Wow....two in one day

For the past week I have been in beautiful, sunny California. This weekend, I had the chance to talk with about 30 different casting directors, agents, and managers. Not only was I able to get a lot of advice and information, but also able to keep in touch with my contacts. Because I will be a poor, unemployed college graduate in just three weeks, keeping in touch with contacts is a very good idea. I'm not sure what is to come for me in the near future, but I will let you know as it unfolds!

I'm going to eat some Turkey. Happy Thanksgiving!

~Until Next Time~
Kirstan :)

Capstone...

Okay, so I know I'm a little late with this post, but this is the first time since last Wednesday that I have had access to a computer. The capstone presentations last Wednesday went well, and there are just a few adjustments I think that could be made to make them more successful in the spring. First, I encourage more audio and video clips from the presenters. Second, I think that more underclassmen should come because I feel it is important for them to see what others have done and learn little quirks to making their success at Westminster a little easier. And finally, I strongly recommend creating E-portfolios and using those as your presentation. That way, not only do you have a resume ready to send out, but it also limits your presentation time so you don't talk for more than about 20 minutes. Those are my suggestions to make Spring presentations more successful.

~Until Next Time~
Kirstan :)

My Top 10

So as I was reflecting on my college career and figuring out my capstone presentation, I got to thinking about all the things I know now that I wish I knew four years ago. So, to all the new students that are or might want to become Broadcast Majors, here is some advice for you:

Kirstan's Top 10 to succeed in Broadcasting:

1. Be dedicated and determined. You can't succeed in this hands-on major by doing nothing. Get involved early on.

2. Like Audio Production class and practice your skills constantly. I know that the class isn't fun, but if you don't learn from it, you will never get anywhere. Also, the more you practice your skills, the quicker and easier you can get stuff done.

3. Get on Mr. Weaver and Dr. Barner's good side. Recently I've heard some freshmen saying they are intimidated and afraid of these two kind gentlemen. Get to know them, and listen to them. They are amazing people and have a lot of knowledge and wisdom to share with you. They will also support you in whatever you want to do. Be grateful that we have such talented and caring people to teach us.

4. Do everything and start saving. Because we are a small school, there aren't that many Broadcast majors. Take advantage of this, and do as much as you possibly can. Then, after you've tried everything, narrow it down and focus on what you like the most. Be sure to save everything and build resumes early. It becomes really hard when you didn't save stuff and then you need to put together a resume tape.

5. Don't think you are going to start at the top. We've all been Freshmen once, and we paid our dues just like you will. Sometimes you have to do something you don't like before you can be on air in the spotlight. Leave the "I just want to be on TV" attitude at the door. It makes for a really bad atmosphere. In broadcasting, you start at the bottom and work your way up....get used to it.

6. Don't limit yourself. As Mr. Weaver always says, "You're young, be selfish."

7. Be a go-getter. You only get out of this major what you put in. If you don't do anything, you are going to graduate not knowing anything. Get involved.

8. GET AN INTERNSHIP. You would be surprised how much they help. Not only do you get knowledge, but also contacts. Sometimes it is who you know that makes all the difference. Plus, it looks really good on a resume.

9. Take advantage of our resources. Not many other schools have such advanced equipment and opportunities as we do. Take advantage.

And finally number 10. Have fun and love Broadcasting. If you don't love it, don't waste your time and everyone elses. Find something you really want to do and will love to spend every day doing.

Thats my advice to all the underclassmen. Take it for what you will.

Until Next Time,
Kirstan :)

This week in capstone, our assignment was to research a past capstoner's blog, taking into account all of their goals and how they were working at reaching them. So, I was thinking about who I wanted to research, and only one name popped into my head: Pat Sandora. Pat was probably the reason that I made it as a broadcast major, because from the first time I met him, he took me under his wing and helped me better my skills and find direction. So, I thought, who better a person to research?

As I looked through his blog, I was very interested to see how he really strayed away from news and began to pursue entertainment. I could really relate to this because that is exactly the point I got to at the end of last semester. I was surprised how similar our ambitions are.

I was also extremely impressed with how organized his blog entries were, and it made me realize how beneficial a blog can be. Not only was he crazy busy with all he was doing, but then he successfully kept it organized into a blog. His ambition and drive has always impressed me, and now, looking back on his past blog entries, I realize he was even more of a go-getter than I had thought. I don't think he knows it, but he has been one of the people I have looked up to since I met him. If you check out his blog, you'll understand why.

The nicest thing about Pat's blog is that he still uses it. It is always nice to be able to read his latest posts and keep updated on what he is doing, as well as get advice for things I might want to pursue. Pat is currently working on the Dr. Keith Ablow show, and is doing well for himself. And, I have no doubt in my mind, that sooner or later we will see him on MTV. So congratulations Pat, and thanks for everything!

Until Next Time,
Kirstan :)