We are wrapping up the second semester of sfasYOU.com, comprised of students enrolled in MCM 430-New Media. Over the course of two semesters, sfasYOU.com had 397 posts! Combining video, audio, stills and great journalism, visitors to sfasYOU.com were rewarded with a new media experience.
The class and site will resume fall 2012 under a new course name: MCM 440 Backpack Journalism. Be sure to check us out starting September 2012. Until then we hope you have an enjoyable summer.
sfasYOU.com
SFA student, Roland Solomon, beats the economy by saving gas and riding a bicycle to local destinations.
Christina Swedler's Dorm room at Wisely Hall
The Effect College has on its Students
Every year new students and graduate students come and leave SFA with new experiences and find new things that bug them when they go home now that they have from their independence from there family. With the end of the school year coming up at the end of the week students are getting ready to head home for the summer. For some students, they are happy to head back home to be with their families for the summer, while some dread going home and being away from all of there college friends.
Going to college changes everyone, know matter who they are. Everyone grows when they move away from home to go to a new place and meet new people. People usually don’t realize how much they have changed or grown up until they go home for the first time. Especially when they go and meet up with some of their high school friends and realize that they don’t have anything in common anymore. As well as a whole new list of pet peeves that you didn’t realize until you go back home.
To give you some examples from real students at SFA I went around campus and asked them how college has changed them, and if there is anything at home that bothers them now that didn’t bother them when they where in high school.
Brady Worden, Freshman
“College has been one of the best things in my life. It has taught me how to be independent, not only from my parents but from my friends as well. Since I have been in college I have got to make new friends that have the same interest and likes as I do. Which is a lot different then the friends that I went to high school with, since we were mainly friends because we had the same classes together or because we went to the same schools growing up.”
“Now when I go home it really bothers me for the first couple of day i’m home when my parents always want to know where I am and were I am going. Im not sure why this bothers me so much, since when I lived at home before they would always ask the same questions. I guess I am so use to just walking out of my dorm and not worrying about telling someone where I am going or what I am doing.”
Christina Schwedler, Sophomore
“College has changed me by teaching me responsibility. Now that I am paying for my own education, I take my work very seriously. I can’t rely on my mom to wake me up every morning or help me find my missing (everything). I manage to have become very independent and I like that about myself.”
“The only thing that bugs me when I go home is when people eat off my plate. Here in college, I prepare my own food, and then I eat my own food. I hate it when my family members walk by and take a handful of strawberries that I just cut, or take a bite out of the sandwich I just made.”
Jaclyn Bush, Junior
“I’m more aware of how people interact and how to interact with people. I’m more assertive, and I’m more comfortable sharing and having my opinion. The expectation that I’m supposed to know what career path I’m supposed to follow by now annoys me.”
“ One of the things that bugs me when I go home now is that I don’t really have a place of my own anymore. My old room has been redecorated and turned into the guest room, so its no longer my room. Also it is a pain in the butt to have all of my cloths, shoes, and other stuff is split between my apartment and my home. I always want something that is left at the other place.”
Amanda Mauldin, Senior
“College has made me a lot more independent, now that I live off-campus I have to pay rent and bills which will help me get prepared for the real world. Even if I am paying all of the bills with my parents money, it teaches me what I am going to have to do when I graduate. College has also made me a better person while being here, I am smarter and have learned to tell who my real friends are. I have also met the love of my life here at SFA and we are scheduled to get married this coming December.”
“When I go home I get really annoyed that there aren’t very may college students around just a bunch of high schoolers, that think they are all that. I also live in a bigger town, so there is a lot more traffic and crazy drivers. I have to make sure I always look at what time its before I go to certain parts of town so I don’t get caught up in major traffic. I find myself missing the college town environment after about a day or two.“
Marla Pollard, Graduate Student
“College has made me much more independent. I am also much more responsible and manage my time much more effectively. Even participating in a college misery while I was a undergraduate, has gotten me a job there and real life job experience. As well as taught me how to talk to others students respectfully and how to help people out in times of need.”
“It bugs me that I don’t have a room or bed at home anymore. I have to sleep on the couch because my sister has taken over. For long breaks at home I just get tired of not being around my friends and I miss my complete independence.”
Throughout everyones’ college experience everyone and everything is changing. Whether it is how we see the world, how independent we become and how we treat others.College is where students grow from a kid to an adult in four years or more. We are all changing, hopefully for the better.
Meganksanford@aol.com
In order to go to a good concert as an SFA student chances are you’re in for a long commute. But for a vast group of SFA students it’s totally worth it. Justin Ikpo went to see the Black Keys in Houston last Tuesday at the Cynthia Woods Pavilion.
Justin said “I wish the concerts were closer but if you want to see the big bands you have to make the drive”. He also was willing to give plenty of tips on how to be a responsible concert gore on school nights while keeping it on a college kid budget.
Plan Ahead
Justin uses a feature on Ticketmaster.com that alerts him to when and where his favorite bands are playing well ahead of time. It’s called my TICKETMASTER. It lets you provide a list of favorites and makes suggestions based on your favorites, always providing a steady list of concert opportunities to your email. He also listens to the radio for pre-sale info. Justin says” it’s best to get you’re ticket early and during a pre-sale for the best prices and selection”. Once he finds out about the concerts he starts rallying friends that would want to attend the concert as well and making arrangements for carpool and splitting gas. “It’s important to get a car with good gas mileage and space so it’s cheaper to split up the gas money”,said Justin
Check your schoolwork
Once he finds out about the concert and when it is, Justin makes a conscious effort to make sure he stays ahead of his workload and doesn’t have any surprises come the day of the concert. Luckily all he had prior to The Black Keys was a test, which he got out of the way ahead of time. Justin admits to being a “procrastinator” and says, “Attending concerts in Houston and Dallas actually helps me get his homework done ahead of time. It’s like a reward system”.
Be prepared on concert day
When it finally comes to concert day in order to make it Houston or Dallas on time for the concerts, which usually begin around 7 or 7:30. Justin says, “it’s important to have a everyone on the same page and a meeting place established”. The person driving arrives at the meeting place with a full tank of gas and the car cleaned out. Everyone has to make sure they’re ready and went to the bathroom. “It’s kind of like a family road trip” Justin says “making sure everyone is situated and doesn’t need to stop. Then its time to hit the road everyone brings cash from parking, gas, and anything they want to buy at the concert.
Know your venues
Justin says it’s key to have at least one person in the group who’s been to the concert venue before. That way “you know where to park have a general idea of the restaurants and seating situation.” When Justin went this past Tuesday he made sure to bring a blanket for the lawn seats at the pavilion. He says, “ I would like to be closer but you can’t beat the price of lawn seats”. They range from 20-50 dollars and can sometimes be bought in packages. You can bring your own chairs or blankets and it allows for a more relaxed setting than regular seating.
Have fun and get back on time
Once the concerts over it’s time to buy t-shirts and get everyone to the car. Justin says, “t-shirts are a key part of the experience it’s like a trophy to bring back to Nac”. Then it’s just a matter of getting back to SFA in time to get a little sleep before school the next day. You can see a video from the concert here.
adamahelm@yahoo.com
![[L-R] Jocelyn Stephens work is presented in black and white, while Rosebeth Akharamen work is presented with her brother and wife's anniversary photo.](http://www.sfasyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Image1-300x140.jpg)
(L-R) J.Cole Photography displays her black and white work, while M.A. Photography displays a couple she shot.
The new emergence – the photo-shoot craze .
Graduations, self-portraits, newborn photos, weddings, prom, a child’s first recital, everything now of days are captured behind a lens. In a world that’s based on image more than inner beauty, of sometimes we lose sight of what matters the most; self. Documenting two student photographers here on campus, I learned that there is quite a bit of passion with photography.
Rosebeth Akharamen
Rosebeth Akharamen, 22, senior, a Health Sciences major and Child development minor from Houston, Texas shares her experience with owning a DSLR on campus.
Owning her first DSLR professional camera in the winter of 2009, Rosebeth became fascinated with the art of photography. At the mere age of 19, she was in and about, snapping photos of different events around campus. One in which was with Fonzworth Bentley, a musician and author who worked and assisted for music mogul, Sean “Diddy” Combs. That event was hosted by the Multicultural Center back in 2010. He talked about success and how important it is to get an education while were young.
“That was one of the biggest projects, I’ve ever done.” She states.
Owning a Canon DSLR camera, she knew right away that a Canon would be her first choice. “I already owned a Canon point and shoot so, me choosing a Canon DSLR wasn’t hard at all.” Akharamen said.
Gradually working her way with cameras Akharamen’s first camera was one from Walgreens, she talks about how she hated it due to the low quality. “I hate it! The quality was so low…I don’t even remember the name of it.”
“The Canon I decided to try out a camera with a long zoom so I received the Sony Cyber-shot.”Over the course of receiving her DSLR camera, she received a Canon Power shot and Sony Cyber-shot.
There are many areas of photography you can go into, from fashion editorials to studio portrait work or even nature photography. But one area that has sparked her interest would be graduation shoots; she finds enjoyment in making her clients happy.
“It has been a great experience especially since I never thought people would be asking me to take their pictures in the first place.” She continues. “Graduation season is great for me… I guess some people do like my work so they hire me.”
Although she’s taking one day at a time, she’s unsure if photography might be the big-deal breaker for her. Stating that taking her time is what she’s dwelling on right now. “Who knows what my future holds I’m taking it one day at a time if the Lord wants me to do this then he will put it to action.”
Akharamen loves working with DSLR cameras, stating that she loves the professional look of the overall photo is enough satisfaction for her.
“DSLR is more of an advancement to pictures; you get more focus and an overall different view of your subjects. Whereas point and shoots are your basic eye level cameras they take nice photos for your basic needs.”
Working with students can sometimes be a bit overwhelming she states, but that doesn’t stop her love for taking photos of special occasions.
“I love the advantages that come with students which are taking photos of sentimental moments caught.” She continues, “I can also explore the city of Nacogdoches, the wild life is beautiful and in plus this gives me a much needed time to practice.”
Displaying several advantages to taking photos on campus, she also explains the not-so-worthy side of campus photography.
“When dealing with the business there are a lot to consider, between how much to charge, explaining the fees and having people who actually understand why things are priced the way they are.”
“For now, I just do a basic rate.” She explains.
“I charge $85.00 for 15 different poses and if the client likes a few more I may just give them the poses at no extra charge. Usually they can ask for more or less though. They get 2 to 3 dress changes depending on the shoot and once edited the photos are put on a c.d for them to print.”
M.A Photography is one to definitely remember, if wanting to do a shoot for graduation or for a special occasion make sure to contact Rosebeth Akharamen for a booking! You can reach her through her facebook! Her website is underway!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/MA36-Photography/163654706981120
Jocelyn Stephens
Investing in a D5100 Nikon camera in February, Jocelyn Stephens, 21, graphic design major from Mesquite, Texas is an on campus photographer with an ambitious drive that is un-like no other.
Owning a Nikon L100 previously, the interview went rather short and quick with her knowledge of photography and dealing with the SFA student body.
When asked on how has taking photos on campus has benefited her business, she quickly states, “It helps with the word of mouth,” she continues, “This isn’t a giant campus, so my clientele increases over time.”
From taking professional graduation shoots to the residents of Nacogdoches, Jocelyn’s photography skills and efficiency is well-known around town. Her cool shades of angles and clear vibrancy of each shot, steers her photography career into full-drive. But luckily, she states that photography isn’t something she’s planning to make a career out of.
“It’s not something I’m aiming to make a career out of, but if it does happen, I am interested in fashion photography for magazines and even Victoria Secret fashion shows.”
Having experience with Fashion N Motion past shows, Stephens knows quite a bit about taking fashion photography. This semester, she actually joined the show—her, a model.
“DSLR’s requires the photographer to look through a viewing frame, while a point and shoot only requires you look at a screen while taking a shot. DSLRs aren’t as compact as point-and-shoots.” Knowing every bit about a camera, Stephen continues.
“This definitely is not my last camera purchase. I believe a true photographer should experience all realms of photography, including equipment. In the near future I want to purchase an external flash and light.”
A photographer at JC Penny Portrait Studio, Stephens knows a bit about the studio life photography. Working with babies, marriage clients and most of the time children, she knows quite a bit of everything— very hands on.
Her rates depend on the type of shoot and location, prices start from $40 down to $300, depending on what you want. J. Cole Photography is one to put on the list of things to do if youre in the Nacogdoches area. In the process of building her website with her artwork and photography you can reach Stephens through her Facebook!
www.facebook.com/JColephotography
Faidat.Bakare@gmail.com
Pros and Cons of Summer School
The decision to take summer classes is not always easy. There are a lot of factors to weigh before decided to spend your summer studying and working when you could be on vacation or chilling at home.
1. Getting into classes that are full in the regular semester
Since enrollment in summer school is significantly less than during the regular school year, there can be spaces to spare in classes that normally have waiting lists out the yin-yang. And you can often get times you like, like 10 in the morning, rather than five in the evening.
2. Smaller classes
It’s not at all uncommon to see classes that usually have 250 students being offered over the summer with only 25 students. Avoiding the monster classes at your mega-U is a real plus. You could actually be able to see and maybe even get to know your proffesor. Now, that’d be a first.
3. The relaxed environment
Everyone tends to loosen up a little during the summer, even professors. Some might shed their tweed jackets or pencil skirts and show up in shorts. Whether these are fashion faux pas or not, what’s not to like about a more laid-back instructor?
4. More intensive study of the subject
Summer school often runs for fewer than half the number of weeks of the regular semester, with classes meeting several hours every day. As a result, you get a rare chance to truly concentrate on the subject you’re studying, which is great if you’re really interested in the topic of the course.
5. Take courses not normally offered in the Fall and Spring semester
Sometimes professors take the opportunity to teach courses during a summer session that they aren’t able to handle during the year because of other teaching obligations. Or sometimes there’s fresh blood in the instructor pool-for example, visiting professors from other schools – and these folks provide offerings not available during the year. These classes can be real finds.
6. Completing a pre-requisite for a course you want to take in the fall
Summer can be a great time to knock off those pesky prerequisite so you can finally take a course you need for your major or are just really excited about.
7. Take requirements that are normally difficult
Some students who have trouble managing the math, science, or foreign-language requirements find that it can help to take the course in summer school. That’s because students usually take only one or two courses in summer school and can have an easier time learning fractional exponents or mastering delta-epsilon proofs when they don’t have to get their mind around other subjects at the same time.
1. It’s too intensive
Summer school classes are very compressed: They almost always meet an hour or two a day, five days a week. For some people, having class and homework every day as well as tests and papers due at more frequent intervals is just more than they can happily swallow.
2. Irregular faculty
Many faculty members, especially the well-paid ones, don’t want to be bothered teaching summer school. So it’s quite possible that there are folks teaching summer school who aren’t on the regular staff – and might not be as qualified as the regular staff (think TAs, faculty from other schools in the city, unemployed academics).
3. All the course material may not be completely covered
Yes, technically a summer school class is supposed to have the same stuff that the same class offered at another time covers, but many faculty find it difficult to actually accomplish this. Getting a semester’s worth of material into six weeks requires very careful planning, and it’s hard to plan right when it’s 100 degrees outside.
4. Summer school costs extra
You’ve already paid thousands and thousands of dollars for fall and spring (and, at many schools, can take as many courses as you like then). So why pay extra?
5. There’s a smaller selection of courses
Summer school classes tend to be weighted toward required courses that can net enough tuition-paying students to make them worthwhile to offer. Gotta love that capitalistic spirit.
6. It’s too hot to learn
Who wants to be inside some un-air-conditioned classroom when it’s so hot and humid that the only sane place to be is the beach?
7. Burnout
When taking summer school, you don’t get the proper break you need for rest and relaxation. After college when you start working more professionally, vacations and breaks aren’t guaranteed.