Owner: Roll Camera: A Lynn University Student Blog URL:http://blogs.lynn.edu/rollcamera/ Join Date: Wed, 03 Oct 2007 13:31:17 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: Ashlea, a senior at Lynn University in the College of International Communication hailing from Cape Town, South Africa, will roll camera and broadcast her life as she blogs about her journey to become a journalist. Site statistics:Click here
Graduate Open Day 2007-09-30 18:59:15 So, on Saturday there was an open house for the Grad Program at Lynn. It was kind of odd going to it, as I work in admissions as a tour guide. For the first time (well actually second, as I once was a prospective student on a campus tour) I found myself on the other side of the table, asking the questions and feeling nervous.
I arrived at about midday, and dragged poor Thomas along (my boyfriend who absolutely detests anything like this and shopping). He was immediately calmed when he saw that there was a large table boating coffee, drinks, and most importantly on his list, FOOD. Well, I suppose you can guess where he headed to first. (what is it with men, they eat and eat and never put on a pound…I glanced in the direction of the food table and instantly gained two pounds). So, I was given a name tag, but felt rather ridiculous putting it on, as I work with most of the admissions staff as it is! I have already applied to the grad program. I am going to be doing the Master of S Read more:Graduate
Sunday morning 2007-09-30 15:19:41 Well, today is one of those lazy sundays. Its roughly 3 o clock in the afternoon and I still haven’t gotten up! I feel terribly guilty but this weekend has been so busy, I needed a break.
Living off campus is an expensive affair! Don’t get me wrong, I love having my own place and eating whenever I want and whatever I want; however don’t be fooled when you decide to take the plunge! One tends to consider only the cost of rent and the main utilities and bills… not the food, the mission of finding furniture, kitchen ware, etc etc etc the list goes on! ALOT!
Well, I have been living off campus for nearly a year. I absolutely love it and am happy I took the plunge… but it has its good side and its bad. Don’t be fooled, utilities are expensive. I share a two bedroom with my boyfriend (previously we also shared with a friend of ours, but she fell pregnant and moved out…long story, for another day). Anyhow, so, when you sign a lease with someone&he Read more:Sunday
Ipulse 2007-09-27 10:07:15 So, have you seen the Ipulse’s makeover?I think it’s fantastic; what a difference. It does look so professional.
I am one of the student writers for the Ipulse. We have to write three stories of roughly 200 words a week. My beat is generally about the environment, international coverage, and also local things to do. I think its great to be involved in something like a school newspaper. And I feel so proud to pick up the Ipulse and see my story. I’ve learnt quite a bit about what being a journalist is all about, and slowly but surely I’ll become better at writing my stories.
What a difference a fold can make
Part Two of Lights…Camera…Action 2007-09-25 15:04:36 So, where was I?
Oh yes, uploading videos…
Well, for my TV Prac. class I did quite a lot of filming. These pieces I really enjoyed. I chose to focus on things to do and places to see in our area. It was mainly nightlife and restaurants. My Mizner Park piece came out pretty well (apart from the fact I had to duck and dive from Mizner security in order to get my footage)
Talking about Mizner, I’ll be there tonight. They have the Collective Soul/ Live (yes, they’ll be live, but the band ‘LIVE’ will also be there) playing tonight. I’m not actually going to the concert as I don’t like crowds, but I’ll be listening to the music from a comfy, spacious seat at my favorite outside cocktail bar, Gigi’s. For those of you who haven’t been, it’s well worth a visit and they have happy hour from 5 - 7 (2 for 1 cocktails). It’s a great place for ‘Girl’s Night Out’ and their amaretto sours are fantastic.
Let me Read more:Lights
, Camera
, Action
, Part Two
Lights… camera… action… 2007-09-14 10:57:02 In the past year at Lynn, I had the opportunity to work not only in front of the camera, but also behind the camera producing a few of my own segments. For one of my classes last semester, I had to produce several short pieces illustrating my command of camera techniques, and also editing techniques. I invested in a Macbook and also purchased Final Cut Pro, something I advise everyone else to do. It is costly, but it’s well worth it. For those of you who have spent those endless hours during crunch time (end of semester when your final projects are due) in the editing room (either waiting for someone to get off ‘your’ computer or figuring out where exactly you saved your project), you’ll truly appreciate how easy it is to edit on your own laptop. Things get done alot faster, and you learn so much more about editing. Actually final cut is rather addictive when you start playing around with it.
My first task was to produce some sort of piece that would show a POV Read more:Lights
The 411 2007-09-13 22:13:44 Now that the blog is up and running, my photo is up, and you can put a face to the person behind these blogs; I thought I should give you an idea of who exactly I am (the 411 so to say).
Well, My name is Ashlea and I am twenty-two years old. I have no siblings, but am very close to my mom and dad (see photo attached). I have been attending Lynn since my freshman year. Prior to that I lived in South Africa. I had lived in Cape Town all my life, and still consider it home. I get many questions about my life in South Africa, so let me give you an idea of what it is truly like.
South Africa is the most beautiful country I have seen to date. Cape Town is a coastal city surrounding a huge mountain with a flat top, conveniently named ‘Table Mountain’.
Cape Town has a population of roughly 3 million and the climate is Mediterranean. Cape Town and the surrounding area is famous for beautiful vineyards and manufacturing world class wine. We do not have animals roaming wild and fre
Back to school…back to reality 2007-09-05 17:18:25 It’s that time of year again: A new academic year, a new semester. It is my favorite time of year, I feel as though I’m at the starting line of a race. I have no idea what opportunities lie ahead of me, or what I may have achieved at the end of it; but I am excited to get on my jogging shoes and start running.
As most of you may know, the first week of classes are basically just going over the syllabus and learning the foundation of what your classes may entail. Some of my classes include Communication Law, Acting, Print, Senior Seminar, and German. So far, so good. My law class seems like a lot of work, and I do feel as though it is slightly daunting. As an International student, I have no prior knowledge of the US legal system, nor the constitution. I can tell you one thing, the execution of the legal system in South Africa is most definitely not a good comparison.
Anyhow, as this is my first post, I wanted it to mainly be an introductory piece for the semester. If the Read more:reality
Silence is golden 2007-10-14 21:36:08 I am so sick and tired of people who don’t understand that a library means quiet!
For those of you who are with me, I say we stand up for our rights!
Last week I specifically made my way to the second floor of the library, to a quiet corner, where I proceeded to write a midterm paper. I went to the second floor, to escape from the noises on the first floor. Just as I was getting into my essay, I was disturbed by a ‘jabberer’! There she was, sitting in the lounge area, beside all the desks, chatting away loudly (and what’s even worse is that it wasn’t about anything educational…but rather about some guy). So, I sat there… my train of thought lost! I waited for a few minutes, to see if she would end the conversation…nothing. So, I cleared my throat…still nothing. So, I cleared it again, and added a little cough on the end…still nothing. My boiling point had been reached; I gave her her chance. So, I jumped up furiously and
Project Shell in studio 2007-10-10 07:55:29
On Friday, I had the opportunity to help out at the shoot in the studio. Angela Barioli, the secretary of the National Broadcasting Society, interviewed five students that had participated in a program called ProjectShell
(Soaring High in Language and Literacy), funded by the department of education. The students took classes at Lynn in secondary education, and also participated in after school programs teaching students who needed extra help in learning English as a second language. This project was a five year project that has drawn to and end, and thus Angela interviewed the students in regards to their experiences.
I was in the studio at 10am, but because so few people were there to help set up the studio, we only started rolling cameras around noon. I was there for two reasons, firstly, I was taking photos for the Ipulse story I wrote on the event, and then secondly, I was shooting behind the scenes for the National Broadcasting Society. They will actually be shooting again thi
I PASSED! 2007-10-07 11:55:13 Well, yesterday was my MAT test and I PASSED! yay!
I am so relieved. I still truly have no idea which questions I got correct and which ones I got incorrect. However, I passed and that is what counts!
You have 60 minutes to finish 120 questions…and I ran out of time around question 80! So, I was sure I had failed… but clearly not!
I am so relieved! For the past week my life has revolved solely around that exam! And now my life can revolve around all the papers I have due this coming week! So, I will know shortly if I have been accepted to the Grad Program, and then the Grad assistantship, and then I have t get my visa organized (yes, the trivial issues of an international student!).
A Student’s Fridge 2007-10-04 16:45:28 Okay, so as I have explained, this week has been mad. Today, I have been running around trying to get my graduation forms and minor declaration forms signed. It is such a mission! You run from one side of the campus to the other and then back again (oh and then you forgot that you actually needed that other persons signature) so you run back…and they’ve already left for the day! and through all of this…I would have managed to wear my most uncomfortable shoes…the ones that dig into your foot leaving you hobbling around for the rest of the week!
So, I’m finally home… not quite relaxed, but ravenous for something to eat. And of course I’ve been too busy to shop for food (and you can’t rely on the men in your house to manage a quick pit stop into publix to stock up) (but somehow they manage to make their way to the golf course!). Any how, here I am, all I could find to eat was a 2 week old flax seed biscuit (which was not as tasty as it m Read more:Student
, Fridge
Exhausted 2007-10-04 00:18:05 Well, I am absolutely exhausted! The days just seem to run away…I still think we’re in September (where did this last month go?). I feel as though I haven’t done anything, and more and more tasks are piling onto my plate. Well, I suppose thats midterms for you! By far, this is the hardest semester I have ever taken. On top of that I have the MAT this weekend.
I am so nervous and am cramming in studying every odd minute I have. As a friend advised, I have been studying the practice tests and have actually learnt a lot. I may have just been ignorant, but I had no clue what the Roman Numerals were after X, nor did I pay attention to which presidents face was on what coin. So, I am slowly but surely learning all this useless information, which will one day surely prove useful! I’m struggling most with the fact that many terms are different where I am from. Additionally, after three years in the states, I still have no idea how to work the Imperial System (i.e. wo
Where are they now? 2007-10-19 09:12:35 So, I am writing a story for the Ipulse on where Lynn alumni are now. It’s rather fun getting in contact with everyone and seeing what they have done since graduating, where they are living now, and what they miss most about Lynn. I think it’s a fantastic idea, as students can get a picture of what they should appreciate at Lynn, and what sort of opportunities a degree at Lynn may present.
So, keep your eyes open for this new Ipulse feature - it should be coming soon!
Families Weekend around the corner 2007-10-17 10:56:03 Families weekend on campus always seems like a blast! In all the years I have been here, I honestly haven’t attended the event. It’s not because I am lazy, or have no desire to go, but rather because I fear I may start crying if I do!
Do you remember when you were in the school play as a child, and you’re searching the audience for your mom and dad, and they’re not there (my parents always run late! I hope they don’t read this!) …then that lump develops in your throat and you can’t hold back the tears… oh, and there is goes, you’re crying. Well, I fear that feeling. Perhaps I’m just melodramatic!
As an international student, my parents always seem to miss Families Weekend
. It infuriates me! Now I’m truly going to sound like a baby, but I want my mommy and daddy there too! I don’t want to watch other families reunited and having fun! It would make me miss my family even more.
For those of you who’s family Read more:Families
, corner
South Africa wins! 2007-10-21 16:28:21 So, on Saturday it was the Rugby World Cup! England against SouthAfrica
…
Tom and I made our way down to Neighborhoods where they were showing the rugby…
There were quite a few people from Lynn there and somehow there was an obvious division: South Africa
n supporters on one side and the English supporters on the other. The game was quite close and unfortunately South Africa didn’t score any tries… but we won! For the first time since I’ve been in the USA, I experienced the patriotism of a mass group of South African’s abroad. Every one wore their rugby shirts, and we even brought our flag along. It was great fun and South Africa is now the champions of the 2007 Rugby World Cup! I am so proud!
Bridget and Ashleigh Fowles singing the Anthem
Dean Walters
Moment of glory
An extremely happy president - Thabo Mbeki
There’s a saying in South Africa, ‘my blood is green and my heart is gold’.
Planet in Peril 2007-10-24 15:21:39 Last night I watched Anderson Cooper’s Planet in Peril. It is the most amazing documentary special I have seen. I recommend that not only all budding journalists, but all students (who want to educate themselves on the environmental state of our world) should make an effort to watch this. It was on last night at 9 PM on CNN. It’s on tonight at 9 PM as well! Basically Anderson Cooper, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and Jeff Corwin (Animal Planet biologist) cover aspects of climate change, vanishing habitats, disappearing species and human population growth across the globe. The documentary visits remote places, such as Madagascar and opens the viewers eyes to our planet in peril.
Do yourself a favor and watch this… I promise you won’t be disappointed. For those of you who know me, I think Anderson Cooper is the luckiest man alive… his job is my dream job! What more could you ask for: traveling around the world, visiting remote and untouched places, and at the same ti
Noel… 2007-10-30 22:56:44 In the last three and a half years I have been blessed with the arrival of several hurricanes. In fact, when I first arrived at Lynn in August 2004, Frances graced us with her presence, after her came Ivan, then Jeanne… and I suppose the rest is history! I think the storm that left the largest impact was Wilma. I was an RA (resident assistant) when Wilma hit around this time two years ago. School was canceled, the residence halls went into lock down and we all held tight for the storm. Below are some photos from Wilma.
Wilma’s damage outside cafeteria
After the clean up a few days later
Students helping clean up the debris
Students collecting their lunch during the lockdown
Being an RA during a storm is quite a difficult task. Someone has to be on duty all the time, so the RAs end up getting very little sleep and having to work long hours. Additionally, during the lock down, the campus becomes a dry campus - thus the RAs have to confiscate any alcohol and ensure that n
Dively Frontiers 2007-10-28 16:33:23 If you have a look at the Lynn Events Calendar, you’ll notice that on November 13th that we’ll be having Carl Hiaasen visit the university, as a guest speaker. In the past, we have had speakers, such as Anderson Cooper, Soledad O Brien, David Gergen and many more. I have had the opportunity to interview both Soledad O Brien and David Gergen. They were both experiences I will never forget, and which I am so grateful for.
I believe its so important to have opportunities, such as these. I know that I would not have received such opportunities at any other university. Currently, I am preparing to interview Carl Hiaasen in November. Preparing for such an interview is rather stressful. It takes a lot of research work, and a fair amount of reading. I have been reading reviews on the internet, the scripts of past interviews with him, and also excerpts from his work.
Once I feel competent with the amount of information I have gathered, I begin formulating questions. I also contac Read more:Frontiers
On Time 2007-11-05 14:52:37 So, I still am not used to this whole daylight savings thing! Luckily I knew to turn back my clock this year…
However, I have come up with a solution to my tardiness. When I turned my clocks back, I only turned it back about 45 minutes.
You may question why I did this, but it’s rather clever, actually. This way I intend not to ever be late… I just wish I didn’t know that my clocks are 15 minutes ahead of time!
I can just imagine what’s going to happen… I’ll look at my watch, realize I’m running late, and then think: “Oh, I actually have another 15 minutes” - so, I won’t really hurry… and will end up being very late! oh well, I’ll have to try it out and see what happens.
I hate tardiness, yet it’s one of my flaws. Actually, to be fair to myself, it runs in my genes. My parents are renowned for being late. I was late for school everyday as a child, and it wasn’t actually my fault at all. It bec
Yay! It’s the weekend! 2007-11-09 17:17:32 Finally it has rolled around to that time of the week… FRIDAY.
Although, this weekend is unfortunately going to be lots of working… very little playing!
I can’t believe I graduate in a month!!! A MONTH!!!
I think I’d be a whole lot more nervous if I didn’t have a plan for next year. I can’t imagine entering the big wide world just yet! Additionally, I have no desire, what so ever, to leave Lynn just yet! So, I will be starting my Masters in Communications at Lynn in January! I am very excited and can’t wait to begin. Each course will be eight weeks long and I will be taking two courses a term. The courses meet twice a week in the evenings (generally from 6 pm - 10 pm). And my degree will be a year long. I am taking the accelerated course - so, I hear it’s quite intense with many papers. I’m not too worried, however, as English is my favorite subject and I love writing papers. Just don’t give me anything to do with maths!
Wel
Thank you 2007-11-14 07:37:33 In the last few weeks, many people have approached me and told me that they read my blog.
Every one from parents on the campus tours I give (yes, I am a campus tour guide)
and even teachers and students.
I would just like to send a special thank you to Ellen, who I am told regularly reads my blog
to ease the stress of her bathroom alterations. I hope you have a great day!
Read more:Thank
Founders Day 2007-11-13 23:39:14
Founders Day was such a blast. I had so much fun and the university went to such an effort. Every year they have this fantastic band - the live music really creates the atmosphere. I wish they would have live bands like this on campus more often, like one Friday a month? It would definitely bring more of a sense of community to campus (not that we don’t already have one! but it would be fun).
I am just so impressed with all the thoughtful efforts that went into the event (such as the jumping castle games, the snowcone machine etc). Earlier on in the day I participated in the canoeing race around the lake. My friend, Shira, and I desperately wanted the beautiful Lynn towels they were giving to participants of the canoeing race, thus we decided to compete! We tried begging for towels first, that didn’t work - so, we signed up a team. The Water Warriors (as we were called) were going to make a splash! Only one problem…I live off campus and I was not prepared for a day
Carl Hiaasen 2007-11-17 10:45:33
On Tuesday, Carl Hiaasen came to Lynn as part of the Dively Frontiers in Globalization Lecture Series. I had the opportunity to interview him in the studio. Last time I mentioned that I was formulating questions to ask him. Well, I sorted my question and put them onto note cards with the Lynn seal on the reverse side.
On Tuesday morning I went to Hiaasen’s lecture in the theater. It was very informative and it helped me to establish which questions I wanted to ask, and which ones I should discard. I was rather nervous leading up to the interview, however, I think it is good to be nervous as it keeps you ‘on your toes’. Hiaasen was very nice and answered all of my questions. I think the most awkward part of an interview is the initial meeting when you’re waiting to start the interview as the camera operators and studio are checking audio etc. I never know what to say and try to start small talk. After I ran out of small talk, I went to plan B…’I'm
Happy Thanksgiving 2007-11-21 13:26:27 Well, my mommy and dad finally arrived! Yesterday we went Thanksgiving
food shopping. Well, my fridge has never been this full in its life!
Tomorrow we’re going to cook a turkey. Thanksgiving is not a celebration we have in South Africa, but when in the USA, do as the Americans!
So, I figured considering its Thanksgiving, its a time to give to others. So, I’ve done a spring clean and have tons of clothes I’m donating. And on Thanksgiving day, when you sit down to your meal, think about how you could make a difference in some one else’s day. I’m going to take a big plate of food down to the security guard on duty in our community.
To all the special F words:
Friends,
Family,
Fate,
Forgiveness,
and Forever.
Read more:Happy
Class Gift 2008 2007-11-26 16:45:32 Well, my Thanksgiving was very, well American! I did the whole turkey thing and my parents were down so it worked out well. We bought a turkey and all.
Well, I’m writing a story for the Ipulse on the Class Gift for 2008, and thought it would be a great blog topic.
A friend of mine, Elias Parra, is the chairman of the Class Gift Committee. This year the class of 2008 is not going the usual route as all the past years have, in donating the clock outside the cafeteria, the benches in the Perper Plaza, or the BBQ grills outside Freiburger. This year each graduating student is asked to donate $20.08 (symbolizing the class graduating year: 2008). The students will be donating money towards an endowed scholarship that will go towards an upcoming senior. As Elias said “We decided to make the gift more focused on the students this year, and give something that will actually create an impact in the lives of the students”. One of the Lynn Knightline Callers called me last wee
A Green Holiday 2007-12-07 07:47:01 So, I recently wrote a story for the Ipulse about having a green holiday (and I’m not talking about the adjective).
I thought I’d post it as I really think its something every one should think about. This holiday season, I decided that instead of having a christmas tree, I’d decorate my potted tree (Rather pathetic looking tree as I always forget to water it… which reminds me!).
A Green
Christmas
By Ashlea Evans
The holiday season is a time for giving, so why not give back to the environment? When you set out to celebrate the holidays this year, consider going green. Christmas takes its toll on the environment, with tons of extra garbage, millions of chopped-down trees and megawatts of flashing lights. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. When you set out to celebrate the season this year, take a little time to consider how you can make your Christmas a green Christmas. “Most countries produce too much waste,” says Bernard Londoni “It is only through r Read more:Holiday
Training 2007-12-05 11:43:43 Next year, I will be starting as a grad assistant in the Marketing Department. Well, I am all set to start and am just waiting on my graduation verification. So, yesterday and today I met with Jena (who is the current grad assistant there…and my glue) to go over all I need to know before I start. I am so excited! The position really gives me the freedom to be creative and put all the skills I have learnt at Lynn in my undergraduate degree to practice. I will also be overseeing the blogs and not too worry, I will also be continuing my blog next year! I start in January and thoroughly look forward to working with all the friendly faces in the Marketing Department.
Laura and Jena from the Marketing Department
I think that the Grad Assistantships are a fantastic opportunity. So, if you are a undergraduate, work hard and do your best in everything you do at Lynn, as when you’re looking to graduate, having a good track record and having proven yourself in your undergrad, will Read more:Training
Worky work Busy bee 2007-12-02 17:35:44 So, this week has been mad! My parents flew in, I’ve had papers to write and projects to complete… and flights back home to book!
The weekend could not have come sooner!
Well, it’s 4 PM and I am still working. Whilst I’m typing this, I’m digitizing the footage Jena (the glue in the productions we put on - the most amazing, multi talented producer you’ll ever meet!) and I shot last night at the Lynn University Second Annual Project Runway Fashion Show. It was such a glamorous event!
Jena and I started at about 4 PM. We went to the salon (Studio 10) where the models were having hair and makeup done. I interviewed a few of them. Then we rushed back to campus and got ready for the event. I rehearsed my intro and outro (with much help from Jena teaching me how to say apparel the american way) (a-pear-rel).
We then went behind the scenes to get footage of the girls getting dressed and the designers rushing around etc. I interviewed a couple of models and
my bags are packed, I'm ready to go… 2007-12-13 09:15:52 Right now I am sitting at the airport, waiting on my 26 hour journey back home! yes, 26 hours! I fly to Washington, then down to Joburg, then connect to Cape Town! How do I do it? I have no idea! I suppose it’s just one of those things you have to do. I have taken this trip 8 times (one way).
I am looking forward to going back home. I am going to see my grandparents, parents, and friends. I have a whole list of things I want to do. I must confess that every time I go home, I have a list, and barely get through the first two or three things! But this trip, I am going to:
1. Go to Moyo (this beautiful restaurant on a wine farm. You have your meal in private tree houses!
2. On the Wine farm, they have cheetah cubs that are part of a rehabilitation center, and I can play with them!
3. There is a lion rehab. near to where my grandparents live, so we’re going to have a picnic at the lion rehab (I hope we aren’t their picnic!)
4. I am a pathetic South African! I have never Read more:ready
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