Abridged Version of Chau

Whether you have graduated from college or grad school, you still feel the same mixtures of emotions - nervousness, uncertainty, happiness, indifferent, confused, you name it. While some continue to pursue a higher level of education, many find themselves on the midst of entering the scariest of the scariest of both worlds - The Real World.

While, I, myself recently graduated from grad school, I had my fair taste of the real world from practicing my career. I don’t have a first impression of it, but I’ve had many first impressions of it. I can certainly tell you it is not fun and games. No matter what field you engage in, you find yourself learning to develop a thick skin. You’ll receive criticism, or luckily … compliments. Don’t be scared though. Everyone all started at some point and you will too. Everything happens within time and patience.

It’s okay to make mistakes because you are not perfect but once you find yourself doing a task you feel so passionately about frequently, you gradually excel at it without you even noticing it. My biggest tip I always tell young grads on how to survive this scary world is simply this - as long as you are genuinely and strongly passionate and enthusiastic about your field/career, that’s all it takes. If you like something enough, you will do well in it and even put your all into it. No greater work ethic is better than that.

I wanted to give 10 tips to those young grads on how to tackle this world. I hope many of you will take these into consideration for these tips are something I’ve learned personally from my experience with the real world and tips from large, successful, famous individuals.

1. Don’t get down when your life takes a bad turn. Out of adversity comes challenge and often success.
2. Don’t brag about yourself. Let others point out your virtues, your strong points.
3. As you succeed, be kind to people. Thank those who help you along the way.
4. You create opportunities by performing, not complaining.
5. Be modest but self-assured.
6. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. The smarter the people, the more you can accomplish.
7. Be passionate about whatever you do. Care intently about your work and feel personally accountable.
8. You can always learn from older, wise heads who have years of experience. Age brings wisdom-not always, but often.
9. Like what you do. If you don’t, get out of it. Don’t waste anyone’s time.
10. Be fair-minded, open-minded but also learn to be skeptical. It’s a cruel world out there and not everyone is going to be as honest as you - develop your own thick skin.
11. Your reputation and integrity are everything. Follow through on what you say you’re going to do.
12. Dress and act for the position you aspire to have
13. All about attitude- be motivating, self-confident, optimistic, hardworking and empower others to do their best
14. Handle all criticism in a professional and calm manner - take it as constructive criticism and aim to do better each time.
15. Last, but not least - make sure you’re having fun while doing your job. If you’re not happy doing your job, something’s wrong. Happiness is everything.

The Controversies of the Misdiagnoses of Autism (Master's Project)

*Cue the suspense music*

This here is my multimedia site I have been working on for six months. I needed to complete a capstone project as part of my requirements for being in the program in order to graduate. I stayed up until 4 a.m. multiple nights, drove all over the state every once in awhile, hid in my room most of the time, blocked myself out from the world … pretty much didn’t have a life.

It was all worth it though. I got an A on it! Basically, there has been many controversies regarding kids being diagnosed with autism. These controversies range from debates of the MMR vaccine as being the cause of the condition to doctors intentionally misdiagnosing children with the condition just so they can receive state funding.

I dug deeper to find out more about these issues. I talked to experts, interviewed two young adults who carries Asperger’s, one man banded a news package on a son and his mother, attended a 5k autism walkathon to spread awareness, wrote an article on Jenny McCarthy who dealt with this controversy, created slideshows, and much more.

I’m actually proud to show this because I worked very very hard on it and it will be something I’ll show to potential employers. So if you get a chance, feel free to take a look at an example piece of multimedia journalism.

Thank you!

Carmen

I’m finally done with grad school! I’m proud to say I now have an MS in Broadcast Journalism from QU. Graduation was on Mother’s Day - couldn’t get any more perfect. It was great to have my best friends and parents there on my big day and I thank them for coming.

I was so happy that day and I am sure it showed. So many pictures but yet so many goodbyes. I don’t do too well with goodbyes with people I have developed a strong bond with. It has been five days since I’ve graduated and I miss them so much already, including the school … everything about the school. Going to QU was one of the best decisions I’ve made and I’m so glad I was able to be a part of it.

Grad school was extremely different than college and I loved it much more. It certainly has changed me as a person, immensely. I’ve become a lot more laidback and it has allowed me to understand what is important and what is not, what is right and what is wrong, what should be a priority and what should not. I was constantly surrounded by people that carried such strong ambitions, accomplished such amazing goals, endured the craziest adventures, and they all felt so strongly about their careers. This eventually rubbed off on me and while I have always found myself to be very career-oriented, it has taught me to not be average. 

Who would’ve known attending QU for two years would allow me to gain such clarity and gain so much change personality-wise? I’m glad it did and I’m glad I have the circle of people that have been pushing me to the right direction.I’m going to miss you QU. I wish all incoming graduates the best of luck and you guys will have the best time of your life.