The most interesting thing about Mr. Jay Falgoust's presentation was his clothes. I was LMAO! It was as though he had just rolled out of bed and decided to give a presentation. Yet, he managed to be very informative. He is an NCCU alumni, graduating in 1992. For a time he served as co-editor of The Campus Echo before acquiring an internship at the Chapel Hill newspaper. He offers the advice to adhere to deadlines, plan internships in advance, ask questions and to not limit ourselves to just one option. Those words of advice seem to have paid off as he now has a prosperous position at USA Today.

Ms. Phylis Coley's intro was indeed interesting and at the same time encouraging. Most noted were her quotes that "you can't make the big money unless you demonstrate that you're worth it", "you can't put a dollar amount on integrity or reputation", "if we're not agressive, we will not get any money", "and do not expect to be catered to in the real world". In more words or less, her main point would have been to stress the importance of securing internships. After doing so, one will have the experience most companies seek. At this point, an individual can demand some level of attention when it comes to salary, not settling for less. This is what she meant by saying that we must be aggressive and prove that we're worth it. The last quote, "don't expect to be catered to..." proves that nothing is given to you. Whatever it is in life that an individual wants, he or she has to earn it.

I would like to comment on Mr. Hohenstein's presentation. He made it seemed so attainable to receive an education and then live out your dream within Mass media. It is an inspiration as well as motivation to continue to excel within myself and the pursuit of my goals. His most impressive personal accomplishment in my eyes would have to be working for a multitude of different radio stations before settling for a position at CBS. And also, that the station has begun to cut spending due to the state of the economy. It seems that the economic instability brings every individual together in the sense that it affects us all. But Mr. Hohenstein also is that guiding light that assures us we can make the same happen for ourselves. I thank you for your words and your time.

I thoroughly enjoyed the presentation of Louise Warenda and Tiffany Lawrence for capstrat. They were both very encouraging, and I hope that acquiring an internship is as simple as they made it sound. To solidify a position with such a company as an intern would be ideal for myself and definitely a goal. It would be a welcome addition to my resume.

I thoroughly enjoyed the presentation of Miss McCrae this past Friday afternoon. She was truly inspiring in all aspects. It is encouraging to see someone have that level of success in the area of media that interests myself. I hope to one day meet and interview celebrities and possibly even open a club. She is evidence that you have to begin somewhere, even if it is minimal, and work your way to the top. Hopefully, being a part-time student and working 40 hours a week, I will be just as lucky to make the right connections to the right people to get started in my field.

The comment made by Bryan Pitts that etches a place in my mind is that "discrimination still exists". Judging from personal experiences, I support his statement and conclude that race still is a major factor in society. Discrimination in the past was blatant and 'in-your-face'; today, it is more closeted. There are those that won't call you a 'nigger' upfront because they know that it is immoral. Instead they mentally form this same opinion of you, based on their own ideas of a particular racial group. It remains a challenge to alter people's perception of race after such discrimination has existed for so long. I'm pretty sure the fact that Barrack Obama won the candidacy for president was overwhelming in the homes of many minority families. I'm almost certain that the overall reaction was one in the same that, "a black man has become president of the United States." So unbelievable and historical it is only because most minorities have come to know the struggle and the inferiority that comes along with being such. We can only pray that this historical win is concrete evidence that America, at least most of it, wants to change for the better. Hopefully in the years to come, the issue of race will slowly dwindle away into matters of insignificance. One thing most noticeable about the inaugural celebration, is that it was widely publicized utilizing all forms of mass communication; tv, radio, newspaper, internet. I was driving and taking care of financial matters at the exact time that Barrack Obama was being sworn in. Then the events to follow, such as when the Obamas left the church, were detailed through radio broadcasts enought to make me feel as though I was actually there. It really hit me then how important and effective the methods of communication can be.

I sought to continue my education at NC Central University to better my financial and physical well-being. I aspire to be successful as a career journalist for a major newspaper or magazine, as writing is my passion. I chose to attend NCCU for the opportunity to attend a HBCU, affordability, and convenience. My interests vary from writing, music, film, and television and majoring in Mass Communications seems to be the most sensible method to embody all of these. After obtaining my B.A. I plan to continue and receive my M.A. within two years of graduating, while working in my field as a journalist or reporter to gain experience.