blair marie: She's a normal girl, so to speak
computer science
I started my freshman year of college at Colorado State University (CSU) during the fall semester of 2007. As a result of my high school counselor and parent's advice, I was strongly advised to enter the computer science major. Although I had begun web and graphic design as a very young age, it seemed natural to go into a computer related field.
Despite this, once I got into the major, I discovered the true essence of what computer science is, and it was something that my high school never had available to me. It was something completely foreign and new. I struggled for three years in the major, however succeeded in the end by passing all of my classes with adequate grades. Although I had mastered this, I did not feel any satisfaction for programming, I was stressed out with my homework assignments, and I was in a desperate need of a change.
My three years of computer science didn't result in a minor in computer science, however, it definitely paid off. My previous experience in computer science included two jobs - one being a supervisor for the department's Robots, Etc., Club where I helped students with homework and projects. Also, I developed macros in Microsoft Access 2007 for our accountant in the computer science department which provided me with invaluable experience.
journalism
After browsing the classes via RamWeb, CSU's class register, I found all of the classes in the journalism field to be immensely interesting. After researching the field, I discovered I would be taking a step in the right direction. I found my new classes to be even more interesting, there was a new found truth in my decided major. Journalists have a deeper purpose for being the public's eye, and it gave me insight into other perspectives. In particular, I have throughly enjoyed my International Communications class, and I have decided if ever given the chance to report in another country, I would undoubtly do so.
Once meeting prerequistes and being admitted to the major, I decided to combine my strengths in web design and am now a Computer Mediated Studies concentration. In addition, my previous major required me to take several business courses that aligned perfectly with the Public Relations concentration. I am expected to graduate in the fall semester 2011.
I have had experience at a Clear Channel radio station in Loveland, Colo., where I worked as an assistant producer for the 600KCOL Morning Show. For this semester internship, I primarily performed public relations duties by setting up interviews and researched topics for future shows. The experience is highly valued as it gained me insight into broadcast journalism and events that are pertinent to the community.
In addition, I currently am a staff member for Jrock Revolution, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing Japanese rock music and information overseas from their homeland. I was hired as a feature writer, and additionally, I help out by writing blurbs for their social media websites such as Facebook and twitter.
In the summer of 2010, I was interviewed and hired as an editorial intern by Penton Media, a publishing company who specializes in industry specific magazines. In this case, the firm located in Loveland, Colo., specializes in IT magazines. My background in computer science proved useful in editing of articles and it made my job easier by simply understanding the content. This is probably the first job that I have truly loved, despite my lack of experience in regards to editing. My supervisor provides me with useful advice that I take to heart (I write down all tips in a notebook) and he provides me with assignments that enrich my understanding of editorial journalism. In other words, I am entirely grateful for this opportunity, and I certaintly don't want it ending anytime soon!