Three Takeaways From JRN 450

Conquering another semester puts me one step closer to receiving my degree. December 2017 is creeping up quickly. Thirty more credit hours, an internship, plenty of laughs and probably a few tears stand between me and a piece of paper that serves as a ticket to my future. 

As fall 2016 comes to a close, I will return home with many memories and life-lessons tucked away. After taking a public relations writing course this semester, I can honestly say I feel not only more skilled but also more confident personally and professionally. 

If you do not have the pleasure of taking JRN 450 with Jim Wojcik, I can fill you in on some of the most valuable things I took away from this course. 

WARNING: If you're looking for a breakdown of the class syllabus, this is not the blog for you. (See takeaway three below). 

TAKEAWAY 1: It's better to make mistakes in the classroom than in the workplace. 

We're in college to learn. Trust me, before this class I would check my grades routinely to see how many points were deducted from minor assignments or exams; I would spend time calculating my semester GPA. Although there is a tremendous amount of pressure on us as students to keep our grades up to maintain a scholarship or feel successful, there should be more of a focus on learning from our mistakes. Sure, receiving a 60 percent on an assignment may seem like the end of the world, but chances are you will never make the same mistakes in the future. Learn from your mistakes. (Oh and never spell a client's name wrong — that's a major screw up!)

TAKEAWAY 2: Stop worrying about things that will probably never happen. 

I'll admit it: I worry about everything. But throughout this course, I have been reminded that half the things that we worry about will probably never even happen. It is impossible to be prepared for every hand you're dealt. It's important to sit back, relax and trust yourself. Chances are... you probably know a lot more than you think you do. 

TAKEAWAY 3: Life doesn't come with a syllabus. 

The first day of JRN 450 I had a mini panic attack (refer to takeaway two) because the syllabus for this course does not come with a schedule. I have become so reliant on schedules and advanced plans that I was convinced I wouldn't make it through the course. At first, I was concerned coming into class with no agenda for the day, but I slowly figured out that I was capable enough to succeed. Our professor set us up for success each day — even if that meant letting us off on our own. Life doesn't come with a syllabus, and that's okay.

Typing this entry will be the last assignment I complete for the semester. I am proud to say I have developed my portfolio through this course with diverse, quality pieces. More so, I have developed as a person. I have been pushed out of my comfort zone and haven't looked back. I would highly recommend taking this course with Professor Wojcik, because you learn more than simply writing a press release or a fact sheet — you learn about yourself. 

NFL Teams Risk Being Fined for Social Media Posts

A recent CNN article caught my attention. The article explained fines NFL teams may face for posts to social media. According to the article, from kickoff up until an hour after the game, teams are prohibited from posting their own videos. Additionally, teams cannot livestream games or plays.

The only content that can be shared by teams on social media is NFL-owned videos on Twitter and Snapchat. By limiting their posting power to reposting NFL-owned videos, this undeniably brings more traffic to the NFL's social media. These limitations allow for only one perspective of the game to be viewed — all of which is controlled by the NFL.

A tweet from Chad Ochocinco, a former wide receiver, mocking past fines from the NFL. 

If the rules are broken, a team can face up to $100,000 in fines. It is interesting that social media has become such a major part of not only every day life, but also major corporations. Although social media is meant to be used as a platform to share content and connect with others, the NFL's recent decision shows how being a part of a certain professional organization can limit the content you post.

As a college student, there is always someone dwelling on the importance of monitoring social media and considering how it could impact our future as young professionals. Although these limitations are only in place surrounding game time, it will be interesting to monitor the NFL's future requirements regarding social media.

Queen For A Day

What would you change if you were queen for a day?

Initially, this question sounds a lot like "What would you do if you were the class president?" Free chocolate milk and candy for everyone of course! But after taking this question into careful consideration, it really made me think. What would I change?

Coming from the generation of technology lovers and social media junkies, millennials have been labeled as "lost" and "out of touch". Although I may buy into a company with an apple as the logo, I do remain current on issues in America and believe there is room for change — other than my Facebook profile picture. 

As queen for a day, I would make three major changes. 

Source | Cincinnati Museum Center/Getty Images

1. Let's eliminate the wage gap! According to NWLC, women who work full time in the United States make 79 cents for every dollar paid to a man. This gap is even larger for women of color. It's 2016 and I believe everyone is entitled to equal pay for equal work. How can we address raising minimum wage in this country when there is still a significant difference in the amount one makes 

based off of their gender? 

Source | The Huffington Post

2. Enforce the message that Black Lives MATTER. It may seem impossible, but I have hopes that one day people will realize the #BlackLivesMatter movement is real and necessary. I cringe every time I hear someone argue "Well ALL lives matter...". Yes, all lives do matter; however, in America, for as long as anyone can remember, the lives of African Americans have been treated as if they do not. This is something I encourage everyone to do more research on. I cannot blame you for growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood — my hometown is known as "The Bubble" — but there is no excuse to remain ignorant to the issue at hand. 

Source | Google

3. Truly give everyone an equal opportunity to further education. I am lucky enough to attend a university and pursue a degree that I am not only passionate about, but one that will help me gain a stable job in the future. Money is touchy subject in America, and I am fully aware that it's not as easy as it sounds to give away education for free. However, I do believe it is possible to take steps in the right direction to make education a realistic option for those who would not be able to do so otherwise. As every person who holds this belief may say, "Germany has tuition-free universities, why can't we?"

Although I am a millennial, I am not completely naive. I know there is a reason things are the way they are, but that does not mean they have to change. If I was queen for a day and had a dedicated team and unlimited resources I would work tirelessly to make these dreams a reality. Until then, I will use my voice to spread my passion. 

Smiling Her Way Past the Media to the White House

It is easy to be manipulated by the media.

Clinton shown looking off into the distance. | CNN

With the presidential election edging closer, it seems to be the hottest topic of conversation. Whether we're on social media, flipping through the news or making small talk with acquaintances, Clinton and Trump are an assumed topic of interest. Although I am not particularly fond of either candidate, it is important that I remain current on the election — it is my future that will be impacted.

Clinton captured smiling during an interview. | Getty Images

As a young woman in America, it is difficult to watch the way the media dissects Clinton's every move, ranging from the way she dresses to her facial expressions. I am not a direct advocate for her, but it is disheartening to see headlines about her physical appearance and surface-level demeanor rather than the issues she's debating or policies she is in favor of. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but the commentary about her being too "cold" or "aloof" are unnecessary.


It is understandable that not everyone supports Hillary or her pursuit of the oval office, but it is unacceptable to attack her for these characteristics. If she was man she would not be criticized. If she was a man she would not be questioned. If she was a man people would have more to say than "smile!". As a woman of power, society has drawn a fine line between cold and condescending — people refuse to empathize with this standard.

Clinton spoke out about the public's perception of her personality and looks in a recent Humans of New York post. I do not encourage anyone to vote for Clinton if they do not support her views or proposed agenda, but I do encourage everyone to take a moment, step back and reevaluate why we view her the way we do. Is it the media? Is it her gender?

I will leave the rest up to you.

Where to Next? An Aspiring World Traveler's Journey.

Famous love locks in the city of love — Paris. 

Traveling the world is something that appears on many peoples' bucket lists — including my own.

I have been lucky enough to have traveled to a few places within the United States, as well as aboard. In high school I was presented with the opportunity to travel with some of my peers to Spain and France. This trip was something that changed my outlook on travel and has instilled a love for other cultures within me.

When traveling to Europe, I was slightly concerned with my ability to communicate with locals while there. At the time, I had taken a few years of Spanish classes which classified me as barely proficient. Although we would be spending time in France, I spoke no French.

Spain was one of the most special places I have ever been, but my time in France was absolutely life-changing. Simple tasks like ordering food and navigating around a city were no longer effortless.

A small cafe tucked away in the streets of Paris.

My short time abroad has influenced my love for travel. I hope to broaden my perspective of the world and meet people from all walks of life. 

Where to next?

Caffeine Chronicles: The Coffee Room

After several semesters free of Friday classes, I had forgotten it is indeed possible to have a productive start to the weekend.

This week, my Friday agenda consisted of actually making it to my morning class, attending a meeting and exploring downtown Mount Pleasant's coffee scene. Some may say my addiction to caffeine is a problem — I prefer to accept it as my legal drug of choice.

A friend and I ended up downtown at The Coffee Room, a recent addition to the area. The atmosphere of the shop was very simple and clean with many natural wood accents.

A hand-crafted sign displayed on a wall in The Coffee Room.

And if the atmosphere had not already won me over, the coffee and pastry selection was surely the way to my heart. What's coffee without a doughnut — ya know?

An incredible doughnut paired with an (even more incredible) iced latte.  

Overall, The Coffee Room has quickly become one of my new favorite places for a mid-day boost. If you're ever strolling down Broadway Street I would highly recommend stopping by.

An Introduction

Anyone who grew up in the early 2000s may understand the inspiration behind the name of this blog. "As Told by Ginger", aired on Nickelodeon nearly 10 years ago, was a cartoon focusing on the common struggles and development of teenagers. My name is Catherine and I hope to use this blog as a platform to discuss my experiences as a college student at Central Michigan University in the same way this television show did for me so many years ago. Attending a university is both difficult and rewarding, which is why I would like to share my experiences and the experiences of others. Welcome to my blog, and fire up!