Part One - http://soundcloud.com/avwezel/interview-part-1
Part Two - http://soundcloud.com/avwezel/interview-part-2
Part Three - http://soundcloud.com/avwezel/interview-part-3

Outline of research paper

1. Intro/Abstract 

2. answer the question of why apply?

2. pros & cons of applying (so both sides are presented)\

4. Intro to interview 
   a. transcription to some of interview
   b. steps of applying
   c. necessary components of application process

6. Ways current college students can prepare for graduate school starting at undergraduate school 

I guess my experiences in this class just show how life can throw unexpected occurrences at you. I am usually a very up to date student, but I guess by the old posting on the website, many students such as myself had fallen behind. My grandmother passes away causing me to miss classes and not be able to complete specific assignments because of the lack of time, the emotional toll and events that occurred. I have been doing my best to catch up and seem to be making more progress everyday. I believe that amount of time during the semester this class has, five weeks, is a very short time and moves extremely fast. When I think of five weeks it seems a lot longer at first, five weeks is over a month and a month can go by pretty slow. However when you you look at the actual class itself, it is only 10 days. That is a very short amount of time. I've written papers and completed multiple assignments within five weeks, but there are so many components its hard to figure out where to start. 

Attending a graduate school has been my dream since I entered my first year as an undergraduate here at Rowan University. It wasn't because the economy sucked and I didn't want to do the extensive job searching that most people dread once they are holding that nicely framed degree, but it is the honest love of learning about the subjects that I have a significant interest in. I love the idea of being able to truly say that I am a 'master' in a specific area of study. From there I would also like to be able to do what most of my professors have done for me- inspire me. I want to inspire other students to succeed and try their hardest to prove something to the world. Prove that learning is something that can be loved and shouldn't be ignored or feared. There are an abundance of universities I will be applying to so I can try and make my higher education dream come true. 

1. If you have not read any of my other blog posts, then you would not understand how much I dream of going to graduate school at New York University in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development by receiving a Master of Arts in Media, Culture and Communication. This program contains the areas of study that I wish to eventually teach in when I become a professor. Specific courses in the program I would love to take are Interpersonal Communication, Young People & Media Cultures, Communication & the Culture Industries, The Languages of Communication, and Globalization Memory & VIsual Culture. The main reasons why I want to go to NYU for this specific program is just that - the program itself is very specific and geared towards media and communication. It is honestly the only program I know of that offers these types of courses that intertwine media and communications together. I have done extensive research on communications and media programs and only stumbled across one or the other. It was either general communications or media in the sense of someone who wanted to enter the media film industry. I know that when you attend graduate school you should try and find that specific subject that interests you most, for me that is communication media so when I was able to find an entire graduate program that had these components I jumped at the opportunity to apply there. However, every university will have its cons for attending. For one, if I do get into NYU unless I get paid to go it will be extremely expensive. Also, since NYU is a prestigious school it is extremely hard to get into. I am not the best standardized test taker so I must excel in other aspects on my application if my GRE scores prove to be a bit lower then average.

2. Another University I am interested in is Portland State University. Yes drastically different from NYU, but I like different options, programs and areas. PSU has a communication studies program that is general, but has some very interesting class offerings such as New Media & Technology in Communication, Cybercultures, Social Support, Metaphor Play & Humor, along with many others. Not to mention Portland within itself has a very 'hipster' culture that could prove to be an extremely weird and fascinating place to live in. Anyone who walks around will see t-shirts that say "Keep Portland Weird." I don't anything specific about the professors, but I know the program is supposed to be a really interesting and informative one. I have read a decent amount about PSU's program and it is a good one for communications studies students, however like every graduate school program it costs a lot of money. That is a significant downfall for all programs. Yet, I do believe it is one that is worth the money, or worth the effort to try and receive a fellowship or teaching assistantship. I also believe that atmosphere has a lot to do with school as well. One may be going to a school near the most beautiful beaches but if there is no culture or life, then their education may not be the same. Being given the chance to immerse yourself in a new world is just as much a learning experience with the education one can receive.

3. Now back to the east coast, another program I am looking at is a Liberal Studies program at The New School in New York. I know a student who is currently attending the New School for a creative writing program. Though I would love to dabble in classes such as poetry and creative writing, I really don't think that is the type of degree I would want. The liberal studies course is just as significant and prestigious. Though this program clearly different than all the others I am applying to it still has some very amazing classes for example On Nothing, which discusses the ideas of nothingness, void, and the abyss and their significance in Western literature. Or Avant Garde which is all literature in an Avant Garde theme. Though I would like a graduate program that is more related to communications, these are all topics that I do love, as well as literature. The cons of the New School is that the program accepts next to no one which means you have to show how successful you are as a student through grades, extra curricula's, GRE's and your personal essay. Though it will be like that at most universities The New School is extremely small, therefore the smaller the school the less amount of students that are accepted. Yet, some of the pros is that all the program is so specific for liberal studies and the classes that I would love to take any class offered with any of the p

1. What made you decide on attending NYU for graduate school?
2. What was the most difficult part of the application process? Do you have any suggestions to make that part less stressful?
3. If there was one key element that a student should focus on while applying to graduate school what would it be?
4. Is there anything in particular that NYU as a university looks at in their graduate applicants?
5. Do you believe in general that graduate school is a good after undergraduate decision for most students?
6. What was your most memorable academic experience while studying at NYU?
7. If you had to pick three key elements for a student to work on and focus on while attending an undergraduate program that can help them reach their graduate school goals, what would they be? Any specifically for NYU?
8. If you could re-take any class you had at NYU again or any professor who would it be and why?
9. What elements of the application process do NYU look at most? (grades, GRE scores, personal essay ect.)
10. While applying to graduate school what is the most often made mistake by applicants? 

Please oh please oh please NYU accept me into a graduate program. Alright, I know I won't get there if I beg, but maybe my skills and qualifications will let you know how much of a perfect fit I will be (insert very enthusiastic hand gesture here)! After I complete my undergraduate degrees here at Rowan University in Writing Arts and Communication Studies I wish to pursue my studies in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development by receiving a Master of Arts in Media, Culture and Communication. However, since it is not a perfect world and there is of course the chance that I will not be accepted into this program (even though I constantly drool at the course offerings as if they are a five-star restaurants chocolate cake) I will also be applying to schools such as Boston University, Northwestern, Northeastern, Columbia, University of Miami, and UCLA to name a few. Am I reaching to high? I hope not. 
After looking over the questions in my blog post directly below this one there are a few things I would like to highlight. I am apart of a lot of organizations on campus as well as hold many leadership roles. I am currently apart of three e-boards as well as a leadership mentor on campus, along with being apart of two honors societies. I take my studies and these organizations very seriously. 

Careers in Writing Arts Self Evaluation

1.    List your personal strengths and weaknesses (responsible, procrastinator, creative, etc.).
My strengths include creativity, sarcasm, humor, and research writing. I believe that through high school and college I have been able to personally hone these skills. Going through school all of the topics of research and essay writing have been drilled into my head. I understand what it takes to write a good essay and conduct the right type of research to persuade someone into why my point is correct. Add persuasion to that list of strengths as well. I have become an excellent persuasive writer. My parents think I have a locked away talent for law school to become a lawyer but I will stick to using my persuasion skills in my writing pieces. I would also say I take my writing seriously and that is a key element. Ever since I got to college I have had the chance to write in new ways such as the ones I had listed above - creativity, sarcasm, and humor. College has opened up courses for me to not only evaluate my writing skills, but really reel them in to that niche I believe I am best at. I also believe that my ability to really understand constructive criticism is a strength. I can take peoples harsh comments or ideas with pride and understand they are only aiding me in my journey to becoming a better writer. My weakness is definitely procrastination. Just here I left his blog entry until 2:15PM the day of the class. I always tell my self I get my best work done when I'm writing down to the minute, and in some cases that is true, many of my best essays have come out of procrastination situations. However, when I procrastinate I sometimes forget those simple grammatical errors which makes my pieces look sloppy and my work look lazy since it is such an easy correction. 

2.   List important or related courses you have taken.
-Comp 1 & 2
-The Writers Mind
-Magazine Article Writing
-Journalistic Writing
-Writing Children's Stories
-Creative Writing 1 & 2
-Participatory Media
-Intro to New Media

3.   What is your major and specialization? What is your overall cumulative GPA? In your major? How many credits have you taken in your major?
My major is are Writing Arts my specializations are Creative Writing I have a 3.5 cumulative GPA and I have taken around 40+ credits in the majors. 

4.   Do you have a minor or coordinate major? Explain.
I have another major in Communication Studies with a concentration in New Media and a specialization in the Interpersonal Communication track. I love pairing these two majors because the way one communicates can directly effect the way they write. Seeing the way these two tie together is extremely interesting. Also Writing Arts helps my writing skills for both majors and any course I have to take. 

5.   List hobbies, activities, interests, especially those related to your major.
I read and write on a daily basis if I can. I used to work on the Avant literary magazine which I did love until I always had class during the meeting times. Every experience or interest I take part in, even things like diving and gymnastics, have ended up in my writing somehow, whether it is a story or just a simple idea. 

6.List all the offices you have held in clubs or writing associations.
Secretary of Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority
Vice President of Membership Development of Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority
Secretary of Inter Greek Council (IGC)
Vice President of Students for Sensible Drug Policy 

7.Do you hold any special licenses?
CPR 

8.List special skills. Have you served in the military? Have you ever published? What computer programs are you skilled in?
I have been published in my high school newspaper and an online publication. I am skilled in computer programs such as Microsoft word, Excel, Powerpoint along with Adobe Photoshop and iMovie 

9.List the types of writing you do the most.
Essay and research writing along with creative writing such as poetry and children's stories. 


10.List awards, honors, academic or otherwise.
Honor roll and Dean's list for four consecutive semesters

11.List special programs in which you have participated.
I have participated in a special leadership mentor program where I help others who want to become leaders and help those leaders teach other organizations.

12.List charity work.
I have participated in numerous types of charity work. Every year I participate in March of Dimes, Relay for Life, Back to the Boro, AIDs walk, Breast Cancer fundraising and walks, Cystic Fibrosis Benefit Ball, Donating money for Thon at Penn State, Raising money for local animal shelters, donating books, clothing, and school supplies to needy children, along with running a canned food drive during Thanksgiving and much more. 

13.List any scholarships you have received.
None

14.List key projects and roles you have played in them.
While I interned at a PR firm, Impressions PR & Publicity, I worked on many projects such as writing and placing articles in many different South Jersey publications (SJ Mom's, SJ Bizz, Courier Post, Philadelphia Inquirer and more) I have also helped Key Note speakers be placed at different conferences. 

15.List all jobs you have had (dates, length if employment, promotions, responsibilities, title, etc. Note: it’s okay to say “Summer 2010” and not list specific dates.

Lab Monitor - Rowan University IT Department, Glassboro New Jersey - September 2011 - Present 
-Make sure all printers and computers are running
-Assist students in computer or printing aid

Intern - Impressions PR & Publicity - Voorhees, New Jersey - May 2011 - December 2011
-Write press and news releases for articles about the current clients
-Work on my employers portfolio and cut clips we had placed in newspapers
-Research places and PR possibilities for clients
-Update media contact lists with recent contacts 

Lifeguard - Sparkling Pools Services - Princeton, New Jersey - June 2009 - August 2011 
-Studied CPR, first aid and life saving techniques so I am able to help patrons who need assistance 
-Watch the patrons in and around the pool area so all patrons remains safe
-Test pool chemicals on an hourly basis so patrons are safe when in water

16.Describe the kinds of employment you seek (rank order of your top three job goals)
1. Professor of media communications
2. Employee in a communications department at a media/technology company 
3. Working as a researcher for media communications 

17.List three people who can recommend you and how you have been associated with them.
Jackie Pantaliano - Interned for her PR company
Kelvin Rodriquez - Work with him on Inter Greek Council, he is the Greek life coordinator at Rowan University 
Kristin Farney - Journalistic Writing professor, has written me a recommendation in the past 

When one is asked the broad question of what type of writer they envision themselves as, many would reply with a very broad answer - a successful one. However just like how Thomas Turner describes writing in The Writers Life, "It took the job realities of the post-college life for me to realize that bags of money did not get mailed to writers after they had sent an essay to the New Yorker..." Many people consider themselves writers but it takes a bundle of skill and patience to get where one wants to be. To be honest, many people find the viewing of their article in print or that paycheck being mailed to their house as the most rewarding part. However, I must disagree my favorite part is stepping back and looking at what I accomplished for myself. Yes receiving that first byline can be an extremely exciting memory, but years later you will remember more then anyone what you wrote. Right now I like to keep most of my writing to myself, sharing it with those close to me, however I would like to see myself if five to ten years from now having the courage to share it with others. Maybe even to the point where I could see it published in well-known or one of my personal favorite publications. I have been published on a few online websites as well as my high school news paper which does make me proud, but I don't believe I have reached that point in my life yet that I have the need to let others read my thoughts. I would never look at myself as a coward or shy by any means, I just believe that individuals grow at their own pace. I do believe however that if I commit time to writing not only as a hobby but as a means of some type of income, I will want it to be as a creative outlet, more in the realm of novels, poetry or picture books. That is also what I see my niche as - creative writing. I love being able to express myself in the most creative way imaginable without being frowned upon for not having "expert quotes," "facts," and "statistics." Yes in magazine and newspaper writing along with essay writing those elements are key and all good fun, but I enjoy not being bound to a structure. I think it's much more difficult to dive into the world of creative writing but I believe, when I am ready of course, I will make others laugh, cry, and experience every emotion I print upon some pages. 

My name is Alaina Wezel and I am a junior at Rowan University where I am studying Writing Arts and Communication Studies with two concentrations, Creative Writing and New Media. I am from Princeton, New Jersey but currently reside in Glassboro, New Jersey with some of my sorority sisters from Delta Phi Epsilon. I love to write poetry, short stories and magazine articles, along with listening to acoustic music, being outdoors, napping and eating Annie's organic mac and cheese. My dream is to be accepted into NYU for graduate school where I can hopefully hone my skills on media communication as well as writing. From there I would love to earn my PhD and someday become a professor so I can inspire young minds just as many of my professors have done for me through my college career. If I do get accepted into NYU, my main goal or dream from there besides graduating with a masters degree is to take a course taught by Clay Shirky, my favorite new media author.