youngjoolee

The Not So Secret Life of A Communications Major My name is Joanne Lee. I'm currently a communications major with an emphasis on public relations at cpp. This blog was made for my reporting class to post something once a week. Just sharing my life with my prof and entire class, nbd.

[youngjoolee]

Oh hi, Ojai!

Last weekend, I went backpacking for the first time ever. It was a great and very memorable experience. 

When I was younger, I used to go camping every other weekend with my family. However, as I got older and more independent, the time in the wilderness with my parents were not as enjoyable. I wanted to stay in a cabin or an rv instead of a tent. I did not want to spend the entire weekend with my mom and dad if I could be out with my friends. You can say as I got older, I because a brat. However, as time passed, I grew out of that immature high school, teenage girl mentality. 

Therefore, when my friends asked I wanted to go backpacking, I agreed. At first, I was hesitant because I have never gone backpacking before. I assumed it was similar to camping, but i was so wrong. 

We went to Ojai, CA. We left late and arrived at the parking lot around midnight. Then, we did a short one mile hike to an area where the guys have already backpacked to. For the four girls who went, it was our first time at this location. The difference with camping and backpacking is that there are no set campsites when backpacking. Basically, if you are backpacking, you sleep, eat, play wherever you choose (if it's legal, of course). Our group found a flat rock area and decided to get some sleep there. Unlike camping, we did no sleep in tents. We had thermal pads and sleeping bags. Words can not describe the night sky. There were so many stars and they were ever so bright. It seemed surreal. We even got to see multiple shooting stars!

The next morning, we hiked up for about two miles and got to a water hole. The water was crystal clear and it was just perfect. Being in nature helps me realize how magnificent God truly is. It's a reminder of his great works and creations. This was just a very short overview of what we did on this trip. I didn't even talk about the great food we eat the the heavy backpacks we had to carry. 

Still, it was one of my favorite experiences, and we're all looking forward to our next trip. 

[rosemariehosmanek-deactivated20]

This quarter I was a member of the special events planning class that put on the annual Com Day. After 8 weeks of planning it all culminated in the all-day event today. I am hoping that all you communication majors out there found some time to attend. Overall I am very happy with how the event...

[youngjoolee]

I wasn't able to attend Com Day because of work, but I heard it was a success! I really wanted to hear the speakers, especially Julie Powell! 

[andrewperias-blog-deactivated20]

I’m always looking for a new movie to watch, something interesting with more cinematic value. So when the trailer for Chimpanzee came out I was curious and excited to watch it. One of my bucket list items is to visit a rainforest and let me tell you that this movie is visually breath taking. There are not many places left on earth that are completely untouched by civilization, but where there is there are whole other lives and populations. This is the film to showcase that, and to tel the adventure of a young chimp named Oscar.

The film follows Oscar over the course of a year. He is the smallest in a group of chimps and has only a mother. It chronicles his daily struggles and discoveries that he undergoes as the life of a chimp is not easy. The jungle is not a caring place; food is scarce and territory is precious. When a hardship occurs within the group everyone must learn to adapt or perish at the hands of the jungle. Oscar, a young chimp, loses his mother to the harsh conditions and has to learn to fend for himself. Survival has a steep learning curve and with nobody around Oscar needs someone to teach him. Luckily he finds a friend in the most unlikely place.

The movie is a Disney documentary, and because of that fact it falls a little short in certain areas. A documentary is unbiased and usually uncensored, especially when it comes to animals. But the film tends to brush past the gruesome details and always tends focus on the sweet and cuddly side. The film also tries to portray a good and bad guy in the story, politics and semantics are not usually in documentaries. The film is a documentary on chimps and yes it is beautiful to look at, but it fails in the main aspect in what it is supposed to be. IF you are looking for a true documentary, then you might want to look somewhere else. IF you want to look a baby chimps and avoid the gritty reality of jungle life, then the movie will quench you thirst.

[youngjoolee]

I LOVE the Disneynature films! I have yet to watch this one, but I am looking forward to it. The fact that Disney does not portray the "bad" life of the chimpanzee life may be due to the young Disney audience.

[emilymorenz]

With the school year winding down and summer approaching, I have spent the last week on a huge job hunt. I’ve applied to Buca de Bepo, Lazy Dog Cafe, Rainforest Cafe, Bubba Gump, and my favorite…Joe’s Crab Shack. I applying to be a hostess because the restaurant environment seems like so much fun!...

[youngjoolee]

Emily! The interview sounds like so much fun! I really hope you get the job! It seems like this job suits you well! However, if Joe's Crab Shack is dumb and doesn't hire you, I know Red Lobster in Brea is hiring too! Good luck!

[youngjoolee]

The Princess and the Frog

Recently, I re-watched the Disney movie "The Princess and the Frog". I love this movie and hate how it is so unappreciated. Most girls say "The Little Mermaid" is their favorite princess movie. Yes, Ariel is the prettiest princess and Prince Eric is the best looking prince, but the moral is not as positive as what Tiana shows in "The Princess and the Frog". "The Little Mermaid" shows Ariel, who is 16, leaving her family to chase after a boy who she "fell in love at first sight" with. First of all, she fell in "love" when she had not even spoken to him. Second, she left her family, friends, and not to mention her voice and soul, in order to chase after a boy. Third, she married Eric three days after they met! If a young lady did this in reality, the public would think she's unreasonable and stupid! (This may seem like I don't like this movie, but actually, I fall under the category of Ariel being my favorite, which is contradictory to my point).

Anyways, Princess Tiana demonstrated that hard work pays off. She comes from a poor background and worked hard for everything he has. She works two jobs and uses all her time to earn money in order to build herself a restaurant. Tiana had great passion and talent for cooking. Her father had the same dream before he passed away. Tiana wanted to make her dream a reality for not only herself but for her loving father, as well. However, because of her busy lifestyle, she forgot to live her life. She lost sight of what was most important, which is love. Eventually, due to some unfortunate events, she found true love where she never expected.  The two of them worked hard and she finally opened her restaurant. 

Nowadays, I feel like children are so spoiled. Parents of this generation do not take the time to learn good parenting skills. I feel as if children from past generations were much more discipled. In this generation, many kids are bratty and selfish. They are egotistic and have low morals. Movies like "The Princess and the Frog" will help kids to realize that hard work is needed to get what you want, not just pleading to your daddy. 

[youngjoolee]

sytycd

One of my favorite shows, So You Think  You Can Dance will premiere for their ninth season on May 25! I am so so so excited! I love everything from tryouts to the revealing of the top dancer. I love this show because it shows so much passion and growth. Usually, there are a few dancers who are exceptional. These dancers have been dancing all their lives and are recognized by several dance companies. However, these dancers rarely win. The judges and producers look for dancers who show progress and growth as well as technique and style. Obviously, the select few who make it to the top ten have great technique and a dance style that sets them apart from the hundreds of people who tryout. What makes someone a winner is their drive. Personally, I don't think this show shows how much work is put into the short dance numbers. For example, dancers compromise sleep in order to get their legs up in the perfect angle. They get injured but push through the scorching pain for the two minutes on stage. Solos are even shorter than that. Solos are about a minute long and sometimes, that minute may determine if the dancer gets eliminated. 

Dance is such a powerful thing. Through only movements, dancers can tell a story in a matter of minutes. Yes, sometimes props are involved and help deliver the message. Still, the body movements, facial expressions, costumes, and music set the mood. For example, my favorite routine from last season was with Melanie and Marko to the song "Bleeding Love". The dance was about two best friends who are in love but do not realize it till later. Marko is left at the alter and Melanie is there to pick him up when he is down. There is a moment in the middle of the routine where Marko looks at Melanie and realizes he is in love with his best friend. He just looks up and looks at her and his face changes. He is just standing, no major moves are involved, but the audience can feel his emotion. Moments like this is what makes dance magical. There's so much to tell through the art of dancing. 

Watching this show makes me miss life before college. I, myself, was a dancer. I wasn't at the level of any of the competitors on the show, but I had a love for dance. When I moved, I felt alive. It was a a step away from reality and into another world. It may sound corny, but I do not know how to describe it in another way. I wish I had more time so I can pursue my passion like the good old days. Unfortunately, I am so busy with school, work, and other extra curricular activities that dance will have to be a hobby I must put on hold. 

[andrewperias-blog-deactivated20]

            More recently, the view of comic books and super heroes for that matter has shifted from secret worship to open celebration. Yes, the status of superheroes within popular culture has flourished within the past decade. No longer are only so called “nerds” enjoying this renaissance of mutant humans, pop culture has changed the view of hero worshipping to be common and accepted among the young and the old. This shift is apparent with the newest blockbuster hit The Avengers. Marvel has released the individual hero’s stories in separate movies for the past few years to build up to this dream team event. To say that super hero fans were excited for this movie to come out would be the understatement of the year.

            The movie starts off quick; the God of Mischief Loki appears and attacks. He then steals an object of immense power and the Avengers must stop him on his hell bent path to enslave earth. Each of the heroes up to this point has never collaborated with one another, but due to the new circumstances they must work as a team. This of course creates problems due to the super egos and attitudes that accompany each hero. Iron Man’s vigilantism, Captain America’s loyalty and integrity, Hulk’s uncontrollable rage and other conflicting personalities cause for some trouble in their upcoming battle. (Normally I would go more into detail, but I do not want to spoil the story. I am trying to be as vague as possible plot wise to allow everyone to enjoy the movie and find out for themselves. So I will leave the plot overview as that, this is not my normal protocol, but for this film I’ll make an exception.)

            Individually some of the character’s stories are more entertaining than others. I enjoy Captain America’s movie more than Thor, but when put together all of them complement each other well. Of course when you make a movie with six people that have vast stories of their own, individualism will get sacrificed a few times. But this movie is a team movie, so the focus of a team and not the individual should be expected.  The star studded cast of Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans and more do not disappoint with their acting finesse. Each actor holds their own all while embracing the individual superhero persona as a team. Although enjoyable, one reoccurring formula was the use of wit and humor. The end of the world is not an easily digestible theme, so the use of wit is welcome within the movie. It is very predictable but still receives laughter from the audience, their situation would get more and more hopeless and normally someone would say a witty statement to break the tension. Was it a unique employment of humor? Not at all, but the use of humor was light hearted and necessary. If you have seen any of the Iron Man films, it is similar to that but instead of just Downey making the remarks each character gets their own quip in.

            Other than the predictable use of humor, the movie was memorable and entertaining. The movie will have you on the edge of your seat and give you a well placed chuckle here and there. Even if you are not the biggest super hero fan, you will enjoy this movie. Disney’s investment into the Marvel Franchise was definitely well spent. The large budget for the film will be backed up by the amount of success that is to come with the Avengers. So put on your hero mask, grab some popcorn and watch your favorite superheroes come to life on the big screen.

[andrewcanales-blog]

I attended the midnight showing of the movie and thought it was beautifully done. It’s difficult to focus on so many prominent characters, but each hero had his or her time to shine. The effects are unparalleled. Like you, I don’t want to spoil anything, but how about those last 45 minutes? My goodness. Can’t wait for The Dark Knight Rises.

[youngjoolee]

I have been waiting for this movie to finally come out in theaters! I'm glad the reviews about the movie are positive. I can't wait to watch it. 

[youngjoolee]

Haiti Missions Trip

I will be going on a missions trip with my church in the summer to Haiti. I have to write a letter asking for support for this trip, and here's what i wrote. 

Hello!

I’m writing to share some exciting news! This summer, I have the opportunity to spread the love of our Lord in Haiti for a short term missionary trip. First of all, I am a second year at Cal Poly Pomona. I can’t believe my sophomore year is already coming to an end! I am a communications major with an emphasis on public relations, and I’m enjoying my interactive classes! I also have a part time job at My Gym: Children’s Fitness Center, and I thank the Lord everyday for such an amazing job. Working with little kids really brings light into my life and shows me pure, innocent love.

Last year, I was thinking about going to missions. However, my sister was going to start college and finances were an issue. I should have remembered Matthew 7:7 saying, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” That is why I am even more grateful for my chance to go to Haiti this July. I have faith that God will provide if my heart is ready to serve. 

This trip is scheduled for ten days from July 15th to July 25th, 2012. I will be going with my team from Good News Chapel. As you may know, Haiti was hit with a 7.0 magnitude earthquake on January 12, 2010. This natural disaster left many Haitians devastated with destroyed homes and the loss of loved ones. Many children, unfortunately, lost their parents and were sent to live in orphanage homes. My team and I will be going to these orphanages to serve and to love the lost and the broken. By teaching the Word of God and through vacation bible study, we will try out best to demonstrate the love He shows us everyday. 

However, this is not a journey I can go on alone. That is why I ask you to support me. This is my first time going on short term missions, and I ask for your support through prayer. I hope that you can pray for me as I would love to hear your prayer requests, as well! As it says in Matthew 21:22, 

“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive it, if you have faith.” 

[jennifer-t-blog]

Have you ever thought about what you are going to do after you graduate? Have you ever thought about why you choose to study certain majors? Have anyone ever asked you why you choose your major? Many times I wonder what I will do after I graduate. From the first place, I am unsure about my...

[youngjoolee]

I always think about this! I still don't know what I want as my future career. It's suck a hard thing to decide on because there are so many possibilities!

[youngjoolee]

Pinterest

Just as I thought there was nothing left to do on the interent, I sign up for Pinterest. Pinterest reminds me alot of Tumblr. Nowadays, people do not post actually blogs on tumblr. A lot of people just reblog or post pictures on their tumblr site. Pinterest is made especially for pictures. I can spend multiple hours on Pinterest without getting bored. There are so many things and ideas I can get from this site. Over the past couple days, I have "re-pinned" (which is like reblogging) hundreds of pictures. There are so many ideas of home decor. Looking at amazing home decorations makes me think about how my dream home would be like. Pinterest also has a lot of craft ideas. DIY, also known as do-it-yourself, is big on this site. From Pinterest, I found creative ways to make my own bulletin board, picture frames, shirts, posters, etc. I have not had the time to actually put myself in action and try making these DIY crafts, but I eventually plan on crafting. On the other hand, on pinterest I found multiple ways to to my hair. I searched "braids" and there were so many pictures to choose from. Some pictures has instructions on how to do different braids. Therefore, I successfully learned new ways to style my hair.

I try to say that Pinterest is a positive website which will bring creativity into my life. However, to be honest, Pinterest is the greatest waste of time. The website is very addicting because each person gets to choose what they search for. Since everyone has a passion for different things, Pinterest appeals to everyone and anyone. Even though, it is a waste of time to be on Pinterest for hours at a time, it can be very useful when you know what you want to look for. I typed in Dr.Seuss and there were pictures of Dr. Seuss quotes and books. It also had cute ways to make Dr. Seuss crafts for teachers and students. The crafts made me want to become a first grade teacher. I am obsessed with Pinterest.

[emilymorenz]

It’s a rainy day today which makes me just the happiest person ever! I don’t understand why most people I know HATE the rain…it’s the coolest weather ever! WATER DROPLETS FALLING FROM THE SKY, HOW CRAZY IS THAT?! Most people say they don’t like the rain because it depresses them which I don’t get...

[youngjoolee]

I love the rain too, emily!! I especially love the sound of rain hitting my umbrella! Still, I'm kind of glad we don't have lightning like that here. 

[youngjoolee]

Workaholic

Who doesn't like money? The answer would be no one. Everyone likes having money. Not only is it a luxury to have extra Benjamin's in your wallet, but it is also a necessity. We need money to buy food,water, and shelter. In order to get that financial need, people dedicate valuable time and energy earn money. However, sometimes people focus too much on earning money that they tend to let their life slip away. 

A couple days ago, I heard a quite saying "Some people are so poor, all they have is money". At first glance, it may seem as of this statement is contradictory. However, when one takes the time to really ponder about what it says, it makes sense. Many use all their time at work that they lose meaningful relationships. I had a slight taste of this "workaholic" lifestyle. Last year, my life consisted of only work and school. I had two jobs and worked about 40 hours a week while taking a full course load. I would go to my first job in the morning at 5 a.m., then school, then to my second job. I would get home at around 11 p.m. every night. I was exhausted. When my friends would ask me to hang out I wouldn't be able to because I would knock out right when I get home. I didn't realize that I was pushing myself away from my friends. Eventually, I realized this was not a healthy way to live. I was always mentally and even more physically drained. Therefore, I quit one my of jobs, and now I am happier and have time to strengthen my relationships. 

Another example is shown through two different mothers. I heard a story about two women who lost their husbands around the same time.  Woman number one decided to work instead of staying home with her children and had a a strong savings account. Woman number two decided to quit her job in order to stay at home with her children. When their husbands passed away, woman number one asked if woman number two regretted quitting her job now. Woman number two replied in a heart beat saying she never regret a second she spent with her kids. I agree with woman number two. At my job, I see children who choose to be with their nanny rather than their own mothers. Working mothers have difficulty creating strong an genuine bonds with their children because they do not spent majority of their day together. I find it sad to see children loving their nannies more than their own parents. 

Therefore, in my personal opinion, money is important but it isn't everything. Falling in love with money can ruin someone. In time, money will be the only thing they have. The loneliness will eat them alive. I'm glad I realized this and made time for other things than earning money. After all, the most important things in life aren't things but the people you can share them with.  

[josephliuu-blog]

Love Is?

It’s kind of funny to see always see some girls and guys always looking to find that perfect someone. A lot of people always ask me why my girlfriend and I are so ‘perfect’ together. Well, I don’t consider her to be perfect, but what makes love so amazing is to love her...

[youngjoolee]

aww! This is so sweet! I remember in Com 106, you talked about all the extravagant things you planned for your girlfriend on Valentine's Day at Disneyland! This post shows that you two have a very understanding relationship, and I think everyone should read this since it's great advice, too. 

[youngjoolee]

The Greatest Love of All

I actually do not know if I'm allowed to be writing about this for class, but it's my blog so I'm assuming it's okay. I will be talking about the sensitive topic of religion. If you feel at all uncomfortable reading about my beliefs, please stop reading right now. If you wish to continue, I hope this post opens your heart to greater things.

The greatest love of all is not what you have with you and your boyfriend or girlfriend. It is not what you see in romantic comedies or the "Titanic". The greatest love of all is the love God has for us. 

Easter is right around the corner, and I have never been more excited. I grew up in a semi-Christian household (my mom is a Christian but my dad is not), and I've heard the story of Easter for many years. However, I didn't realize the depth, meaning, and importance of Easter until recently. For many years, I knew about how God sent his only son down to Earth only to have him die the most painful death. Jesus lived a sinless life but died for the sin of everyone else. Obviously, humans can not compare to God. Still, I can't help but think about the relationship between a father and son. If I had a child, just the thought of being apart from my child would be horrifying. God had to send Jesus, his son, to Earth and even watch him shed his blood.

When the movie "The Passion of The Christ" came out, I went to go watch it with my church. The movie was extremely visual and the story of the death of Christ was absolutely heartbreaking. Since I am a Christian, the movie may have affected me more than I expected. Still, I think the movie would have moved non-believers also due to it's graphic scenes. What made me realize that my faith was growing was when I read John 13 from the Bible. At the beginning of the week, I downloaded a "Story of Easter" plan on my Bible iPhone app. and started educating myself on Easter. When it came time to read John 13, I felt something I've never felt while reading the Bible. This chapter speaks about how Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and tells them that one of them will betray him. Jesus knows how and when He will die. He is in the same room as Judas, the man who will betray Jesus. As I read about what Jesus was saying and how ready he was to give his life, it hurt. I felt so undeserving for this love. God loves us so much that he sent his only son. Jesus loved us so much that he had nails hammered into his skin and a crown of throne on his head. All of this is so amazing. 

I felt as if I was just rambling, but I've been thinking about this a lot and wanted to share it. I'm not asking you to believe in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus,but why wouldn't you want to know more about the Savior. We live today because He died for us.

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. John 11:25-26 

[rosemariehosmanek-deactivated20]

The thought of Spring usually brings to mind images of sunny days, fields of flowers, and carefree living—to everyone but a member of the women’s basketball team. We tend to think of spring as ice baths, blisters, and exhaustion. We chased a national championship for 6 months and came up short.

[youngjoolee]

Wow. You girls train so hard! I wish you the best of luck spring quarter! The part about the monkey bars was vivid. I pictured it in my head, and it was not pretty! Hope your hand heals quickly. I was on the dance team back in high school, and I remember those training days with endless hours of practice. In the end, it will all be worth it! Keep up the good work!

[youngjoolee]

My Gym

Whenever someone asks me where I work, there's always an awkward moment. I work at My Gym and people assume I'm referring to a gym that I go to. However, it's nothing like that. The entire name of where I work is "My Gym Children's Fitness Center". Then, after I explain that I work at a children's fitness center, there is always the question of how I help kids workout. Again, it's not what it sounds like. So basically, My Gym is a place where kids learn basic gymnastic skills while having fun. Most people have heard about Gymboree, so I tell them it's sort of like that. The children enrolled at My Gym attend classes. Each class has a different agenda depending on the age group of the class. Usually, for the younger kids, the class starts with a quick introduction of names, song, dance, and a practice skill. The practice skill is one of the areas where the "gym" part of My Gym comes to play. We teach parents and children how to do a simple skill, such as balancing or tumbling. Then, we give the kids some time to play as we set up two different skill stations. At theses stations, we create creative and interesting ways for children to develop motor skills and basic gymnastic skills. After that, we bring out swings, play a fun game, and end the class with a puppet show. All the classes are structured and keep the parents and the children involved. Classes for older kids will have less play time for the kids focus more on competitive relays and games. We even have classes for infants from 6 months old. In these classes, we try to help babies crawl and teach them to walk. There's definitely more to a class than what I just explained. My Gym is something every parent and child should experience. I personally love what we do and since the first guest class is free, I do not see why everyone doesn't try it out. 

I absolutely LOVE my job. Yes, there are uncooperative kids and kids who cry all the time. Still, that's just an obstacle I have to get over. At the end of each class, when the kids come running to hug the teachers, I feel the love. I enjoy seeing pure, innocent joy. I love how something so little can make someone so happy. My favorite part is seeing a child grow. There are students at My Gym who started when they were just crawling. Then, I watch them take their first few steps. I hear them starting to learn how to talk. Eventually, I see them growing up and entering preschool. However, I hate when people cancel their My Gym membership. When families move away or the kids get too old to stay at My Gym, I know I will probably never see these kids again. I guess it's my fault for getting attached to these kids. I try not to have favorites, but it's impossible! I secretly have a top 5, and I know it's unfair but it happens to everyone. Of course, the teachers do not show it, but everyone has a child they prefer over others. Still, we love all the kids who come to My Gym. 

I have always wanted to work with kids, and my job at My Gym confirmed it. I started looking into career paths with children. It made me really want to get into pediatric occupational therapy. I eventually want to go to USC's graduate program for occupational therapy. I am also interested in becoming a speech and language pathologist. I would help children who have slow speech or work with autistic kids. Currently, I'm a communications major with an emphasis on public relations. Why am I a PR major when I don't want to be a public relations specialist? I have no idea. If I do stay in PR, however, I would love to work for Disney. 

But again, life is unpredictable and I still have so much time to decide. I'm happy with my part- time job right now, and I don't plan on leaving for a very long time. 

[youngjoolee]

COM 300

This is a test post. I'm pretty excited about writing blogs for my COM300 class. This is great. I'm prepared for spring quarter to be great.