As a grad student you’ll begin to learn that time is constantly in fast forward. I don’t know where the last two months have gone, and as I sit here now, a slow Sunday taking the first break to pick up my book and continue from where I last left off in June (!!!!), I realize that I have actually got to learn to take a break every now and again. I love reading but due to all my commitments, I haven’t had much time to dedicate to it. Although I never thought I’d ever do this (as I truly appreciate a well-written book) but I am ashamed to say, I have recently invested in a series of audio books. When one lives life in fast forward, you have to minimize time and maximize effect. The only way I am ever going to read The Art of War, or have a chance to broaden my knowledge on American History is if I purchase the audio book versions, which I can listen when driving to and from work and class. I am so ashamed that I have lowered my standards to speed reading. The only step down from this is speed dating!

As a Graduate Assistant in the Office of Marketing and Communication, one of my tasks has been to create a Lynn University YouTube Channel.We have some great playlists ranging from Life@Lynn, to 4 questions 4.
Have a look at some of our videos at www.youtube.com/user/LynnUni.

Believe it or not, Tropical Storms can be fun. All is takes is some good planning and a little preparation.

Other universities have snow days and snow storms, some have other weird and wonderful weather phenomenon, but quite honestly, I quite enjoy a good tropical storm every once and again. It gives me the opportunity to catch up on some reading, eat some ‘non-perishable’ candy, and enjoy life without electricity. I think it’s quite a soul-searching experience, and also an easy way to catch up on your sleep deficit.

It’s that time of year again, the time when you make that fateful trip to Walmart in an attempt to purchase everything you may need to ride out a storm in style. Of course, when I read the news about Tropical Storm Fay, and my dad called me from South Africa, ensuring I had batteries and all the necessities, I thought it was a good time to check out my ‘hurricane supply cupboard’. Needless to say all that I found was a medical aid kit from my freshman year in college, two batteries, and a very old can of baked beans. Although I did assure my father that I had everything I could possibly need to ride out the storm in style, I have every intention of making my way to Target and doing a stock up.

I am not too concerned about Tropical Storm Fay. Although these storms are unpredictable and can turn on you in a moment, the predictions merely put our area at a tropical storm watch level. The west coast seems as though it is going to take the brunt of the storm.

So, being a hurricane survivor, and quite an expert on riding out the storm in style, I thought now would be a good time to impart some well learned knowledge to the newbies at this hurricane thing.

Rule #1: Never let your hurricane supply cupboard look like my current cupboard.

Rule #2: Never leave your hurricane supply shopping to the last minute.

The queues are horrific! And if you have left it to the last minute, do not… I repeat, DO NOT go to Walmart on Military and Linton Roads! You are going to leave 5 hours later with no supplies and in a frustrated mood. Walmart (that one in particular) gets sold out instantaneously, everyone is running around panicking, and you will in no doubt get stuck in a gridlock of trolleys. Rather go to Target, where the shoppers there are generally families, rather than the elderly, and they seem to be more efficient shoppers. Additionally, Target has the stylish hurricane supplies (and how else do you expect to ride out the storm in style?).

Rule #3: Write down a list before shopping.

This is important. I find if I don’t have a list (and stick to it) I end up arriving home with bags and bags of essentials, but nothing I truly need. When you sit down and write a list, you are more likely to stick to it, than if you are in Target, when the panic takes over and you start throwing things into the cart that you’ll never use and never need. Think simple - but bare in mind, these are some of the things you may forget…

• batteries
• can opener
• lifelong milk
• water
• hurricane-safe candle and matches
• foods that do not perish
• candy and chocolate (I have been through a storm without chocolate, I had a craving… couldn’t go out and get it and it wasn’t a pleasant experience by any means)
• paper plates (may not be running water)
• medicines/first aid
• wet wipes/toiletries
• flashlight
• radio (battery operated)
• an extra cellphone battery (charged) or a car charger
• Cash!!! (ATMs will not work and neither will your credit/debit cards if the electricity is still down after the storm)
• Games and Books (try and entertain yourself without electricity!)
• A fully charged Ipod!
• Tools
• A full tank of gas
• Important documents in a ziplock bag
• Food for two weeks

Rule #4: Keep up to date on storm developments.

 http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Rule #5: Suggest that a friend and yourself stay together during the storm (you’re going to want someone to talk to).

Rule #6: Speak to your family and parents.

Inform them about developments. Make sure they realize that you will probably lose communication during the storm, and make a plan of action. Inform them about the information found on Lynn’s website. If you have never been through a hurricane before, and your parents are concerned, direct them to the following page on Lynn’s website, which explains what a hurricane is.

Rule #7: Don’t panic - stay calm.

Lynn University monitors the storm’s developments to ensure the safety of all the students. Check for updates on the storm and Lynn’s plan of action at http://www.lynn.edu.

Dear Diary,

(sigh) where to begin…

For those of you who are about to start Graduate School, this is a post for you.

I never thought that I would do my masters, and as my undergraduate degree came to an end earlier than expected, I decided that the best option would be to work as a graduate assistant and continue my education. I am so very happy I did, and I highly recommend that even if you are doubting which path you should take, continue with school - an education is something no one can take away from you. It is well worth the effort, time, and investment. Not only will it benefit you personally in terms of growth and development, but it will also give you a phenomenal advantage when getting your first job.

If I look back on my masters degree thus far, I am astounded by how much I have learned. I found that the Master of Science in Communication at Lynn has taught me not only to think in a very critical manner, but to develop and support my own arguments. Mostly, I have learned to believe in myself and the validity and credibility of my own ideas. Much of this comes from the classroom environment that Lynn offers. My graduate class ranges in size from 6 students to 10 students. All of my professors and teachers have encouraged class discussions, and I find I truly learn from others’ viewpoints, and I now have a better idea of how to support my own arguments.

So, the time has come in which I have to put the skills and knowledge I have gained into practice. Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is Thesis time!
I have successfully changed my mind four times on what my thesis is going to be about. It started with YouTube and Africa, and is now somewhere between the idea of media and the world. I like to leave my topics broad as to ensure I have a lot to write on!

On a more serious note, I have been putting a huge amount of research into my thesis ideas. In the evenings I have been going to Barnes and Nobles and just browsing the rows of books, hoping to stimulate some thought, develop ideas, or possibly experience an epiphany. I am not yet completely inspired, yet on the right track. I am simultaneously reading several books, on a broad range of topics, all encompassing human rights and international affairs. My idea is to incorporate a passion, with a media influence or effect.

Someone recently said to me that one’s thesis is going to require an extreme amount of time, effort, and endeavor, thus ensure that it is something that you are passionate about; as well as something that you can use in your future career goal. This is what got me thinking about the seriousness of choosing a thesis topic! This thesis topic decision is a huge commitment! And I am not exactly the most decisive of individuals. I want to make an informed decision, thus the late nights at Barnes and Nobles until closing, and the mass of books lying scattered across my bed with scribbled notes on odd pieces of paper (You never know when you’re having an epiphany until after it has occurred - I’m not taking any chances; I’m writing everything down!).

Well, it is back to the books for me.