Ashley is Abroad

**Ashley is studying abroad in London through SU Abroad for the Spring '10 semester. Because she will be busy studying, traveling etc. she will most likely not be keeping up with her blog. Please come back next semester when she resumes regular blogging! In the mean time, check out all our other blogs, including our other CRS bloggers - Terrance (of "Simply Terrance") and "Katie & Jaclyn".**
~VPA

As I Say Goodbye....

As I say goodbye to "The CUSE" this semester
I remember the good times and all its splendor
10 page papers and reading quizzes too
Makes me more excited to bid adieu
I'm ready for the fun and adventure back at home
No more of this white stuff Syracuse calls snow
Of course I'll miss my friends and fun classes
But I'm ready to head to London for some fish n' chips in a basket
This little rhyme may be for beginners only
But I'm a Communications major, so you know it's not phony.
I'm simply trying to spread a little laughter, cheers, and warm news
I'm ALWAYS representing "The Cuse" As I Say Goodbye blues

Well that's it, that's all for this rhyme
Catch me next year, and I'll continue the good time

SURPRISE

So you guys all no that I have an extremely busy week this week right? Well out of no where today in one of my classes (which ends on Thursday)my professor decided that it would awesome to have a 5 page paper due on Monday instead of a of another reading quiz!!!!!!! Now to some this could be seen as harsh, unfair, or down right mean. But sometimes one needs to look to the brighter side. Instead of having multiple essay questions, long nights and about four cups of coffee studying a large range of material for a test. A paper requires only a few necessities such as: thesis questions, and a couple points to talk about. Maybe it's not as difficult as studying for a test, which I don't mind, but at this point so far I can handle a little paper. (But don't quote me on that until the end of the week....I could be dreading it because of the other papers that I have to write : )

Finals

So this semester I totally lucked out with my classes. I have no finals just papers and tests. Imagine putting in 2 weeks of all your classes into one week....yikes!! I have a test tuesday, five page paper wednesday, test thursday, all my homework for my accounting class due by friday, and a portfolio due on friday...CRAZY HUH? I'm only taking four classes, but it is every class jam-packed into one week. This weekend I am working hard to get started and finish many of my tasks. It's going to be crazy, but I'm looking to the brighter side of things. While everybody else is stressed and struggling with their finals during actual finals week, I will be sitting back and enjoying my time until I leave at the end of the month. Oh yeah, I almost forgot I will also be getting ready for London!

*LONDON OR BUST.....*

Okay so the count down for my study abroad to London is getting closer and closer. I cannot wait until I hop on the plane, and fly across the pond. Paying the bills, getting my visa together, and preparing my life (along with some stress) is all worth it. Lately it has been hard to stay focused with all of this advance planning, and trying to maintain myself this semester. But I know that the hard work is going to pay off. Despite the fact that I may come back with a little less cash in my pocket, I know it is going to be worth the wait, time, and energy. I have London on my mind, and it's exciting.

Communications: Newhouse vs. Visual and Performing Arts

Okay, so I had the opportunity to be a student Ambassador for VPA and talk with parents and students about the VPA college in general, and specifically about the different departments. Well, when I spoke with students who were interested in Communication and Rhetorical studies, people thought it was television and reporting. Not discrediting Newhouse whatsoever, but VPA communication is not like Newhouse, but does have similar characteristics incorporated into the programs. I just want to clarify only a few points about each so that maybe students will understand the difference.

VPA: Communications:

*People based- (as a CRS major you are a people-person. You will learn how to interact with an assortment of people and learn how to go from impersonal to interpersonal)

*Rhetoric- The amazing word that everyone wants to know what means. (book definition- the art of finding in any given situation the avaliable means of persuasion) Basically, you know how to make a legitament point of perspective and back it up

* Argumentation- For all of you people out there who love to argue this is for you- but CRS takes it a step further with learning how to argue with a purpose and making points

* Writing- Learn how to express yourself through personal writing, and articulate points through other text that you will be reading.

You will also learn how to present yourself in a small and large group setting and by dynamic in the sense that you have confidence and know what and how to present your topic.

Newhouse communication-

*Business oriented- if you are more intersted in the business side to communication, such as producer for television, advertising, and public relations. This is great for you

Communication in Newhouse is more for a broader perspective of the business, as compared to VPA communication which is of more individual development.

Both departments are exceptional and have amazing strengths and students who leave both departments prepared for the real world. It simply depends on what you are looking for.

*I'M BAAAACCCCKKKK*

HEY EVERYONE

Can you believe that this semester is almost over. I honestly think that first semester classes go by so much faster then any other semester. I also think that it is going by so fast for me because I am getting excited for my study abroad program in LONDON!!!!!! :-) I still can't believe it. I don't think it will hit me fully until I am actually on the plane. It has been hard work getting everything together, classes, finances, everything; but it has been a great experience for me. I have already learned even more about deadlines and time management. I just can't wait to get on that plane and head overseas. And don't worry, I will be taking tons of pictures of all the places that I go too- and yes I'm am one of those types of people who takes pictures of everything.

Well I'll be back with more great things later