Sunday, November 22, 2009
Career Fair held on Campus
By Nisha Streeter
Register Reporter
Published: Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Updated: Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The JOMC EXPO, a career fair for journalism and mass communication majors, gave students the opportunity to interview with local broadcasting companies searching for prospective interns and employees. The career fair was held in the Exhibit Hall of the Student Union, on Monday.
While at the fair, students were able to get their resumes critiqued and enhanced by A&T alumnae and News & Record staff writer Tiffany S. Jones. Jones also has experience writing for The Grape Vine, The Jackson (Tenn.) Sun, and Burlington Times-News.
Jones began her studies as a broadcast news major and then changed to print journalism.
“Journalism involves asking questions, and regurgitating facts in a creative way. You have a skeleton, which is a guideline for you to follow,” Jones said. “Writing is solely creativity, there are no constraints. “There are opportunities to be creative in journalism, don’t get me wrong. But, you do have to follow certain guidelines,” she explained.
Jones also spoke to students about what information to include in their resumes and cover letters. She suggested that students include relevant information in their resumes aimed for the job they are applying for, and to place unrelated information in the cover letter, to give employers more information about other skills.
“I wish more students would get involved with the Career Services. Many students need help preparing resumes and prepping for interviews. Some need assistance and guidance for appropriate dress code, and professional procedures,” Jones said.
She went on to describe her personal appearance during the time she was launching her career. “I had a relaxer coming in, now I have locks. I made changes to my appearance to fit my personality once I had the job, and was secured with my position. People have to be able to adjust, believe it or not,” Jones said.
Travis Lane, a senior mass communication major with a concentration in broadcasting, spent time interviewing with several companies at the career fair. “I want to edit coverage for new stations, and small companies. Then I would like to even go as far as editing movies and films,” Lane said.
Lane started college as an undecided major. “ I watched a lot of ESPN, and movies. I was very fascinated with how they edited their production films and recordings,” he said. During his sophomore year, he chose journalism and mass communications. “ At first I just made a decision so that I would have a major,” he said.
Lane said he helped a friend create a personal hip-hop video, and the editing of that project further convinced him to pursue his degree in broadcast journalism.
Lane interviewed with companies TV13 Greensboro, and the Gospel Station TCT during the career fair.
Jasmine Wood, a sophomore journalism and mass communication major with a concentration in public relations, said she plans to focus on the fashion industry and become a publicists for an eminent designer once she is done servicing in the military.
“This is my first JOMC fair. The fair was very informative. I learned a lot from this experience,” Wood said. “ I see a lot of areas in which I can improve. I feel like I am ahead of the game. I was one of the few sophomores to attend the fair.”
Wood said she created her own blog site, in which she uploads her articles and documents. She displayed material from her blog to potential employers.
Her portfolio consists of stories, question-and-answer articles, and slideshows of events she attended and reported on campus.
“My blog’s purposes are to educate and make people aware of activities taking place on campus. It also allows people to enjoy my work, and give me suggestions or appraisals,” she said.
As the JOMC department continues to grow, it hopes to organize bigger fairs. The department hopes to hold another career fair in the Spring.
In the meantime, students can visit the Office of Career Services in 101 Murphy Hall, Jones suggested. “I encourage people to go to OCS, use your resources.”
Monday, November 16, 2009
International Aggies celebrate "Dia De Los Muertos"
By Nisha Streeter
Register Reporter
Published: Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Updated: Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Glitter, confetti and googly eyes illuminated the Student Union on Friday, Oct. 23rd as International and national students exposed their inner-child when they were given the chance to cut, glue and color Calaveras and Calacas (“skulls’” and “skeletons”) during a celebration of ‘Dia de los Muertos’ (Day of the Dead).
Dr. Maria Palmer, Director of the Multicultural Center, organized the ‘Dias de Los Muertos’ event, to educate students on another culture besides their own. It also gave the International students a chance to interact with other students who also attend A&T.
‘Dias de los Muertos’, also known as the Day of the Dead, is a ritual celebrated in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries. It’s a joyous occasion to celebrate the memory of ancestors and the continuity of life.
The celebration occurs on Nov. 1st and Nov. 2nd annually. Traditions include building private altars honoring the deceased, using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed. It is believed that during the Day of the Dead, it is easier for the souls of the deceased to visit the living. Families intentionally encourage visits by the souls.
“The celebration of ‘Dias De los Muertos’ is very important, because it allows some Aggies who have never had an opportunity to be exposed to these customs to be a part of it, enjoy it and understand it,” said Palmer. “So, that then it becomes something that they can relate to. So that there’s no fear, and they won’t be scared of it.”
Students gathered around to taste the authentic Mexican food and snacks that were served. The menu consisted of Pan de Muertos, Jamaica, Tortillas, and Tortas. “Agua de Jamaica” and hibiscus juice were served to wash down the refreshments.
“I love the Spanish culture; I’ve been in every Spanish club growing up. I love being involved in any and all activities associated with it,” said Joseph Jabre, a junior computer science major. “We are celebrating the Day of the Dead—meaning that we are celebrating those who have passed. So, it’s more of a festival of love.”
“It’s a fun time it allows people to come together and share their own cultures,” said Palmer.
Palmer led the students as they sang “Demos Gracias” before eating the main entrée ‘Tortas”. Tortas, a Mexican sandwich served with avocado, peppers, meat and cheese, seemed to be a favorite among the attendees, as there was a high demand for it.
Students came back for seconds and asked where to purchase the delicious dish. Also served was Pan de Muertos, bread of the dead, which is often shaped into skulls and round loaves with strips of dough rolled out and attached to resemble bones. It is described as a sweet treat for the dead.
“The things that we don’t understand sometimes become a source of fear or distrust. Then we think, “What is going on?” We might hear about Dias De Los Muertos, and think it’s worshiping the dead. It becomes a threatening idea. But, if you understand what is being celebrated and you participate then you start to relate, you can draw parallels, and make connections to things you might do in your culture” said Palmer.
Kambale Musavuli, student coordinator of Friends of the Congo said, “Mourning--Whenever some passes away here (American Culture), there’s a feeling of sadness, people cry, people are down. But in some traditional cultures whenever someone passes away they are moving to another level, so it’s like a celebration knowing that the person is going to a higher level.” Musavuli is originally from the Congo.
Alisha Phillips, a senior foreign language major from Harlem, NY and president of the Aggie Spanish -Interest group, smiled as she cut her mini skull heads out into shape. She then applied glue, and dressed the skulls with glitter, and feathers.
Philips took pleasure in being engaged in such a magnificent occasion. “It’s always warming to see people of various ethnicities coming together to celebrate and pay homage to other cultures.”
SUAB helps diversify students' palates
By Nisha Streeter
Contributor
Published: Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Updated: Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The Student Union was filled to capacity as students eagerly awaited outside the doors of the Exhibit Hall. Lines were extended outside of the Union due to high attendance.
The Student Union Advisory Board (SUAB) organized the event, which featured dishes from Mexico, Japan, Italy, China, and the Caribbean Islands. Students anticipated the opportunity to sample dishes from different regions around the world.
Students were elated, at the stunning settings as the doors opened. Each country had special lighting and authentic décor to ensure that students received a real-feel of all the cultures.
Students were able to taste samples of the dishes, while watching a short slide show featuring the dishes and educating them on each culture. Authentic music from each region filled the air, causing students to dance and feel as if they were truly in the countries.
Caterer Alex Sanabria said, “It’s like stepping into a jet airplane, and traveling the world.”
“You get to feel the ethnicity of all these regions,” said Sanabria explaining his prospective from the evening. “The food was absolutely delicious.”Students got to travel the world inexpensively, better yet free. The program provided an opportunity to take a flight without actually purchasing tickets.
First stop on the flight was Mexico. Sombreros and cactuses bordered the main dish; chicken tacos. The background setting was illuminated in green, white and red lighting accenting the Mexican Flag and guitar ornate.
Freshman business management major Shauntae Tratt said, “I didn’t expect so many people to attend.”
“I enjoyed this event because it gave students an opportunity to experience food from different places, not to mention a good breakaway from McDonalds,” said Tratt who is also a Bermuda native.
Japan was the next destination as kimonos, fans and swords framed the area. Students had the choice of sampling tuna, lobster, salmon and vegetable sushi rolls, and California rolls. Both choices were served with soy sauce and gusabi.
“International Night at A&T was a wonderful experience. We were able to intake various cuisines, five that I never visited before,” senior economics major Derian Quick said. “After this experience I would love to visit these places to try even more cuisines,” said Quick.
Stops to the Caribbean Islands, Italy, and China followed. The Jamaican jerk chicken was a favorite among students, catered by the well-known restaurant the Reggae Café.
Sophomore psychology major Alicia Richardson said, “I have been working with The Student Union Advisory Board for two years now. I am also a member of the International Minority Affairs Committee.”
Richardson said, “I enjoy organizing events that Aggies will remember, learn and enjoy from. International Food night is an ideal way to bring A&T students together through culture.”
Students indulged in Italy’s famous meatballs and mozzarella sticks. China offered attendees pigs in a blanket, egg rolls, Kun Pao Chicken and rice.
Mr. Aggie, James Shropshire said, “SUAB always puts on successful events and we really care about the students. I enjoyed promoting this event everyday, through Facebook, flyers and word of mouth.”
“When I put the flyers on Facebook, I tagged all of my friends so they could view the flyers and pass on the event to others,” said Shropshire. Shropshire said he also updated his statuses on Facebook to remind students of the event.
Attendees were given a survey with a series of questions about the event. The purpose of the survey was to find out what students enjoyed, disliked and would like to experience in the future.
Quick said, “I enjoyed the commodity of Aggies. I like everything that puts us together even after homecoming. Most people think we wont get together after a big event like that, but this showed that we still have AGGIE PRIDE.”
“This was a very unique experience. Not only did students get to encounter the culture, but they were also able to witness something tangible,” said Shropshire.
Shropshire said the atmosphere created for each country allowed students to place themselves within the culture.
“It gave them a chance to be in the moment of people coming together to share the Aggie experience, which is both educational and cultural,” said Shropshire.
