Do you ever wonder what it’s like to be a glamorous movie or television star? Recently, I got a small taste of fame with my Television Commercial Debut. I cannot say I’m getting Warhol’s promised fifteen minutes of fame, but if you watch Fox or Buffalo stations, you might see my thirty seconds in the lights.
It all started when in a late night lapse in judgment; I answered a vague Craigslist posting looking for a “real Mom” to be in a commercial for a retail store. After about a day of paranoia that I had just given the “Craigslist killer” personal information about myself, I get the call from a studio executive. I’m told a few details about the project and I’m asked to upload a short video about my family and shopping habits. Enough time passes for me to decide that I wasn’t chosen when another mysterious call comes in.
I was one of two Moms who were invited to shop our local grocery store and then compare those items with the prices at the major retailer. I was briefed on a long list of legalities, rules, and a banned clothing list that eliminated nearly every item in my wardrobe. I am also told a ridiculous tale of shopping horror stories, so I knew what not to do. Tuesday morning at 7:45 came early, as I met the company officials and 2nd Mom at a donut shop. After some inevitable getting lost and an embarrassing display of my inability to work a smart phone type gadget, we arrive at the grocery store.
The initial shopping trip begins. I chose my forty items, being careful to stay within the guidelines, while getting an accurate snap shot of a typical shopping trip. It was just like a normal shopping trip with my family except I didn’t have my family throwing random junk food in the cart, and the executive actually helped load groceries on the cart and carried the bags. The company was kind enough to purchase these groceries, as they would be critical during this next stage.
We arrive at the major retail store where I’m greeted by store managers, film crew, make-up artist, and the star of the commercial. After a tour of the store, the results are revealed…drumroll…. I was chosen to be in the commercial! With a handshake, Mom #2 leaves, and I am sat down in a make-up chair. For perhaps the first time in twenty years, my hair is “done.” My face is layered with concealer, powder, and I’m introduced to a medieval torture device called an eyelash curler. The nice lady warns, “Do not move or you will lose all your eyelashes.” The move magic continues, as microphones are taped inside my shirt and attached to the back of my pants.
The first location is the produce section, where I strike a pose for a photo shoot, as onlookers select their fruits and veggies. We film a short clip outside, where my eyes water from the cold in the winter air. Next, we film the first product comparison. I have no lines or rehearsal, but instead, I’m instructed to listen to what the host tells me to react. Take One…Take Two. I quickly become aware of the time restrictions as the host is instructed to change his wording or pace. Logic tells me I also do not have time to recite a soliloquy. We continue in this manner for the other products, as I laugh at the quirky host and marvel the price differences between the two stores. Each step of the way there are legal concerns to consider, which I find of particular interest as a paralegal major.
Bystanders gawk, and wonder out loud what we are doing, even asking who I am. A staff member quips, “Don’t you know her? She’s a famous star!” I felt like a real celebrity as the make-up lady touched up my hair and make-up between every take. We break for lunch, but I can hardly eat from all the excitement. By the time the video shot rapped around 4:00, I was exhausted, but they still had questions for a radio spot.
When I was finally done for the day, I come to GCC for my night class. I get the first look at myself in the mirror, and use water and paper towels to wipe off as much gunk as I could. It was good to relax and return to life among the “normal” people. Apparently, being myself, is the toughest acting job I’ve ever imagined.
Within two days, My Facebook lit up with friends asking if that was me they saw on TV. Co-workers were calling asking for the famous “Rhonda Parker” and family was stopping me in the store, asking for my autograph. I was one of the last one to see the finished product. My husband and started watching TV just to see the commercials. My face becomes the last thing I’d see before bed, and the first thing I woke up to in the morning. I was unavoidable, just like the crew promised I would be.
Overall, this was a fantastic experience, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. It gave me, yet again, a more objective view on the Hollywood lifestyle. A lot more work goes into every aspect of making a movie, or commercial in this case, then you would ever home to imagine. I found out a few things I might never have known about myself. First of all, I’d rather sleep in than have to start my day several hours before the crack of dawn. I’d rather be the one behind the camera, or better yet behind the computer monitor. Most importantly, I do not want to ever be within fifty feet of an eyelash curling device ever again! I’m still having post-traumatic stress syndrome from that evil little beauty aid!
Adult Students
A number of enrolled GCC students, both full and part time, are adult students who are returning to further their education or earn a degree to benefit their future career path.
What Do GCC Students Want to be When They Grow Up?
StandardDo you ever look around you in class and wonder if you are the exception, or the rule? Are you on the road less traveled, or surrounded by your peers? Since I tend to look at things from a statistical standpoint, these are questions I quietly ask as I look at the faces around me. Did you know, there is statistical data on the GCC website under institutional research and assessment? It contains some interesting data that further confirms some of my suspicions about which majors appeal to older students, and which majors are chosen more by young students. There is also information on which classes are predominately female and which have higher percentages of male enrollment. I want to preface this blog with a disclaimer. I am looking at this chart as a novice and just for fun, so none of my estimations are guaranteed accurate.
With total enrollment from 2008 to 2011 being predominately female by a ratio of nearly 2 to 1; it is surprising that there are any majors where the men outnumber the women. Communication and Media Arts Majors tend to be boys, however girls are closing the gap, if trends continue. Business Administration classes are where the boys are, as the chart indicates there are about 20 percent more males in that major. Criminal Justice is 2 to 1 in favor of men, also. Computer Information Systems is the most male dominated with a 4 to 1 ratio. Men are also found in the Physical Education major about three times as often as women.
Teaching has been dominated by females, so the 4 to 1 ratio from 2008 to 2010 is no surprise, but in 2011 the gap narrowed with a 3 to 1. It is also no surprise that more females go into Nursing than males. Interestingly, over the four year span, enrollment has been increasing, and the female to male ratio has narrowed from 10 to 1 to 5 to 1. Fashion Merchandising Management, Tourism and Hospitality, and Medical Administrative Assistant also largely appeal to woman.
As far as the returning students are concerned, they seem to choose very specific career minded professions. Teaching Assistants, Customer Relationship Manager and Respiratory Care degrees appeal to students with an average age of 33. Next in line are Accounting and Administrating Assistants whom were 32, on average. We round out the 30 somethings with degrees in Human Services, Paralegal and Nursing.
Students who are fresh out of high school are more likely to choose degrees that are a bit more abstract and flexible, perhaps even artistic. The youngest average age of 19 was found in Fashion Merchandising Management. Other majors that appeal to those in their early 20’s include Theater Tech, Digital Art, Criminal Justice, Physical Education, and Communications/Media Arts.
As you can see, your mom was right when she said you can be anything when you grow up. The career choices people make depend on a lot of factors that are specific to that individual’s preferences and abilities as well as the employment opportunities in the area. The chart does seem to show a definite shift in these choices as a person approaches late twenties and into the thirties. It seems that the question “What do you want to be when you grow up,” changes over time. Let it inspire hope in young people who are following their dreams, that there are second chances in life. If your original dream does not work out, do not dispair. Don’t be afraid to reach for the stars! Go back to school.
Saving money on Textbooks 101
StandardFirst week of class, and I’m seeing a lot of intense faces around campus. Some people are still scrambling last minute to get the books and supplies they need for college. I have been giving out some money saving advice around campus, and I thought I might blog about some of my tricks of the trade.
#1 Used Books- It’s no secret, wherever you buy the book you will save 50% buying it used. They tend to be in good to like new condition from reputable sellers. I bought most of mine from Amazon It’s easy to search and they list merchants with that book and choose the best price and/or reputation. Some are filled by Amazon and qualify for free supersaver shipping. Amazon was great to work with for a return when I changed my mind and they will buy back the books when you are done. I actually made a profit on one book last semester. (Shop around on buy backs- it is a supply and demand system- so prices differ from place to place and day to day. In fact that goes for the price of buying used books also.)
#2 Renting- There are several sites that rent textbooks. I usually use bookrenter.com. They had the best rental prices for most items and if you search google for a coupon code you can save an extra 5-10% of 2 or more rentals. They pay shipping cost both ways. They have different costs for shorter rental periods too! Renting can work out better than buying used because often publishers come out with a new edition of the book, so you will be stuck with the old one.
#3 Borrowing- The Library has a selection of Textbooks at the circulation desk. If you leave your ID badge, you can borrow the book while in the library. This is great if the book is not needed all the time, you are unsure about staying in the class, or you are on campus a lot, like me. Also, you could borrow from of share with a classmate or friend.
#4 Free E-book trial- When you need a textbook in a hurry, try websites that offer free trials of E-books! I tried coursesmart.com where you can read the first chapter or so of the book and copy-paste all the notes so I did not fall behind waiting for books in the mail. (Of course you might like it, and e-textbooks are less pricey than new books also!) Some even give you a week free trial, so if you read fast, you might not need to buy the book at all!
#5 Cash Back- Rebates with “Ebates”. I shop online through a link and I get paid up to 25% cash back for purchases made at pretty much any store you can imagine, including Amazon and Bookrenter. I have made over $600.00 shopping online over the past few years. You even get a ten dollar gift card to join, so check it out.
I hope these tips are helpful to each of you as you get into the swing of things this semester. With the tight budgets of college students every few bucks you save means another mocha latte at the cafe’. Until next time, I hope to see you around campus. I’ll be the one with their nose in a discount Textbook…but I always have time to look up and say “Hi.” to a friend!
A Loss For Words
StandardThere are so many feelings that flood my mind at the end of the semester that I am at a loss for words to effectively convey my emotions. The relief that I’m done with my classes mixed with the heartbreak of leaving treasured new friends. Bittersweet does not seem strong enough or accurate enough to tell the full story. As a writer, it’s tough to admit the English language oftentimes falls short of having the perfect word to express an exact emotion. For example, “Love” can mean so many different things to different people, at different times…and yet we have only four letters trying to say it all.
In most cultures, people have many words to describe what is important to them. Eskimos have over twenty words for snow and the French have endless descriptions for wine. What words are important to Americans? Pizza? Couch? Internet? I’m almost afraid to ask. The book “The meaning of Tingo” by Adam Jacot de Boinod is more daring than I. It explores interesting words from around the world, and their often very precise meanings. It tended to make me jealous of the beauty of other languages.
Even a senior moment is fun in Hawaiian. Just say, “pana po’o”, which means to scratch your head to remember something you have forgotten. Goofing off sounds just as fun in Japanese; “bosabosa”. I can see myself being a “neko-neko” in Indonesian. That is one who has a creative idea which only makes things worse. I would blush as the social consequences of a Turkish “fart”, which means talking nonsense.
The words to describe specific people are some of the most hysterical. In Japanese a “bakkushan” is a woman who appears pretty from behind, but not from the front. In Yiddish they call someone who interferes with unwanted advice a “kibitzer: but I just call her “Mom”. In the Congo they say “Iilunga” to describe one who is ready to forgive any abuse the first time, tolerate it a second time, but never a third. Maybe that is where we get three strikes and you’re out. German words are always quite descriptive, like this one that just sounds like my husband looks. A “Krawattenmuffel” is one who doesn’t like wearing ties.
America is such a melting pot that our language is derived from nearly all others. It makes sense that oftentimes there is a familiar ring to words from other languages. At GCC we are fortunate to have a diverse population of cultures. It can be very interesting to bridge the language barrier to learn new words from Japan, Mexico, or Hawaii. Or perhaps, you could be of assistance in teaching someone new to our country the connotations of English words or slang phrases. I did not know “pop” was another word for “soda”, and I only moved to New York from Virginia. Just my age prevents me from fully comprehending conversations from young people that are essentially English, or what passes for it these days.
Finally, I hope that this semester comes to a productive and pleasant end for my fellow students and esteemed teachers. May the upcoming holidays and New Year bring hope and joy into each of your lives.. With the wisdom of a fortune cookie I wish “mingmu” for all. That is Chinese for “to die without regret.” Suckle every drop of sweet necker your lives have to offer, for the breath of life will all too soon come to its bittersweet end.
Hot Off The WordPress . . . “RASO’s UNITE”
StandardWe temporarily interrupt our regularly scheduled programing . . . NEWS FLASH! . . . This just in . . . There is a student movement afoot within the friendly confines of our hallowed facility. A rallying cry “RASO’s UNITE” (Returning Adult Student Organization) is being heard louder and louder from more and more students with each passing moment. How did this come to be? What unleashed this sudden torrent of unified efforts and energies? What is it they seek? Are they friendly? Should we scatter the chickens . . . ?
Our investigation has revealed that it all started innocently enough, one person with one question, who then posed this question to another. From there the momentum expanded exponentially to the point of support pouring into this cause from the four corners of the campus. What is their cause? A place for RASO’s to network, garnish guidance and advice, and assist one another. This will be a place for them to bring their issues, problems, and concerns, whatever their Waterloo may be. A well being oasis for the returning adult student is what they seek.
Our latest report indicates that the RASO’s are planning on holding a rally Wednesday Dec. 5th at 12:30 in room T-123. Further investigation has revealed that even a staff member, Brenda Sheflin (343-0055 ext. 6185 or bjsheflin@genesee.edu), has fallen under their spell and is directly involved with this uprising. She asks that any aspiring RASO rally attendees contact her through the above channels. . . . Well there you have it student nation. Was kind of scary at first but we now believe they are pretty much harmless (more brains). So go ahead and put your chickens back in the pen and stay tuned for further details . . . We now return you to our regularly scheduled programming . . . .
Why Are We Here?
StandardHey student nation how’s the world been treating you since last time around? Well I hope. A lot’s been going on since we last chatted. I’ve been attending all the Leadership Development Workshops and Career Service Center seminars that I can fit into my schedule this semester. John McGowan does a great job presenting the various topics for Career Services. Barbra Shine, Amy Masters, Brian Fraser, Amy Conley, and Lina LaMattina to name a few, do the LDW program just as proud. In case you didn’t know it the LDW presenters donate their time to make sure this information, this knowledge, these advantages, are available to us all. I highly recommend attending as many as you possibly can. The gift of time is the greatest gift of all. Don’t miss out on it!
Another fine activity to involve yourself with is the Toastmasters organization. Headed by Jacqueline DiBella and John McGowan you’ll learn the ins and outs of becoming a polished presenter. If you’re uncomfortable in front of an audience this is the place for you. In today’s world the ability to professionally present, both yourself and information, is vital. This club will help you on your way to becoming a confident presenter not to mention the networking aspect that walks hand-in-hand with it.
How does all this tie into the title which was the question I left you with last blog. Why are we here? I’ve asked this question around campus and here are some of the responses. I came here to become an accountant, a paralegal, IT major, and so on. Myself I enrolled here to become a business administrator or so I thought. Holy smackdown Batman was I wrong.
Business administration is what I was going to learn along the way to the ultimate goal. It’s now my opinion that we are all here to become the exact same thing, that being a PROFESSIONAL. A professional what is but a mere sidebar in my mind, hopefully something you like. A person could know accounting till the cows come home but if you don’t handle that knowledge in a professional manner you’ll “account” for no one. First and foremost yourself!
Yes I truly believe we are all here for the exact same reason weather we realize it or not. Are there any thoughts on that one? Please let me know. So when you get up in the morning, when you come to school, when you study and do your work, as you walk down the hall try and attack it with that train of thought in mind, of becoming a professional. What a difference one thought can make in everything you do. Well I probably shouldn’t speak for everyone but I will say this. What a difference it made for me! Go ahead, try it, don’t be scared. Let’s face it your probably already not doing it, I wasn’t!
I leave you with this question for our next chat. When someone “gifts” an item to you most people feel privileged for receiving it. The question is does paying for an item yourself diminish the privilege of ownership? Enjoy the holiday and find something to be thankful for. Until next time student nation, be good.
Not exactly a “Karate Kid”
StandardIt’s a dark night and you are a woman walking home alone from work, when a figure in a black hoodie approaches. You are on your guard and watch closely as he passes you without incident. The moment of relief is short lived as you realize the man has switched directions, and now follows you. Your heart races, you quicken your pace but he is closing in. You know you have to do something quick. Instinct takes over and you turn and scream, “You better back off.” The mysterious figure replies, “But I’m your husband!”
I’m not sure what my next move would have been if this scene would have played out differently. As it stands, I just felt quite silly. I often wondered if I would have had the skills to fight off an actual attacker. Most people think “we live in small towns” here, so we are not likely to have a need for self defense. They are wrong. A few weeks prior to this night I had been stalked and harassed by a group of three guys in an SUV, and I had to sneak through a building and out the back door to escape them.
A few years prior to that, in another local small town, my daughter and me were passed by a man, who then turned to follow us. We headed for a better lit area, downtown, and went inside a store. The man waited outside the store a while. When he was distracted we slipped out the store, and ran home through a short cut. I had been discussing with my daughter since she was a toddler a plan in case we were attacked. If we could both not get away, she knew to run and get help, while I would stay and fight. This event taught her that her mom was not just being paranoid. Now a teenager, I get no argument when I insist she bring her brother or the dog with her if she even goes across the street after dark.
The scarcest incident occurred when I was a teenager, living in a town in Virginia, roughly the size of Batavia. I went out after midnight to get an Ice cream cone at the all night gas station about five blocks from my home. On the way back a man crossed to my side of the street and stopped in front of me, to “tie his shoe.” I did not want to end up close to him, so I decided to be safe, I would just cross back to the side of the street he had come from. Within moments, he crossed back and was behind me. I walked faster, and so did he. I dropped my ice cream cone and started running. He followed me as I cut through a wooded area, and ran across the street to my building. I punched in the security code, and got safely inside. The stranger disappeared into the night. I do not want to imagine what would have happened if I had not been so cautious.
It seems I knew the first lesson of Karate. The best defense is to get away, or “no be there” as I learned from Karate kid. Considering my experiences, it is clear why I would choose to enroll in the Karate Classes the college offers. Quickly you learn it is not what you see on TV. The class is co-taught by Shihan (master) Cindy Jones and Sensei Hyde. It is currently offered on M and W afternoons for college credit and an opportunity to earn a yellow belt in Isshin- Ryu Karate.
Hyde, who is a 6th level black belt started taking karate to be supportive to a boy she met while student teaching. She stuck with it because she enjoys the people, the exercise, and says it is a great conversation starter. Hyde, who describes herself as “over 50”, is very encouraging and understanding of students who struggle to learn the more difficult moves. This works well for myself, as I’m not exactly a “karate kid.” Hyde wants people to understand karate is used for self defense, and it “is not flashy like you see in the movies.” It involves self discipline and improves self esteem.
Jones is a 9th degree black belt, and the “highest ranking female in Master Kichiro Shimabuku’s Isshin Ryu World Karate Association” She explains her interest in the art, “I was very impressed with Bruce Lee and so I started karate as it was available. In later years I was thrilled to actually study and later teach his art of Jeet Kune Do.” At 71 years old she can safely and effectively bring a man a third her age and three times her size to his knees, with the self defense moves she teaches. She wants people to know that, “Karate has something for anyone who wants to learn it and is willing to put in the effort.” Jones has a karate school in Byron-Bergen. More can be found out about Shihan Jones at www.collamer-jones.com.
The Karate learned in this class extends beyond the physical, and enriches the mind and soul. There is a chance to gain understanding of the rich culture this discipline stemmed from. Jones and Hyde share with us their own experiences, such as this one from Jones about a time she met with her mentor. “When Master Shimabuku visited my home in Bergen he fished in my pond, cleaned and ate the fish raw. He was then expected to attend a special big Italian dinner prepared for him and couldn’t eat anything.”
The class is fast moving, fun and energetic. They train us in a variety of self defense techniques, as well as exposure to Thai Boxing, and martial arts with swords and bow. We read books on philosophy of karate, and learn its many applications for everyday life. “I use karate mental training everyday to avoid situations that might cause me to have to use physical techniques,” explains Jones. As you can see, even if you are never in a situation like those I described above, your life could be enriched from the practice of Karate.
Welcome Keith Compton and his Inaugural Adult Student Blog!
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Keith Compton relaxing in the GCC Library
Keith is a returning adult student who is pursuing a Business Administration degree. He graduated from Kendall in 1977. From there to a summer job in Pittsburg then out into the world. As he describes it, “I dove head first into life’s pool and touched all four sides way more than once!” When I asked Keith where he’s from he replied, “Go ahead and name a place Donna, if you’re not right on the money you won’t have missed by much!” Keith’s last port of call was Dallas, Texas where he and his wife owned a commercial subcontracting business for a number of years. During this time Keith had the opportunity to cross paths with some very interesting people, Ross Perrot, Mark Cuban, and Mary Kay to name a few.
When asked to describe himself Keith replied, “But Donna what about the PG rating? Hey take it easy. I suppose you could say I’m a unique blend derived from a combination of many varied people, places, and experiences. I’m a life taster and I hold my legs totally responsible for it. They’re been forever dragging me in front of something else to see or do.”
In his spare time you’ll find Keith either next to, in or on the water. Fishing is his passion. “It’s where I go to clean my slate. It’s my fortress of solitude and my calling. I’ve known it since a young age. The only thing that tops that is taking someone along who would rarely or never go and sharing it with them, showing them how.” Keith also enjoys building “things”, playing euchre till the sun comes up, writing, taking sunrise and sunset photos, “picking” with a good friend of his, listening to old school Motown rhythm and blues, and as he puts it, “stinking up a kitchen.” As some of you are aware by now Keith is quite the accomplished cook.
When I asked Keith what his plans after graduating are he replied, “Where am I headed? My brain tells me I’ve options available now that I wouldn’t have dared dreamed just a few years ago, nothing definitive on the horizon. Truth be told though my hearts been telling me I’m already there. Time will let me know. It lets us all know.”
Genesee Community College Blog 