateful for the experience.
In both of these instances and with the second hockey game I would call a couple weeks after the wrestling match, I couldn't help but realize how much fun I had. Calling games had been a big part of my life in high school and college and on three separate occasions, I was able to do something I love once again. It was on a small scale but it didn't matter; what mattered was I had the opportunity to do something that had been apart of my life for a long time.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Two Important Dating Tips: Listening and Showing Interest
Meeting someone for the first time on a date can be exciting and nerve racking. Making a good first impression is important so it is natural to feel a little nervous before the first date. If you do like the person, you will want to make a good first impression.
While making a first good impression is important, it is not as difficult as it seems. You don't have to resort to cute charms, over the top ideas or outrageous stunts to win someone over. One of the best ways to make a good first impression is to listen to the other person and show interest.
During the first date, it is easy to provide your own verbal autobiography but it won't win you many favors. Spending too much on yourself could be a turn off and you will want to listen to the other person's responses. Take the time to listen to what the other person is saying instead of providing him/her with your life story.
By listening to your date, you will be able to have a better conversation because it will provide points for the two of you to talk about. Taking the time to listen provides opportunity to learn more about the other person and keeps the conversation moving forward. It will provide you with a better understanding of what the other person is passionate about in life.
In addition to listening, show an interest in what the other person is talking about and it will help the conversation and date tremendously. Taking time to show an interest in the topic at hand will prove to the other person you have an interest in getting to know him/her. That will make the conversation flow better and increase the chances you will get another date.
By not showing an interest, you run the risk of coming across that you don't like the other person or don't care. How many times have you been on other dates where the other person didn't care much as to what you were talking about? How many times have you had normal conversations where the other person didn't show much interest in you? Chances are, you probably walked away feeling like the other person didn't care. It's unfortunate it happens but keep in mind how the other person may feel if you ignore or don't show an interest.
While having a first date can be exciting and nerve racking, taking the time to listen and show an interest are two steps to making it a good one.
While making a first good impression is important, it is not as difficult as it seems. You don't have to resort to cute charms, over the top ideas or outrageous stunts to win someone over. One of the best ways to make a good first impression is to listen to the other person and show interest.
During the first date, it is easy to provide your own verbal autobiography but it won't win you many favors. Spending too much on yourself could be a turn off and you will want to listen to the other person's responses. Take the time to listen to what the other person is saying instead of providing him/her with your life story.
By listening to your date, you will be able to have a better conversation because it will provide points for the two of you to talk about. Taking the time to listen provides opportunity to learn more about the other person and keeps the conversation moving forward. It will provide you with a better understanding of what the other person is passionate about in life.
In addition to listening, show an interest in what the other person is talking about and it will help the conversation and date tremendously. Taking time to show an interest in the topic at hand will prove to the other person you have an interest in getting to know him/her. That will make the conversation flow better and increase the chances you will get another date.
By not showing an interest, you run the risk of coming across that you don't like the other person or don't care. How many times have you been on other dates where the other person didn't care much as to what you were talking about? How many times have you had normal conversations where the other person didn't show much interest in you? Chances are, you probably walked away feeling like the other person didn't care. It's unfortunate it happens but keep in mind how the other person may feel if you ignore or don't show an interest.
While having a first date can be exciting and nerve racking, taking the time to listen and show an interest are two steps to making it a good one.
Taking Time To Do What You Love....Priceless!
For eight years between high school and college, announcing local sporting events for community television and radio stations had been a big part of my life. I spent many Friday, Saturday and sometimes weeknights in various press boxes calling a game for a local high school or small college. Calling games had been something I enjoyed doing and got a special rush each time I turned on the microphone.
When college ended, I ventured off into the "real world" and it was the first time in eight years I didn't have games to announce. I had my first job out of college to focus on and I didn't have any plans to call any games. I hadn't gotten around to finding a way to do what I love and there was strange void.
A couple years passed and I managed to fill the void by getting into sports photography. Being on the sidelines during various high school sports brought the rush back and helped keep me in tune with the local sports I had fallen in love with. I found something to fill the void but hadn't had a microphone in front of me for quite a while.
On New Year's Eve 2010, an opportunity to announce again appeared not in my lap but on a Facebook message from my neighbor. The Solon TV station had not found anyone to call the Solon vs Chagrin Falls hockey game that would be on January 2nd, 2011 and they were scrambling.
I read through the message two or three times before it really hit me. After a long time of not being behind a microphone, the opportunity to announce again was right in front of me. Best of all, it would be an opportunity to call my favorite sport of all time.
A couple e-mails and three phone calls later, I booked my first announcing gig since college! I couldn't help but get goosebumps as I was walking into the Gilmour Ice Arena to call the game. I was finally getting another chance to announce.
The rust was there for a the first couple minutes but it felt like old times as the game went on. I was in the moment and had forgotten how much fun it really was to have the microphone in front of me.
A year after calling that game between Solon and Chagrin Falls, I was offered another opportunity to announce a Solon vs Brecksville Broadview Heights game and accepted. Similar to the year before, the fun feeling I had growing up while calling games returned. I felt the same rush I had felt many times before as the game went into overtime.
The game ended in a 5-5 tie but I felt victorious afterwards. I was able to relive the rush I had felt many times before while calling games and had an opportunity to do something that had been a huge part of my life for a long time.
When college ended, I ventured off into the "real world" and it was the first time in eight years I didn't have games to announce. I had my first job out of college to focus on and I didn't have any plans to call any games. I hadn't gotten around to finding a way to do what I love and there was strange void.
A couple years passed and I managed to fill the void by getting into sports photography. Being on the sidelines during various high school sports brought the rush back and helped keep me in tune with the local sports I had fallen in love with. I found something to fill the void but hadn't had a microphone in front of me for quite a while.
On New Year's Eve 2010, an opportunity to announce again appeared not in my lap but on a Facebook message from my neighbor. The Solon TV station had not found anyone to call the Solon vs Chagrin Falls hockey game that would be on January 2nd, 2011 and they were scrambling.
I read through the message two or three times before it really hit me. After a long time of not being behind a microphone, the opportunity to announce again was right in front of me. Best of all, it would be an opportunity to call my favorite sport of all time.
A couple e-mails and three phone calls later, I booked my first announcing gig since college! I couldn't help but get goosebumps as I was walking into the Gilmour Ice Arena to call the game. I was finally getting another chance to announce.
The rust was there for a the first couple minutes but it felt like old times as the game went on. I was in the moment and had forgotten how much fun it really was to have the microphone in front of me.
A year after calling that game between Solon and Chagrin Falls, I was offered another opportunity to announce a Solon vs Brecksville Broadview Heights game and accepted. Similar to the year before, the fun feeling I had growing up while calling games returned. I felt the same rush I had felt many times before as the game went into overtime.
The game ended in a 5-5 tie but I felt victorious afterwards. I was able to relive the rush I had felt many times before while calling games and had an opportunity to do something that had been a huge part of my life for a long time.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
More Online Dating Tips......
Online Dating continues to be a growing trend for many people. It's not an exact science but has helped many people get dates and find someone to spend time with.
Below are some tips for venturing into the Online Dating world:
1) Talk With Others Who Have Used Different Dating Sites - This will give you an idea what to expect before joining a site. Take the time to talk with people who have used the different sites to understand what to expect and how the process works.
2) Take the Time to Manage Your Personal Appearance Before the First Date - This might sound obvious but you may turn off someone by looking sloppy or like you just rolled out of bed. Take a few minutes to dress appropriately, look nice and presentable to the other person.
3) If You Haven't Dated in a While, See If You Can Go on a "Mock Date"With a Friend - This idea might sound corny but if you haven't dated in a while, it can be really helpful. If you haven't dated for a while, this is a way to get a little practice before going on a real date. It also helps relieve the jitters a bit too.
4) Know Who is In Your Corner - It always helps to have some support so find people who can maybe lend some advice and support your efforts.
Below are some tips for venturing into the Online Dating world:
1) Talk With Others Who Have Used Different Dating Sites - This will give you an idea what to expect before joining a site. Take the time to talk with people who have used the different sites to understand what to expect and how the process works.
2) Take the Time to Manage Your Personal Appearance Before the First Date - This might sound obvious but you may turn off someone by looking sloppy or like you just rolled out of bed. Take a few minutes to dress appropriately, look nice and presentable to the other person.
3) If You Haven't Dated in a While, See If You Can Go on a "Mock Date"With a Friend - This idea might sound corny but if you haven't dated in a while, it can be really helpful. If you haven't dated for a while, this is a way to get a little practice before going on a real date. It also helps relieve the jitters a bit too.
4) Know Who is In Your Corner - It always helps to have some support so find people who can maybe lend some advice and support your efforts.
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