Final Thoughts

Its cool that we got to dive into learning how journalism and the media works. I like being able to see what the career entails. I never knew how much proof editing and how good of a writer you actually have to be in order to be a journalist.  I've also learned never to take such an intense online class again. This class was terribly hard for online. I am a much better observer and like to be in a class learning and seeing many examples and watching and learning from other people around me. It was such a bummer that I would try hard and do really good on something (at least I thought I did) to find out that my papers were terrible. It was hard to go from being so inexperienced to this new culture of writing and be expected to write like an actual journalist. I know thats what the class is, is a media journalism, but Im just saying it was hard to have to actually be a journalist and do everything a working journalist would do when really we have no actual real experience. I will have to admit some of it was fun, getting a taste of the kinds of things actual journalists do and its for sure something Id do for a career... if I was any good at it. which clearly I am not. haha.

In the blog i wrote for my introduction I said, "i hope writing finds me."
I see that this journalistic writing hasn't totally agreed with me but i think other kinds of writing would suit me well. I saw that in my journalistic writing i always, ALWAYS wanted to use adjectives and write things in cool and different ways, which don't fit with news stories apparently. I've always thought news stories did just that. I thought they made everything so detailed and full of explanation, I didnt realize that opinions get in the way so much in journalism. I didnt realize how important it was to keep certain things out of news stories too, and everything has to be so specific.So maybe if I got into writing my own creative writing stories and things like that... I would love it.

Maybe I will take a 'creative writing' class along my college career and see what adventure that takes me!

But for now I can say that I've enjoyed the experiences and learning about the whole new language of journalism.

Story 7

Kaylee Hanowski

Enterprise Story Draft

The ability of combating stress is somewhat difficult for Anoka-Ramsey Community College’s fellow students. Many students are in search of ways to overcome their stress, others share what works best for themselves.

An investigation took place in 2009 in conducting research for student health and health-related behaviors. Approximately 1,613 students participated in this survey from Anoka-Ramsey Community College (ARCC). Within the survey the biggest contributors of problems within the college were depression, tobacco and alcohol use, debt, financial costs and burdens, and of course stress. Stress could be caused by just about anything including all the contributions listed above.

“My muscles are tight, I can’t think straight, and I can’t seem to get a grip on reality,” Andre O’Rourke, 18, full time ARCC student, described as his own personal example of what stress is.

Being stressed comes with great consequences that affect multiple students. Physical and emotional issues rise, along with the well being of your self.  All this can lead to students doing poorly in academics, creating anxiety, frustration, and personal relationships inside and outside of the college.

Jennifer Baker-Jones is a Stress Management instructor at ARCC and teaches students all about stress and its affects. She also teaches students how important it is to deal with stress. Her class consists of examples of how to combat stress along with learning what exactly stress can do directly to your body, emotionally and physically.

“The more we pay attention to what stress actually does to us, the more we become aware of it.” Baker-Jones explained, “Having a healthy lifestyle is so important, eating right, getting enough sleep, and being able to talk about your problems are important ways to refrain from getting stressed.”

When knowing the affects of stress students are more motivated to learn about how to avoid it rather than students who can’t identify the conditions of stress for themselves. Things like exercise, meditation, sleeping, and having fun are ways to relieve stress and tension. These are ways to get away from the roots of stress and keep it out of your mind.

“I tend to eat a lot more when I don’t need to. It helps cope its my comfort food.” O’Rourke said.  A lot of students at ARCC do not take time to bring their own lunch from home; instead they buy food and things to drink from the campuses’ vending machines, and a little lunchroom where students can purchase sandwiches and other items of the same sort.

In Baker-Jone’s Stress Management class many examples to combat stress are explored by students. The focus is meditation, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle.

“Moderation is key,” Baker-Jones implied, “Each day focus on what you need to do to take care of yourself, and that can go a long way.”

A lot of students and staff don’t realize many of the offers the college has. There are counselors at the college for all kinds of help, whether it is about classes and grades, or personal problems. The counselors are on campus and are there to help.

“I like how the college gave free massages, especially during finals week.” Cayla Yund said, age 18, full time student attending ARCC.

Many also don’t realize the beautiful location of the college. ARCC is located on a small hill surrounded by trees and nature. Across the college flows the Rum River. Paths are available to walk and ride bike on surrounding the college that lead down to the river. The college is full of windows allowing much natural light inside the building.

“When I exercise I get more energy and it gets my mind off of stressful things.” Yund explains as her own way of combating stress.

Being a student at ARCC also offers a membership at a fitness center across the street in the community center.

“Taking the Stress Management class has helped me.” Megan Quarnstrom said, age 18, a part time student at ARCC. Many students have taken the class that ARCC has offered. Within the class they’ve learned all about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle without stress.

“Stress is a big health concern.” Baker-Jones said. Baker-Jones wants to come to together on how both students and staff can participate in ways to eliminate stress altogether.

“There are always ways to improve,” she continued. “There needs to be a discussion between students and staff to come up with better solutions. Instructors need to think about what the over all goal is, and what we want our students to walk away with.”

Combating stress is a ongoing problem throughout colleges, but in ARCC there are ways to get around stress. Taking a Stress Management class, walking along the nature filled paths near the college, or getting counseling help from the staff are all good ways to combat stress.

“Students should be more open to solutions for combating stress,” O’Rourke explained, “Even though you may think it doesn’t help. it does.”

Press Release

Pop singer Kesha released her new cd 'Animal' today. They are available for sale now. Kesha will be traveling around the world on tour to promote her new album. The cd contains today hits such as Animal, You're Love is My Drug, and Tik Tok. Kesha's kick off for her tour is in February and will continue until September where her last performance is in Vancouver, British Columbia. Kesha is coming to you and will be perforing at St.Paul's Roy Wilkins RiverCentre Auditorium on August 30th.

Story 7

Kaylee Hanowski

Story 7

 

The crown and pretty dresses aren’t all what being a Cambridge Ambassador is about. She is one of three of the Cambridge Ambassadors chosen, and the rewards and experiences for her, are many.

Cayla Yund, 18, is a representative for her city, Cambridge, defined by the Cambridge Ambassador Program. Yund is a full time student attending Anoka-Ramsey Community College. Between the two, Yund has a pretty full schedule, but as the program insists, school always comes first.

Yund was crowned the 18^th of June, in 2010. She was selected from a variety of candidates along with two others that were crowned as well. Three judges decided on the hard choice of which girls would represent Cambridge for the year to come.

This is not Yund’s first time participating in The Cambridge Ambassador Program.  When Yund was only six years old she was crowned Little Miss Cambridge in 1999.

“ I didn’t expect it to impact my life as much as it did,” Yund explained. From that point she knew she wanted to continue and wait till she was eligible to join the program again when she was old enough.

As a Public Relations Ambassador for the city of Cambridge, there are many events Yund attends and does for the community. The three ambassadors encourage other city’s crowning and festivals to support other girls in their new roles. The glistening floats that fill the streets in the summer are common for the ambassadors to be on. All the events that go on throughout the year in Cambridge, most likely, Yund is there. She could be dishing up food for people, greeting them with a friendly smile, or cheering people on at events like the Special Olympics Golf tournament. All the activities and different events attended never get old for the three Ambassadors; there is always something new to see, and new people to meet.

The Cambridge Ambassador Program has many opportunities for their Ambassadors. Each ambassador crowned is awarded a Scholarship. Another great benefit from the program is meeting all sorts of people. Yund found that she has many connections with people that can help with her future. The program actually encouraged Yund in knowing what she wants to do with her life. Yund has decided and has been accepted to go to Northwestern College and major in Public Relations.

           

“The scholarship was not only a bonus, but the experience influenced my future.” Yund expressed. Yund has grown with not only the community, but also the two other girls she does everything with. Kayla Wicklund, 20, of Cambridge, and Rachel Kalk, 18, of Cambridge are the other ambassadors selected.

 The summer months of June, July, and August, were the busy months for the girls. The busiest was 30 days back to back; the girls saw each other every day for events they attended. After those three months the business started to reside, and events became more evenly spaced out. Now, with summer just around the corner the ambassadors are preparing for a new crowning ceremony that takes place in June. Currently, candidates are participating in events with the ambassadors in the running for the next Cambridge Ambassador.

“It’s been great getting to know and becoming great friends with the girls I’ve been selected with.” Yund said. Not all three girls attend each event, because school and family come first, but they always try to be there for their community.

Yund’s journey doesn’t stop when new ambassadors are crowned for the years of 2011 and 2012. Yund has been selected out of the three girls to go further, in running for the Aquatennial Princess, or Queen of the Lakes. 49 girls, one from each of 49 towns are selected to run. Yund goes to Minneapolis in mid July for a week to be judged. If Yund proceeds to be crowned as either Princess or Queen, she will be moved further into running for even more intense, royalty positions.

Yund feels there are many misconceptions of the Cambridge Ambassador Program.

 “A lot of girls think its just smiles and waves, wearing a crown and wearing a dress.” She expressed, “but really, your chosen on your unique personality.” Many girls assume the program costs money for candidates and royalty to participate. The Cambridge Ambassador Program pays for everything by all the sponsors and fundraisers that are held in support of the program.

Even if Yund is tired, and worn out from the busy days she spends giving her time to volunteering, and working hard to keep her grades up in school, she is always willing to go to her events and do her best.

One of Yund’s favorite memories was at an event that she was so tired she didn’t even want to be at. After meeting a boy at The Special Olympics Golf Tournament, she quickly changed her mind, and wouldn’t want to miss the event for the life of her. The boy excitedly asked his father to take a picture of him and the princess, Yund. When the father snapped the picture, the boy quickly leaned over and kissed Yund on the cheek. Yund concluded by expressing, “It showed me that if I’m not in the mood to volunteer, at the end of the day, I’m not only giving back but getting something in return as well.”

She ended with, “ It made his day and he definitely made mine.”

Story 6

Story 6

Kaylee Hanowski

She is a dedicated teacher who does more with her summer than most teachers do. Being busy with her and her husband’s lawn care business, she still finds time to teach young children during her busy summer days.

Carrie Christenson, age 47, of Cambridge has a full time job teaching at Cambridge Primary School as a 1^st grade teacher. Apart from that she works for Anoka-Ramsey Community College three weeks out of the summer in July. For four to eight hours out of the day she alternates from the Coon Rapids campus and the Cambridge Campus being a Kid University Instructor.

The Kid University Program held at the Anoka-Ramsey Community College Campuses is for Children ages six through 12 years old. 

“It’s something I’ve always thought of doing when my own kids were older.” Christenson stated. This coming summer will be her third year teaching. Things like arts, crafts, games, math, debates, and other things keep the children learning and well entertained at the Kid University Program.

“I like seeing the kids use their imagination,” Christenson continued, “and I like working with small groups, it’s so different than what I do during the normal school year.”

Christenson only works with about six children in a class at the college. Her average classroom size at the Cambridge Primary School is 24 students. The program welcomes children that attend any school to be a part of Kid University Program, not just Cambridge and Coon Rapids students. Christenson not only finds joy teaching the children at the program but she also loves getting to know other instructors and teachers.

“The directors and other instructors are really fun to work with, and everyone at the campuses are really friendly.” She said and continued, “ It’s fun to work with people that I’ve never worked with before.”

Work for Christenson and other instructors begin mid March for planning the Kid University Program. In planning the classes she gets to voice her own personal ideas, whether it is for her own class or someone else’s class, which she enjoys to take part in.

Christenson stays busy in her summers. Along with working as an instructor her and her husband’s business, ‘Rick’s Lawn Care’, take up precious summer hours from when the sun comes up to when it goes down.

Even though the Kid University Program only takes up three weeks of Christenson’s summer, it is still considered a break for her because of her busy hours taking care of the lawn service.

“It gets me off the lawn mower,” Christenson explains, “which is nice in those hot, July, summer days.”

Teaching is quite a passion for Christenson. A variety of teaching from the Cambridge Primary School to Anoka-Ramsey Community Colleges leave Christenson meeting new instructors along with getting to know all the new fun children who are involved each year, some of which come back to see her for more experience and fun.

Transcript for Story 6

Kaylee Hanowski

Interview Questions

Story 6

1. What is your name? What do you do for Anoka Ramsey Community College?

Carrie Christenson, 47 of Cambridge Minnesota. She is a teacher of Cambridge Primary School teaches 1^st grade class, 26 years. In the summer she teaches children’s classes, Kid University Instructor. Age groups 6-12 are eligible for the program. They do crafts, games, math, debates, and things to keep kids entertained.

2. How long have you been involved with working for Anoka Ramsey Community College?

2 years.

3. What originally brought you to Anoka Ramsey Community College?

Their brochure needed an instructor and she knew that it would be fun to be part of it.

4. Why do you do what you do?

 “Something I’ve always thought about doing something more in the summer when my own kids where older.”

The extra income is nice.

5. When and where does what you do take place?

The program takes place Anoka Ramsey College Community College in both Cambridge and Coon Rapids. Carrie Alternates between the two colleges for 3 weeks in July, 4-8 hours depending on the day.

6. What is your favorite thing about working at Anoka Ramsey Community College?

“I like teaching crafts, and watching kids use their imagination while making crafts.” The directors and other instructors are really fun to work with, and everyone at the campuses are very friendly. Its fun to work with people you have never met before.

7. Is there anything else you’d like to tell me?

Thinks she will continue teaching summer classes at Anoka Ramsey. “will keep me off the lawn mower.”

Fun to work with small groups, used to working with 24 plus students during school year. 3-6 kids only in summer classes. “Its fun working with small groups, different than what I do during the school year.”

Kids come from many different places especially from Coon Rapids.

Its funny because in Cambridge because not only Cambridge children attend the program, kids from all over come.

Mid March I start working with directors deciding what I’d like to do, whether it be my own personal ideas, or their own activities.

“They are quite organized.” They plan either kids can stay all day or just for a few hours. They have many activities, to keep them entertained throughout the day.

What do you do to sign up for your kids?

Brochures go out around schools in May with details.

'The Cemetery Club' Staples, MN story 5

 

Lamplighter Community Theatre’s production of ‘The Cemetery Club’ entertained many during its five-show, well-attended run at the Landmark Inn, Staples, Minnesota.  Cast members Dawn Timbs, Jean Hayenga, Pam Collins, Lee Paskewitz, and Cassandra Magers made the play turn with emotion. The first half of this two-act play elicited laughter, while the second portion left you sobbing.

            Three best friends, all Jewish widows, share a monthly tea before going out to their husbands’ grave for a visit. The three women, Ida (Timbs), Lucille, (Hayenga) and Doris (Collins), all have different personalities making quite an interesting circle of friends. Ida begins to think she wants to start her life again, while Lucille and Doris think otherwise. When Ida begins to fall for another man, Sam (Paskewitz), Lucille and Doris attempt to stop her leaving her broken hearted. This comedy has an important mixture of laughter, pain, and meaning of friendship and love.

            The Cemetery Club not only has good actors, but a great overall crew. Much experienced director Amy Hunter took the plunge with this comedy. She has been involved in drama since her high school years and eventually ended up working for the Lamplighter Community Theatre the last few years. Hunter also worked as director at the Eagle Bend High School in Minnesota and community plays for fifteen years. After helping out with High School plays, Hunter moved to working with Pure Education Plays in Wadena, Minnesota. These plays were specifically for the teen audience to teach different ways to handle and cope with issues teens may go through. The crew would travel to different high schools around the metro to perform in front of teens. For twelve years Hunter was busy with Pure Education Plays.

“You really start to see people develop their characters,” Hunter explained, “They blossom.”  After lots of time and practice people click with their character they are suppose to be. Being in a play takes commitment and hard work. The play practices ran four times a week, more or less. Many people find that being able to commit to so much time in practice and rehearsal is hard. Hunter finds that many people come and go throughout each play and gives more of a variety.

Dawn Timbs, the actress who portrayed ‘Ida’, has also had much experience in performing arts and theater. She majored in Theater and Drama, and has had much experience throughout her high school years, along with a couple other plays participated in through The Lamplighter Community Theatre.

“Its fun collaborating with other actors and seeing the play come to life.” Timbs said, “Its fun to be part of a team.” Timbs works hard for all her success in theater, but also her job as a journalist for the Staples World Newspaper. She went on to explain that it was different for her to be interviewed since she always does the interviewing.

“Lines become part of you,” she continued, “It’s a way to bring truth to life in a different way. When being in a play it’s as though you were listening to your favorite song, you no longer think of the lyrics, you just sing them; in this case you just act them and see the play come to life.”

With success of “The Cemetery Club”, there is another play coming your way. “The Pirates of Penzance” is a light opera comedy. Sword fighting, pirates, cops, and of course the music is what you’ll find with this entertaining play by Gilbert and Sullivan. Auditions will be held in the choir room at Staples Motley High School March 14, 15, 17, and 19. For more information visit www.lctstaplesmn.org, or call Pam Quance Harris at 218-316-7224 for appointments.