Blogging 101

If I have not mentioned in previous posts, blogging has been an assignment for a PR media course I am currently in. But what I didn’t realize was how much I would enjoy it. When I was younger, I used to keep a journal of all of my random ideas, thoughts and days. I can relate my blog to my childhood journal. The fact that I can blog about anything that interests me is what I love most. It is personal yet I can share my opinions with classmates, friends and family. It is an effective way to stay connected as well as network through others and learn something new everyday. Some thing I would recommend for beginner bloggers is to update regularly. I know we all may seem too busy at times, but it is extremely important to update consistently to stay connected with your blog. Put it in your schedule and stick with it. Base your blog around something that truly interests you whether it is your random thoughts from day to day or about animals. Just make it your own. It will make blogging so much easier and fun. It is important to have a main theme of your blog but also keep it interesting. Change it up. This can be through different topics, pictures, links or videos.

Blogging is extremely simple to use and operate. It is a great opportunity for people to get their name and ideas to the public. Some thing important to remember about blogging is that ANYONE can do it.

Whose following who?

Until this semester, my use of twitter has remained pretty non-existent. I did not fully understand the point to it at first and found myself bored when scrolling through the site. Comparing it to Facebook, I did not understand. For people who never update their status on Facebook, what is the point to a Twitter? However, lately I log in to Twitter for many reasons. Something I have learned to be very valuable is following The Big 12 Conference No, I am not a die hard college football fan but I do enjoy when our OSU Cowboys are at the top. So lately, when I am not near a television, I log into twitter to receive play by plays of any game, anywhere going on in the Big 12 Conference. It is a great way to keep updated and learn a little more about where Oklahoma State stands. But don’t worry, next week I do plan on attending the OSU/OU Bedlam game in person. Sorry twitter, I just don’t think you would compare to that kind of atmosphere.

Also, music is such a passion of mine and following some of my favorite artists such as Cross Canadian Ragweed, Luke Bryan, Eli Young Band, Miranda Lambert and Lady A keeps me updated on upcoming concerts, events, albums and singles. I enjoy following some of my favorite radio stations in the Stillwater and Dallas/Fort Worth locations to keep in touch with shows arriving in those areas.

Twitter is an increasingly popular social media site and caters to people for both the entertainment and education aspects. In my opinion, it is the fastest way to receive information and current data. I do see it growing extremely large and serving as a main source of news for the public.

Video Blog Critique

Who better to welcome our freshman class to Oklahoma State University than President Burns Hargis? I do enjoy watching videos from him rather than reading his words because I think it more personal. When he recognizes certain people on the OSU campus for their achievements, it seems much more meaningful seeing him speak these words. Of course, he could write a letter or blog to them but posting this on the OSU Web site, makes his words seem more valuable.

Also, viewers can really see the personality and charisma President Hargis shows. Although, this vlog is not very long, people can get an idea of how this man acts. Clearly, he has great public speaking skills and that is evident in this video. After viewing this vlog, I believe I have retained the information Burns Hargis stated better than I would have if I had read it.

However, there are different disadvantages to creating vlogs. In my case, I HATE public speaking and would much rather write my views rather than film them and post them to YouTube for the whole world to see. Also, creating these vlogs is more time consuming and expensive than written blogs.

I think the option of a blog or vlog depends on the individual. Some obtain strengths in writing and others have great communication and speaking skills to get their message out. For President Hargis, I think he is a great speaker and all OSU students love to hear his voice and thoughts. He statements are well thought out and knowledgeable. As for him, he can use vlogs to engage himself with all students on the OSU campus who he may have not been able to reach otherwise.

Let's Just All Stay In College (Extra Credit)

As I approach the midpoint of my junior year in college, I am beginning to take everything a little more seriously. Two and a half years ago, when I entered college, I had no idea how much it would truly change my life. I have met the most amazing friends that I will stay in touch hopefully throughout my entire life, been educated from influential professors, and experienced things some people never will. The memories I will remember from college are definitely priceless. Now, when I see freshman on campus, I really do envy them. The feeling and atmosphere of our campus on a game day are really indescribable. My home away from home in Tri Delta has made a huge impact in my life and changed me in more ways than I could have ever imagined. Oklahoma State is an amazing university and there are some days that are wonderful just being on campus. I can recall snow days, birthdays, date parties, roommates, boyfriends and so much more. I know I have a year and a half to go and some of the best times are yet to come. In a week, I will turn 21! Soon enough, I will be looking for a career and starting a new chapter of my life. I really don’t know how I will feel not being in school anymore. As of May 2012, I will have been in school 17 years!

I know it sounds bad, but I really don’t want to grow up. I catch myself from time to time wanting life to stop right in its tracks and knowing that nothing could be more perfect than it already is. I was sad when graduating high school but college is such a different experience. And in my opinion, graduating college truly defines the moment you become a real adult. It does scare me to think I will officially be on my own. No financial help, no professors, and worst of all, not living in the same town as all of my best friends.

Everyone I know keeps telling me to cherish college for all that it is because it really is the best four years of your life. I plan to think positively and really appreciate everything and everyone I come in contact within the next year and a half. I cannot begin to describe everything I have learned and experienced inside and outside of the classroom but I do know I will leave Oklahoma State a completely changed person for the better than when I came here.

Social Media with Gina Noble

For our Advanced PR media class, two classmates and I created a podcast. From one of our great professors in the School of Media and Strategic Communications at Oklahoma State University, Gina Noble shares her views about social media. Professor Noble has seen social media go from non existent to increasingly popular in our society today. Listen as she gives her advice on maintaining a professional site and some of her favorite aspects of social media.  

Social Media with Gina Noble

Notes:
     *   How has social media impacted your life thus far?
     *    How have you seen social media transform your job from when it was non-existent to       increasingly popular?
     *    What are some problems you see in social media?
    *     What advice would you give college students for maintaining a professional social media presence?
    *     Do you recommend using social media when applying and searching for jobs? Why or why not?
    *    What is your favorite social media site and why?
    *    Where do you see social media moving to in the future?

Podcasts- Ups and Downs

Just recently, I enrolled in two Management courses online. Crucial Conversations and Managing Professional Relationships are both incredibly useful courses for both my personal and professional life. The information we have covered in the past two weeks have really opened my eyes to various mistakes I have been making in relationships and serious conversations.

Now that so many universities are relying more on the online world, podcasts have become increasingly popular. The professor will tape his or herself giving a 45 min. to 1 hour lecture and post it online.

This way, the students can view the podcasts on their own time. Some other advantages to online courses and podcasts are the flexibility to work with them. If students do not fully comprehend a concept, they can go back and review the video and brush up on the notes they missed.

However, in my opinion, online courses are not the most beneficial way to learn a new subject. Podcasts, being one of the main problems, are sometimes very difficult to work. The videos I view for my online courses can only adapt with certain Internet sources and they work differently depending on whether you own a Mac or a PC. If the Internet is running slow, so will the podcast. Also, there is something to be said about getting up in the morning and actually attending a class, rather than lying in bed viewing the professor from your screen. There is no way I could make this a habit for the rest of my college courses. It is difficult for me to become motivated to work on these online courses from the comfort of my own room. When questions arise, I must e-mail the professor rather than raising my hand in the classroom. Also, podcasts do not allow any feedback, discussion or class engagement.

Technology is really a wonderful thing. But I never want to replace it with ideas and traditions that have worked so well for me in the past. I guess I am more of a personable and social person and in some ways I feel as though, technology can hinder that. I have enjoyed getting to know several of my professors at OSU and would much rather converse with them face to face than through podcasts.

My Best Friend, The Artist

From a small town named Canadian, in west Texas, Ashley Hale is a junior at Oklahoma State majoring in Art. In my opinion, however, she does not need a degree to gain the title of an artist. I have never known anyone with such outstanding talent. Through her classes, in the Bartlett Center, the Art facility at Oklahoma State University, she has learned her passion and where she succeeds most. Something I have found to be one of her strengths would be working with charcoal colors as shown in the photo above.

Ashley is definitely a unique character as you could imagine most artists to be. She definitely works at her own pace and time. When asking her where she gets her inspirations to create such amazing pieces, she said it comes from certain moods and experiences she is going through that certain day.

She creates these works as gifts for friends or simply to pass the time. I have watched Ashley transform a completely blank page into a masterpiece. She is a true talent and even teachers have made comments about the uniqueness and perfection of her work. It is so inspiring to watch her create something completely unexpected. When starting a project, she doesn't even really have to plan it out. She only needs a common theme to work with and the rest is history. I think she creates as she paints and draws away. She said the ideas just start rolling to her the farther along she gets. As a sorority sister, she has the opportunity to create little crafts for Big/Little or Christmas gifts. She has played a large role in various Homecoming activities which every OSU student can say requires much creativity.

As for the future, Ashley plans to sell her artwork for a living. She would also love to receive her cosmetology license and work with hair and makeup. If anyone is looking for a unique gift perhaps for an upcoming birthday or the holidays, Ashley has created a small business for herself selling artwork. If you give her a general idea of what you are interested in(self portrait, scenery, object, water-colors, charcoal) she will create something amazing for you! You can contact or message me and I can get you more information.

A Commitment to St. Jude

As a Tri Delta member, something I am so proud to take part in is our partnership to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Through working with this non-profit organization, I have really learned the importance of philanthropy and giving back to those in need. Children have always been one of my passions in life. The commitment Tri Delta chapters across the nation have made to St. Jude has shown some remarkable outcomes.
In 2006, Tri Delta set a goal to raise $10 million dollars in 10 years. By 2009, chapters across the nation had already raised $7.8 million dollars. Then, the goal was changed to 10 by 10. ($10 million by 2010). This goal was achieved with ease. Here is a video to show some of the impact this goal placed on St. Jude patients.
It is quite rewarding to know the difference and impact I can make. Working as a team, with all Tri Delta members, makes achieving goals so much easier. Working together, we can do so much for St. Jude.
On Nov. 4, 2010, the women of Tri Delta will be hosting their annual Delta House of Pancakes, a pancake dinner in which all proceeds are donate to patients, treatment and research at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Contact me or any Tri Delta member on campus if you are interested. This event will take place at the Tri Delta House. Tickets are only $5 and for a wonderful cause!! :)

OKState Flashmob!

For my Advanced PR Media class, we decided to learn certain PR skills and strategies by having fun. :) Recently at Oklahoma State University, The School of Journalism and Broadcasting changed their name to The School of Media and Strategic Communications. To promote this, my professor along with our class decided to do a Flashmob. In class one day, we watched the T-mobile Flashmob commercial and discussed the great amount of success it received to advertise their "Life is for Sharing" campaign. A Flashmob is a random group of people assembling in a public place to perform a rehearsed routine.

This event took much preparing by recruiting OSU students to participate, deciding means of sound, choosing the songs for the mixtape, three dance rehearsals, tshirt designing, and of course, the time, place and location. We knew this event would be about a months work of planning so we decided the first Big 12 football game against Texas A&M University would be a perfect time.  Every game day, OSU has The Spirit Walk. This is when the football players walk from their hotel to the football stadium. Many fans, students and families gather to cheer them on. Immediately following the Spirit Walk, we performed our Flashmob. It was so much fun and we really had a great turn out. We danced to songs anywhere from "Teach Me How to Dougie" to "Should Have Been a Cowboy" to "Footloose".

We are beginning the process of gathering our video and camera material to creat a documentary of our entire process and planning. This will really help us further our knowledge in Public Relations. Pictures and the final video will be posted soon! But for now, here is the youtube video to get an idea. OKstate Flashmob Raw Footage

Oh and P.S.-- We beat A&M that night!

America's Greatest Homecoming Celebration

It has officially been 50 years of Homecoming tradition for Oklahoma State University. This year's Homecoming theme is "Cowboy Nation" as shown in the image to the left. With one month until the major event, the entire Greek system is in preparation. Tedious hours spent pomping (sticking tissue paper into chicken wire to create an enormous breathtaking image) and welding keep the members of OSU sororities and fraternities very busy this time of year. During the annual Walkaround Greek members have the opportunity to show off their masterpieces. This is OSU's biggest and best Homecoming tradition held on the evening of Friday, Oct. 22.

Several other events take place to celebrate Oklahoma State and their wonderful alumni during Homecoming week. Fortunately, this year I have been asked by my sorority to be in charge of the annual Harvest Carnival. This is the first tradition that began OSU's Homecoming. Children of the Stillwater community always enjoy this event. It is specifically put on my OSU students in various organizations. Its great for families to come and enjoy games, prizes and music along with the Chili Cook Off. This event will be held Tuesday, Oct. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Payne County Expo Center.

There are so many traditions during Homecoming week that really make that week so special for the OSU campus and Stillwater community. One of my favorites is when Theta Pond is luminous with orange lights decorated all around it as shown in the photo above. Also, The Fountain located directly in front of Edmon Low Library is dyed orange during the entire week. Greek members also have a sign contest to correlate with the "Cowboy Nation" theme and they are all put on library lawn during the week for the entire campus to view. Homecoming and Hoops is the traditional spirit rally that takes place right after Walkaround. It is a great time for school spirit and also to introduce the upcoming basketball season and players.

I would encourage EVERYONE to attend one of the most wonderful and exciting traditions Oklahoma State has to offer. I remember how amazed my family and I was my freshman after experiencing that week and weekend for the first time. Don't miss out on America's Greatest Homecoming Celebration!

Relaxation Does Not Exist in College



There are times when I want to stop my college life in its tracks. But as I've grown into my junior year, I am feeling more and more overwhelmed and dying to speed up the process to graduation. People say college is the best four years of your life. But I couldn't imagine ever being more stressed in the future than I am now in the midst of college. I am a full-time student, part-time worker, sorority member, involved in two clubs on campus, participating in the ever so tedious OSU Homecoming festivities, and still manage a social life. I guess this is just a matter of growing up. The older I am, the more responsibility I have. I think what I would want most is freshman year. The year where everything and everyone was new. Classes took some adjusting but when looking back, they were so simple and required much less effort than my classes now. If I could relive any of the moments that year, I would. 

Sometimes I feel as though the material we go over in my classes pertains directly to me. Like I was meant to hear it. In my Spanish class, we are reading Rosario Tijeras and sometimes I feel as though the narrator is speaking and feeling the same way I do. Days like those I never feel stressed. Because somehow it does not feel like a to do list anymore. When I truly enjoy what I am learning, I am fine. I guess that's why my mother has always told me, "Do what makes you happy and you will never have to work a day in your life."



I would highly reccommend this novel. And yes, there is an English translation.



An Introduction..

My name is Meghan Donnelly. I am a junior at Oklahoma State University, studying Public Relations and Spanish. Raised in small town near Fort Worth, Texas in a close-knite family of five children, college was an entire new lifestyle for me and has changed me in more ways than I could have imagined. I am very excited to begin blogging and sharing my thoughts to readers. My blog will be written in a journal form about my college experiences. I will share my life here at Oklahoma State. It will consist of topics discussed in my classes, events and news on the OSU campus, sorority life, campus involvement and certain lessons and ideas I have learned in the past two years of my college education. I would love to have feedback and opinions from all readers of my blog. Social media has made a tremendous impact on my generation and day to day life. I will enjoy this new experience of an online journal and hope to share both informative and influential blogs.