It's Over!

Well, as of a few hours ago, I am done with capstone. I am done with all the press releases, all the video editing, all the promotion materials, EVERYTHING! I have to admit I am a bit sad about the whole situation. Yes, it is a relief to be done, but not because I didn't enjoy it, but because, being in school, and working 2 jobs can be a handful. I have definitely learned so much about myself throughout this process. As I said before, I absolutely love the career field I chose, which makes me more excited to get out there and do it for real. I have now proven to myself, my client, and hopefully the capstone panel, that I can be successful in a PR field.

The presentation...

I know people who stayed up all night working on this, practicing, etc. I honestly did what I always do. I procrastinated and wrote an 8 page research paper for another class until midnight which left me with little to no time to go over my presentation. I ran through the power point quietly reciting my presentation to myself, then went to bed. My way of thinking throughout this whole thing has been this. I KNOW everything there is to know about this project. I CREATED it, so I was ready to finally tell the world (of RSU) what I have been working so hard on. I think it went really well, since we only have 8-10 minutes I know I went over time, but I had a lot of "stuff." I was more nervous to go than when I got up there and spoke.

I have seen a tremendous change in myself over the past couple years here at RSU. I used to be scared out of my mind to speak in front of people, and refused to do that. Only problem is that my career could involve a lot of that! So I sucked it up and learned to deal. I still talk very fast, which I am working on, but I know that I have become more confident in my speaking as I have become more confident in my work. I loved every minute of my capstone project. I loved working with my client, even doing research! I loved hosting and planning the student event and getting to mingle with all the guests. I loved that I got to show my graphic design aspect in creating a business card and other collateral. I have a huge reassurance that not only do I enjoy doing this, I am now confident that I can do it well and produce the results from this project.

One thing about college is wondering if you'll actually be good at the career path you chose. At first, it seems like fun and games, and classes, lots of classes. Sometimes in those classes you lose sight of the "real life" job. I have always excelled in my classes and now I know I can excel in the workplace. I was always scared I would get to my first job, and look good on paper, but have no skills. I can't get over how thrilled I am about the confidence I have a gained.

Capstone was a great experience. Frustrating? Yes! Confusing at times? Yes! Time consuming? Yes! Totally worth it? Yes!

Good luck to anyone in the future taking capstone! Really take the time to pour your passion into your work, it will be worth your while!

Also, if you would like to check out my capstone project or anything else about me, check out my online portfolio  http://www.visualcv.com/lindsaybolt

Now to focus on finals in my other classes!

LB!

Oh the end is near, I can smell it...and see it on my calendar!

Well, it's all coming to an end, and I couldn't be more happy with my project and results! I did my mock presentation, with no preparation (yeah, I'm still working on procrastinating), and ROCKED IT, or at least that's what I think, and I had a few fellow classmates back it up! WOO HOO! Anyways, that mock presentation taught me something. I LEARNED SOMETHING! I know what you're thinking, "you're in college, I would hope so," well I did, but more than books can teach you.

During my presentation it dawned on me. I REALLY like doing this. Not only do I enjoy doing my project, but I like getting up and speaking in front of an audience. If you would have asked me back as a freshman, my answer would have been different, I would have been shaking, sweating, and stuttering during that presentation, but I've learned the secret to public speaking. CONFIDENCE. This project is mine, from the bottom up. I have created it, it's my "baby" per say, I know everything about it, in and out. I couldn't wait to tell everyone what I have been doing and working so hard on!

Now it's all fine tuning and making sure there are NO flaws. My actual capstone presentation is in three weeks. April 23rd. I used to fear this date, now I am just ready to let everyone else know about my project.

Good luck to all my fellow capstone peers!!

Until next time...
LB

Written Capstone-Draft 1-Submitted

With a lack of communication from the paper to my brain (isn't that ironic considering I'm a communication major) I spent most of spring break FREAKING out thinking that my ENTIRE capstone project was due Monday when we came back. Well guess what, it wasn't! Haha. My written capstone's 1st draft was due Monday night. Let's be real for a second, I am a procrastinator. I seem to procrastinate with everything I have ever done, I seem to think I work well under pressure, not sure if that's a proven fact yet, and I have a problem with only focusing on one thing at a time so I try to do 1000000 things in one day, or in this case a week! So I submitted this paper, that was due at 11:55pm at 11:53:08pm. Cutting it close? Yes! Do I advise doing this? NO! Will I do this again? Probably. It's easier to give advice than take your own sometimes, hints why your parents always say "do what I say, not as I do," and that's a flaw I am trying to change about myself. Well now I've gone off track...

So I turned in my written capstone that I worked on a little bit at a time, almost everyday of break. What a huge relief. Our instructor told us the reason why she made it due so early was so that it would push us and that we would have more time to fine tune it and make it great. There is a method to the madness we call capstone, and finally, I am starting to understanding it. As the days are dwindling down my project becomes closer and closer to becoming done. With only a few fine tunes to writing, video shooting and editing and making a presentation slide, I'm practically done.

I have never been more excited/scared/exhausted/enthused/and ready to get this over with in my life. Capstone is a mixed bag of feelings, you never know what the day will bring. Overall, I have loved working with my client and it has reassured me that this is something I love to do, at the same time, it has taught me time management and how to be creative.

You will be frustrated, you will want to yell at someone, you will want to pull your hair out when something goes wrong, but in the end this is your "baby", your creation, made from your mind and skills, and even if sometimes you want to give up, you can't, because it represents you and your skills. Just hang on!

In a few short weeks I will be in front of all the faculty probably wanting to throw up due to nervousness and fear of failing and having to start over, but confidence is key, confidence in yourself, you've made it this far, one semester can't kill you. Or at least that's what I'm going with.

Until next time,
LB

So close to the end I can smell freedom.. almost

Well, my final prospectus is submitted and signed for, which means, now I have to pull all of this incoherent mess of a project I've done and make it look professional and organized. Not too bad right? I have a little bit of video editing, and a little bit of editing to do for the public relations plan and then BAM! Done! I can't believe it! I will most definitely spend spring break doing this so I can sit back and relax and focus on my other classes for awhile. Because we all know, spring break in college is rarely a break but a time to get a lot of homework done, or at least that's the plan. 

All that's due on the syllabus is the written capstone and the capstone presentation. THAT IS SCARY! Considering that it's only March 13th!

Here's a little personal information on how capstone has taken over my personal life...

To be honest I have felt very overwhelmed lately, working my internship, working my serving job, and running a business on the side, while doing capstone AND other classes, is a bit much. It's all about time management and I am away from my house from about 9-5 every day and then have to do homework and other things when I get home. I am also trying to get in shape so I've been at the gym every day as well as eating healthier. College is all about multitasking and I really just need to remember to take it one step at a time. My room, car, and well everything is so disorganized, which is not like me, but school has taken over a lot. I have been criticized for not taking on extra curricular activities on campus, yet I am very busy as it is. I think that as long as you are managing your time well and learning multitasking skills, that is what should matter. I essentially work 3 jobs to help support myself while going through school and I think I have made the best of what I have. WORD OF ADVICE: If you can live at home and have the advantage of financial support from your parents, do it! 4 more years of living at home will take a lot of stress out, its not the end of the world to still live with your parents in college, if you're being productive.

One thing to remember is that you are not the only one who has it tough, college is tough, it's supposed to be to prepare you for the real world, but if you stick it out, work hard, and take it one day at a time, then you will be prepared for the real world and for your future career. 4 years is a very short time compared to the rest of your life. Breath, take it one day at a time, and don't forget to take a few days off to de-stress! College is very rewarding if you don't completely stress yourself out.

Now just to take my own advice.

Until next time,
LB

E-Portfolio Presentation

Well tomorrow is my E-Portfolio presentation. This is a chance to "sell" myself essentially. This is compiled of all the work I have done throughout my college career. I have to get up and tell everyone about myself and how I think that my work represents my skills, let me tell you, I am incredibly nervous, and I'm not sure why.

On the other hand I am getting closer and closer to becoming done with my capstone project, just a few final pieces and I will begin to pull it all together for my written capstone. Gheesh, that's quite scary to think about. My due date is March 25, today and March 6! 19 days! what?! I will spend my whole spring break pulling this together and creating a great presentation, or at least I hope so!

I have never been more ready to be done with something, but wanting to continue doing it at the same time, such a weird feeling. I want the presentation part to be over with and have a grade, I would love to do this for the rest of my life, which is good, since I'm getting a degree in it!

Throughout this whole road I have really learned that I am better at multitasking and learning new things than I thought I was. It's crazy to think how far I've come just since the beginning of this semester. So much to do, so little time.

Until next time,
LB

Event was a success!...Getting Closer!

Well the event was a huge success! we had a full house and people seemed to really enjoy themselves! It was by far the neatest thing I have ever done! I have always liked to organize events at my house for friends but to do it on a large scale and having to reach out to people I did not know was a whole new experience for me, and let me tell you, event planning is another aspect I'm looking at now. One thing about Public Relations is that there are so many different aspects of it. It's always changing. Which is good for me since I tend to get bored a little easier than others.

Here's a sneak peak of the photo's from the event! Make sure to check out Tiny Cakes and Truffles Facebook to see all photos from the event!

I have a video to shoot then my project is close to being done. The website is close to being done and I need to knock out a new business card. Lots of organizing left to do!

Lots of work and lots of fun! So close to the end!

Until next time,
LB

Let the plans begin! -Student Night!

Capstone, ah, I love it so. I would love if it were over already. Now, don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE my client and I LOVE my capstone project, I don't LOVE portfolio/resume/papers/everything else about capstone!

I am a little down in the dumps today, I will blame it on the weather. I just wish I didn't have all the extra homework from capstone, I feel like my project would turn out much better, but hey, that's really any class you take. It is preparing me for the real world work environment, you may not always do what you want to, and you have to multitask, well let me tell you, I will be a pro in multitasking after this! I am done with all of that now for the most part, so now I can really focus on my client and making her business EVEN better than it already is!

First off, I'll start by telling you I did a focus group last week, the first one I have ever done, by the way. It was great! I had a lot of fun and everyone got pizza after! Focus groups are definitely the way to go for research, the feedback was wonderful and will help make great changes!

I have been planning, and planning, and planning, and FINALLY! it's here! Tiny Cakes and Truffles is presenting a Student Night to kick off their new student promotion Student Tuesday's, you'll get 15% off your lunch purchase on Tuesdays 11-2ish with a valid RSU ID! The fun starts this next Tuesday the 26th, if you're a student, come check it out! Free food, live music, and free wi-fi with friends! What could be better? RSVP NOW! =)

This is just one of the cool things you get to do in capstone. Designing this flyer and organizing this event has been so much fun! I also created two new Facebook pages for the two separate locations! Be sure to "like" those and share! Claremore Tiny Cakes Facebook and Owasso Tiny Cakes Facebook. I am also designing a new business card, website, and a few other things. This class reassured me that I am doing what I love!

It is crazy to think my whole capstone is due in about a month, scary to think, but exciting, I'm moving closer to the end!

Until next time,
LB

Reassurance of loving my career choice

This is more of a thought piece rather than a check in.

Before I graduated high school I wanted to one day become a lawyer, once I graduated I had no idea what to do, but knew I loved art and photography. So, I decided I wanted to major in photography. My brain kicked in and I told myself, I wasn't THAT good at photography and I would never make a living just doing that. I then talked to my college adviser and she recommended that I major in communications. At the time I thought, why would I want to do that? She put me in an intro to mass communication class in order to spark some interests after I told her my hobbies. I loved this class and I immediately changed my major to public relations, but I still wanted to do something with photos. I loved editing photos and making posters and brochures, so I knew graphic design would be a good fit, little did I know that I would have to minor in interior design for that to happen. I then AGAIN changed my mind to advertising, thinking that would incorporate making advertisements which would have more emphasis on graphics. After switching majors, being unhappy with my minor and having a few minor freak outs, I realized this was not the school for me, I needed to go somewhere I could do exactly what I wanted.

Low and behold! RSU! I had submitted my transfer application, was accepted and immediately made an appointment to speak with the communications department. Upon meeting with the head of the department I knew I wanted to work in public relations but wanted to have graphics as a minor. My current degree, corporate communication and a minor in graphic design, is just what I was looking for, it encompassed public relations, advertising, social media skills and a minor where I could make all my ideas happen! The classes seemed to go on forever and sometimes seem pointless. That was until capstone came around.

Capstone made me realize that sometimes the classes I didn't want to take, I needed to. They taught me things I might not have needed at the time, but I definitely needed to produce my capstone project. What I really wanted to relate through this post is that even though the process seemed like a lot to go through and at some times I wished I had switched majors, capstone has made me realize I love what I am doing.

My dad once told me that if you're not happy in your job, change it. Don't pick a career for the money. After the first couple meetings with my client and the planning and beginning to produce everything, I have never been happier in what I am doing. Talking with the clients and seeing their face light up with the ideas you have suggested for their business and the final thing coming together as a whole, has been very reassuring that I am in exactly the right field.

Sorry this was so long this time, but sometimes it helps to reflect back and look at the path traveled, it was all worth it for me. I cannot wait to graduate!

P.S. Tiny Cakes and Truffles is hosting a student night February 26th with live music! Come! Bring your friends! It will be a fun night! More info to come soon!

Until next time,
LB

It's All Becoming Real...

Now that I have planned out my entire capstone project, it's time to get to work. With the realization that I will need to be done with all these wonderful plans and ideas by MARCH 25! It looks like I need to get to work! I have to finish surveys, form a focus group, evaluate the results of these and THEN start on actually producing a video, creating a website, writing a news release, making a business card and flyer, writing a whole PR plan to reach RSU students and then, then I have to PRESENT it! So much to do, so little time.

Time management is something that you learn in college, or at least you're supposed to learn. I have always been the type to procrastinate throughout life, that doesn't mean I endorse it. This doesn't mean I don't do my work or do well on my work, I just work best under pressure I suppose, or at least that's what I keep telling myself. In THIS case, that is not something that is optional. I received an "A" on my prospectus 1, which made my confidence level rise! I now know I have great ideas, I just need to kick my behind into gear! Setting deadlines is most important in the project. Why? Well for obvious reasons, but also because the project isn't your only assignment! I know what you're thinking, "what else could there possibly be?" Well let me tell ya, there's a lot. Not to mention your other classes and obligations.

In my first blog I mentioned how I had discussion papers to write, well after those, there are MORE papers, and in conjunction with all the papers you're writing, you also had to assemble an online portfolio, so once you graduate and go on to gain your dream job, you can tell them how wonderful you are, and why you're work is FAB-U-LOUS! compared to others.

I know this may seem scary, and a lot to deal with, but as long as you stay organized, stay on your timeline, and take the TIME to do this, I think, and I say think because, well, I haven't passed the class yet, that you will be just fine.

I have found that taking the time to de-stress yourself helps a lot. I tend to get overwhelmed by all the things going on in my life, because like my mother, I think I can take on 100000 projects and obligations and succeed at them all. I've found that working out and spending time just venting to my friends and family has helped a lot with stress. I think the initial idea of "if I don't pass this class, I don't graduate" takes over our brains. Sometimes stopping to realize, you made it this far, you passed the classes, hopefully with good grades, you have done the projects, and this is the end, is motivating enough.

I know it sounds crazy to have a support group for a class, but my class has become my support group, we vent to each other, we help each other, and some of us...the Queen of Capstone...bakes delicious brownies for the class.

Always, always, always remember, you made it this far, you're going to rock this! And well if you don't there's always next year! Haha!

Hopefully the next post I can show you some examples of my work!

Until next time,
LB

Clients and Guest Speakers

Well I have managed to make it through three whole weeks of capstone! Whew. I have decided on my client and am now starting to work on my first draft for my prospectus. I have FINISHED all the discussion papers over the chapters in the book which were more fun and informative than I thought. Word of advice, get those discussions papers done as soon as you can. They are easy, the book is easy to read, and it will leave you more time to work on your actual capstone project.

My client. My client for my capstone is Tiny Cakes and Truffles. They have two locations, one here in Claremore, about a mile downhill from the campus, and another in Owasso. Let me tell you, their cupcakes are delicious! Not only their cupcakes, but they have some killer soup for lunch. You should definitely check it out if you have never been! They even have Wi-Fi and coffee. Now I'm making myself hungry so I will move on.

Now that I have chosen my client, it's time to get to work. When I say work, I mean plan, plan, and some more planning. The prospectus you will be doing is like a giant blueprint for your project, and yes, you will feel like this is pointless, and you just want to start working on your project, but trust me, it is very helpful to have planned out what you're going to do instead of diving into an empty pool. The prospectus is taking a lot more time and a lot more meetings with my mentor than I expected. I knew what I wanted to do and I knew how I wanted to do it, but man, I got a wake up call for sure. It's time consuming so I would not suggest waiting until the last minute to do this.

Also, if you would like to help participate in my capstone project, and you are a student, not just at RSU but maybe another college, please feel free to fill out this 10 question survey. No pressure ;). Thanks in advance!! =)

Check out my survey! =)

So the past couple of class periods have been filled with a lot of knowledge about getting a job after you graduate. We had a woman come speak to us from Williams, and a man, and former RSU student, come speak to us from career services on campus. I always like hearing from guest speakers for the simple fact that you get others insights on the subject at hand. Everyone has experienced different things in life, and sometimes it's nice to hear that even though they struggled like you are during your final semesters of college, that eventually you will end up being successful, if you work for it. So, don't skip class during guest speakers, you might find that you learn something you would have never known before. For example, for everyone out there that may have partied a little too hard during these past four years, or maybe you haven't said the best things about people on your social media, CLEAN IT UP. Don't have time, you say? Check out facewa.sh

Well that's all for now, due to the fact that I have a lot of prospectus to edit before tomorrow evening. Good luck to anyone working on this! Just think, we're so close to the end. And always remember ASK FOR HELP. You're never too old to ask for help or advice, it will save you a lot of extra stress.

Until next time,
L.B.

Capstone, it's becoming less scary as the days go by.

Senior Capstone, the one class that many look forward to and dread at the same time. It means you are so close to graduating, yet so close to no social life for the next five months, or so I thought. Upon coming to RSU I wondered what this capstone business was all about but didn't give much thought into it until now, now that I am in the class.

All of your classes throughout your college career have told you about this infamous portfolio and that saving good work is important because one day you will add this to your portfolio. Portfolio? What in the world? Well now I know and am glad that I had some good hard work saved to show my progress throughout my degree plan.

The first day of capstone began right after break began, why? Because planning ahead is what college has taught us over the past 4 years, and now, it's time to put that to the test. Receiving the e-mail was frightening at first and even overwhelming. Then the actual first day of class, January 15th. The great thing about capstone and being scared to death about it, is that so is everyone else, and I mean everyone! You're not alone in this process and by now, you seem to know just about everyone in your class on a somewhat personal level. The first day we were told to read three chapters out of a book and then write three discussion papers over those chapters, due the next night. Talk about overwhelming. I only say it sounded overwhelming because communications class are pretty labor intensive in the writing department. Now this is where capstone gets fun. I know what you're thinking. Fun?

After leaving and feeling overwhelmed and thinking to myself, "well I've come this far," reality set in. I picked up the book for the class which is more of a self help book once you start reading it and realize after no time at all, you've read all the assigned chapters, it's such an easy read. The information I found helpful and interesting about preparing me for the job market. I knocked out three chapters, which are very small in size, and three 1-2 page papers in about an hour an a half. Ok, not so bad. Now to find a client to work with. Check, I've got two potential clients to meet with. I get to meet with them and do what I have been in school for for the past four years, work in public relations!Things are starting to feel less stressful and more fun! Yes, I said it, school being fun!

The whole point of capstone is to show that for the past four years you actually learned something in those classes that you slept in, stayed home from, or even texted through. That maybe, just maybe, you gained some knowledge to be able to demonstrate that in a project form. BAM! That's capstone. You get to be creative, on your own, with your own client.

It is very important, I have found, to make sure you network and build relationships throughout your college career. Even though it is the second week I have found that I have needed numerous amounts of advice and help for this class, but that is normal, if you already knew everything, you wouldn't need to take this class. My class even made a Facebook group so that we can communicate about the crazy assignments and ask for help. Having a good relationship with even one professor will help you along, and my internship connections will be of great help as well. 

So now after my rambling on for what seems to be more than I wrote for my first capstone paper, I will let you be. I'll be taking you through a journey of what my semester as a senior in capstone really is like, so when you have to go through this, you won't have quite as many questions or scares

Until next time,
LB.