May 2010

The BSU Guide to Twitter

by Kayla Harvey on May 6, 2010

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I ended my love affair with Facebook on May 10, 2009 and haven’t looked back since.  When I made the switch from Facebook to Twitter I was excited to see what opportunities a tweet and a blue bird would give me. Those who have Twitter love it, but there is a still a small bit of resistance from those who are slaves to their Facebook statuses and like to “like” pages such as, ‘I Bet This Pickle Can Get More Fans Than Miley Cyrus’. A big contributing factor in the reasons why people are so resistant to Twitter is because they don’t know what it is. Twitter is more than just status updates, it is a powerful professional and personal development tool. Twitter may seem to be very confusing at first, but once you master it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t switch sooner.

What is Twitter?

Twitter is a social networking tool that let’s you write and read messages that are 140 characters (spaces and punctuation included). The message you post are public (you can make your tweets private, but you won’t connect with anyone that way), and you decide on the message you read by ‘following’ different users.  Twitter lets you communicate with people in real time, and get the latest news from NPR or your favorite celebrities, like Martha Stewart.

The Language of Twitter

  1. Tweet: The 140 character message sent using Twitter.
  2. Following: In order to see other messages on Twitter, you must ‘follow’ other users. Once you are ‘following’ a user, their tweets will show up on you newsfeed. Conversely, people get your message by following you.
  3. @username replies, or directs a tweet at a particular user. For instance, if you wanted to tell me how much you love pad thai all you would type is “@Kayla_Harvey Pad Thai is so the bomb.” Then that tweet would show up in the “@Kayla_Harvey” section of my profile. @username tweets ARE STILL PUBLIC, so if it’s personal try email or a direct message.
  4. Direct Message (DM): DM’s are Twitter’s personal messaging channel. However, you can only send direct messages to your followers and vice versa. Also, DMs must be 140 character or less.
  5. Retweet (RT): Retweeting is the best way to share ideas fast or give kudos to someone you respect. An RT would look something like this: “RT @BSCCampusCenter: New post up from @CourtneyCormier over on the RCC Blog site! With this RT, your followers that do not follow the Campus Center can receive this update and read new posts.
  6. Hashtag (#): A hashtag is a simple way of organizing tweets, and makes searching for tweets relating to certain topics easier. The big hashtag here on campus is #bsclife. So when you tweet something about BSC or any student organizations or office tweet something about BSC, the tweet is followed with #bsclife. For example,  if the Social  Justice League wanted to tweet about Tent City it would go something like this: BSC_SJL: Be sure to check out Tent City this week! #bsclife

Overwhelmed yet? Fear not,  I’ve included some videos courtesy of Twitter and Howcast.com :


How To Use Twitter on Howcast

You’ve read this blog post and hopefully watched the video. In my opinion, Twitter is the better social networking tools out there. It gives the connectivity and communication you need to become successful and learn more information about the issues and subjects you care about. In the words of Ed Cabellon, Director of the Rondileau Campus Center, Facebook is about connecting with people you already know, Twitter is about connecting with people you don’t.  From my own perspective, Twitter has given me the opportunities that Facebook and email couldn’t have.  I am writing to you today because of Twitter.  My boss, Ed and I were connected through my Leadership Institute mentor, Beth Bare Goad via Twitter.  Twitter can also be useful for finding vendors or guest speakers for any type of event your organization may have.  For instance, when SJL was planning the Just Trade Fair, I immediately hopped on Twitter to send out an APB for vendors; roughly two days later I was connected with Project Have Hope, a Boston-based vendor that works directly with women in Uganda who make beaded jewelry.

Whatever you decide to use Twitter for or if you even decide to crossover to the world of Tweeting, know that it is a decision for the better. The world of social media has started to use Twitter now more than ever, and BSC is quickly catching on to the trend with many staff, faculty members, students, administrative offices, and student run organization making Twitter Account. If you have decided that Twitter is for you, I suggest that you check out Karoline’s upcoming post: The BSC Twitter Directory, Who You Should Follow and Why.

Why do you use (or don’t use) Twitter?

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How to Have a PROductive Summer!

by Courtney Cormier on May 5, 2010

San Diego Zoo, Courtney Cormier

So finals are almost here and the school year is nearing an end but you are still unsure of where your summer is heading.
Well at least I am…

Last summer I had an amazing experience. I traveled to San Diego, Where I lived for the entire summer, and had an eye opening internship. All because of a program called the University of Dreams (I know the name may throw your off but it really is an amazing experience) I worked with a non-profit whose aim was to help under privileged children gain experience in the arts. I shortly learned that I am more suited to be in a fast paced environment with multiple projects for multiple companies. But by living away from all of my friends, I learned more about myself that summer than any semester at college. I realized that I can not wait to be on my own, I’m not afraid of life after college…I’m pumped for it. I’m not sure where I will end up, but you can bet that this summer will not go to waste!

Now having a productive summer doesn’t mean traveling across the country or getting an internship. It just means getting a step closer to learning about yourself and what you want to be when you grow up. Granted I still want to be Tina Fey or Penelope Trunk when I grow up (or at least a combination) …so I’m still working to broaden my career choices.

Okay! So now how can YOU have a PROductive summer!

Make Money

It doesn’t matter what you do (ie. Burger King, Camp Counselor, or having a lemonade stand). It gives you something to do PLUS you’ll have money when you come back to school! BONUS. The ultimate goal would be to do something in the field you would want to end up in, but just having a job shows a future employer that you are responsible.

She took a midnight train going anywhere...

Travel

Even if it’s just to the beach once a week. Getting away from your family can be a nice break. It’s Productive in the sense that you are doing something by yourself, and you are also letting your mind just wander. You never know when your ideal job will pop into your head. And if you can afford it do a weekend get away with some friends, with the money you’ve been saving from your job, it will be a fun excuse to get together.

Check things off your Bucket List

Everyone has a bucket list, even if it is just a joke! It could be something as silly as wearing a costume to a mall (not one of mine) or writing a book (one of mine). But you’ll feel productive because it will be a long term goal you accomplished, no matter how silly it is.

Take Classes

I can’t really say too much on the subject because I can’t take classes in the summer…I’ve tried. But taking classes is a great way to knock some of those pesky classes out of the way in a short session.  Plus you’ll be that much closer to graduating!or to at least completing your requirements and moving on to some fun classes (like acting 1, creative dance or basketball.)

Get an Internship

whether it’s paid or unpaid it will still be worth your time. Internships not only give you valuable real life experience, but they also let you freely test the waters of whether you even like the career you are headed for! During the summer there are always a ton of employers looking for students that willing to work for free! Why not take them up on their offer and start making that resume of yours look as amazing as you are.

My list is a little shorter than this.

Read a Book

If all else fails, and none of those peeks your interest you can always pick up a nice long book and finish it! I know during the school year I have become such a slacker when it comes to reading for fun. If it weren’t for my early morning babysitting days I wouldn’t have read at all.  Here are a few suggestions to get you started: Unraveled is an amazing summer book, The Shopaholic series is a perfect beach/park/lunch-break/subway/rainy every time of day book, Patrica Cornwell has some really intense murder mystery books that are definitely worth a read, and I just started Eat Pray Love…so far I’m hooked! And from what I’ve read I would recommend you go out  and buy it immediately!

Hopefully I’ve helped you come up with some fantastic summer ideas on how to have a PROductive summer. If not…the beach is always an awesome hang out (just don’t forget your sunscreen!)

So…

What are your summer plans? Who do you want to be when your Grow Up? What’s your favorite beach book? Do you have any  other tips for students? Let’s hear about your past experiences!

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BSC + Filmmaking = Success!

by rmortonbsc on May 4, 2010

It all happened on May 1st 2010.  We woke up at 6:00am to get our bus to NYC. (At the time, not so fun, but it was so worth it!)  Our bus was a little late leaving because it was a little hard for some people to get up on time, but soon enough we were on our way to the SVA Theater in NYC.  Excitement was taking over the bus as everyone exchanged stories about their filming process and what they were going to do in the city!  After a pit stop in Connecticut, we could start to see the city.  I had not been in NYC since I was about twelve years old, so this was very exciting for me.  Once in the city we realized we only had twenty minutes to get to the theater before “Untitled” was going to play in the Drama Screenings.  It seemed as if our bus driver was on a mission.  She maneuvered the bus around people, cars, truck, and even the hundreds of bike riders, it was incredible.  We made it in time to see the screening and now my adrenaline was pumping and I was ready to explore the city.

We had the option of watching some of the screenings or roaming the city, so there was a lot for us to do once we were there.  I convinced my friends to hike up to Times Square with me.  The second we stepped off the bus it was like a wall of heat and humidity had hit us.  It was 85 degrees out in the city.  This did not stop anyone from Bridgewater from continuing the day as they planned. I noticed that everyone seemed to have their own agendas for the day, and so did we, so we began our journey to Times Square.  With the heat bearing down on us we hiked many, many blocks to reach our goal. (Not sure how many, but it was a lot!)  We finally got to Times Square, and it looked like all of NYC was walking around.  I hadn’t seen that many people in one spot since Springfest 2009.  So we walked around enjoyed the moment and watching people for a little while.  We all realized we were starving, so we started to head back towards the SVA Theater.  We stopped in a small (Air conditioned!!) pizza shop, where we had to spend a fortune for a slice of pepperoni pizza.  After we cooled down and filled up we decided to go and catch some of the final screenings of all the Northeast Region’s best pictures.

The theater was amazing.  It was all decked out in CMF posters and red carpets.  I’m not going to lie to you, walking on the red carpet felt pretty cool.  The CMF staff was awesome; they are so friendly and willing to help you with anything.  They showed us the way to the theater where screenings were taking place.  We cheered on our fellow Bridgewater film-makers when their movies “Dial M for Mime” and “Grow Grass Grow” came on.  There were tons of other awesome movies to see, from animations to love stories.  It was incredible how hard everyone worked.  Some of our favorite movies were “Pretty Cool Professor” from Northeastern and “Left Alone” by Chelsea Pyrch from our very own Bridgewater State College.  After seeing about twenty movies from Illinois to Maine we decide to see what else CMF had going on.  We attended an animation workshop with John Canemaker, an award winning Animator.  It was awesome.  He answered everyone’s questions and gave us tips for next year.

Now we had about an hour before the CMF 2010 Northern Regional Grand Finale.  We decided to go and get a sandwich.  We stumbled upon the best little market in NYC, Garden of Eden.  The employees were so excited to ask us questions about the finale and our movies! (Also the sandwich was phenomenal)  With nowhere to eat we sat up against a wall on the side walk to enjoy our dinner.  Some of our friends from BSC said we blended in well, and they were going to throw change at us, thinking we were locals.

It was Finale time!!  The excitement in front of the theater was attracting some attention to the area.  We had to wait in a line with the other film-makers from all over to walk across the red carpet and head into the sold out event.  Again, going across the red carpet with everything going on was really cool.  We took a bunch of pictures with some other people from BSC and found our seats in the fifth row.  It seemed as if BSC had taken over the theater.  We by far had the most support in the whole building.  The host, Judah Friedlander, told jokes and poked fun at audience members to get everyone pumped up for the movies.  They then showed the best of the best, and BSC had two movies in the top! “Grow Grass Grow” and “That Good Night”.  When the BSC movies played the place went up in an uproar of applause.   After the screenings of all the best movies, it was award time.  Presenters; Paul Dano from Little Miss Sunshine, Eddie Kaye Thomas from American Pie, John Ortiz from the Fast and the Furious, and a crazy German guy named Flula from the CMF Battle of the Bands all presented the awards.  It was truly a great moment for BSC when “That Good Night” won the Best Drama award. “Grow Grass Grow” was a nominee for Best Comedy and Best Picture, and will be heading to Las Vegas with “That Good Night” to the International Grand Finale.  After, we all got to hangout and take pictures with some of the presenters and eat at a free buffet thanks to Qdoba.

The whole trip was so much fun!  Thanks to CMF and the hard workers at BSC who organized and made it all possible.  Now we just have to think of new ideas for next year and hope BSC brings home the International Title this summer in Vegas!  Good luck to Jim Sass and Alex Perry!  Also congrats to everyone who had their movie make it to the finale!

What was your favorite movie in the finale? (They can all be seen on the CMF website)  Do you think ““Grow Grass Grow” and “That Good Night” will win it all this summer?  Anyone already excited for next year? (I know I am)

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