Journalism?

Whenever someone mentions they're a journalism major, the first thing that comes to my mind is, "What are you going to do with that?" I'm guilty of assuming a journalist is someone who sits in a dusty office spending all-nighters cranking out the latest story on a local politician with a cup of coffee (no creamer) in hand. They're probably also wearing dark rimmed glasses. When I found out that my major was going to incorporate journalism classes I wasn't sure how to feel or how this would relate to what I want to do with the rest of my life.

In my blogging class we were encouraged to explore a few articles about digital media and digital journalism. I was surprised to see how important the role of a good journalist is in the workforce today. Mass communication has become part of our every day lives. We need journalists who can provide engaging content to the public, readers and consumers.

The specific article I read focuses on why we need to re-define the general definition of journalism. It is not just someone who writes an article for a magazine or newspaper. This original definition cannot keep up with the expanding needs for quality journalists in the work place. We continue to hear, "Isn't the newspaper a declining media industry? Why journalism?" We need to realize that journalists are not confined to those popular dusty offices that movies portray them in, they are not just writing for a small no-name newspaper, they play a very important role by giving the readers something that makes them want to come back and read again. Why are we loyal to magazines or blogs? Why do we come back? We come back because the content was engaging to us.

I consider a blogger to be a new-age journalist. I hope to explore my inner journalist through the writing I do in this class and on my blog. I've already got a pair of dark rimmed glasses and a cup of coffee, so I'm halfway there right?

To read more, click the link: http://www.mulinblog.com/never-better-time-journalism-major/

That's what's in my jar.

Home Sweet Apartment

Recently, the day after Christmas to be exact, I moved into a new place.

MY FIRST PLACE! Moving can stir up so many different emotions and feelings. The packing, the physical moving of all the crap you didn't realize you had, the new responsibility, and maybe even being in a new part of town. At 22 I decided it was finally time to find my own little space to call home. Apartment shopping can be very stressful. What's my price range? Is this big enough? Do I feel safe here? Now how many flights of stairs will I have to carry my groceries up? With much anticipation I found the perfect place for me.

Decorating my own space with things that I love has been so much fun. The transition is much easier when you can create a place to come home to - not just a place to sleep or do your laundry. It's only the beginning but here are a few pictures what I've done so far.

 

I look forward to sharing more photos as the process continues!

That's what's in my jar.

Welcome!

My name is Mason Grimes. I'm currently at UCO as a Strategic Communications major. Last Fall semester I transferred from Oklahoma City Community College, where I earned my Associate of Arts in Psychology.

Being cursed with a common name for boys, when people ask me to introduce myself and I do so with, "Hi, I'm Mason," they immediately think they misheard and respond with something like, "Macy? Maddie? Megan?" In turn I've trained myself to reply with, "No, MASON... ya know, like the jar?" Not only does this make it clear but they remember me! A silly word association is a well-known trick for helping you remember something, or in my case someone.

I decided to incorporate this into my blog name. What's in my "jar" are the things that make up my life, what I like, who I am and what I'm passionate about.