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