Done & done.

I can officially say my first semester at Arizona State University is completed. It was a great first semester filled with lots of adjusting, lots of learning (in and out of the classroom), and lots of exciting things. I met some great people, and I can say that Arizona is starting to feel like home. It wasn't the easiest semester, since I had to adjust and see what going to a big University was all about, but it turned out even better than I thought it was going to. I'm happy with the fact that I dove right in and got involved in my school so that I can make the most out of my time there. When I graduate I want to be able to have no regrets and know that I did everything possible to help make myself a more well-rounded person and journalist.

I joined the radio station at our school and even got on a weekly talk show that they normally don't allow first-time students to participate in. I even have my first television internship next semester with CBS 5 in Phoenix, and I'm not stopping there. I am SO excited to see what the rest of my time at ASU brings. I'm thankful that I have this opportunity and I promise you I will not let it go to waste. Check back regularly for more exciting news about my journey in Phoenix and at Arizona State's Walter Cronkite School!

Inspiration When Needed

I know this probably happens to a lot of people, but by the end of the semester I am definitely lacking motivation, dedication, and most importantly, inspiration. Thanksgiving is next week and then there's only a few weeks until winter break, and I'm sure that is the only thing on most peoples' minds. Lately I feel that I haven't really been where I'm at. When I say that, what I really mean is that I am physically in the places that I am, obviously, but my heart and mind haven't been fully there at the same time. I have been slacking at things that I was so dedicated to at the beginning of the semester, and today is exactly what I needed to remind me that I am where I am right now for a reason, and that I am in the right place.

The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication honors a journalist with the Award for Excellence in Journalism every year. This year's recipient was Christiane Amanpour, and today was the day she came to our school and received this award. At the beginning of the semester we were told that if we attended Must See Mondays, which is where every Monday our school hosts a speaker for us students to listen to, and the Cronkite Night at the Movies, and then blog about these events, we would have the opportunity to possibly attend the award luncheon. I knew I wanted to go from the very beginning, and I attended as many events as possible and blogged about them all to get the opportunity to go. This week I was so ecstatic when reading through my e-mails and I received one telling me I was chosen to attend the luncheon. A lot of students got to go, and I think that is awesome they give us this opportunity. 

Christiane Amanpour spoke to students this morning in the First Amendment Forum, and I loved listening to her stories about her career and the advice she has for all of us future journalists. She is such an intelligent woman, and today really reminded me why I chose this field to go into. Journalism can change peoples' lives for the better, and my biggest dream is to make a difference in someone's life and hopefully help make this world a better place. The free three course (amazing) meal was just an added bonus, but the real treat was getting to be in the presence of someone I admire so much. I am so thankful for all of these opportunities, and I finally feel back on track with my goal and my dreams, so thank you Christiane Amanpour and the Walter Cronkite School.

Maria and I at the luncheon.

Part of the luncheon... there were so many people.

Carrie and I at our table.

The food was delicious.

Christiane Amanpour on the big screen accepting her award.

Positive Things Happen to Positive People

This is just a quick update, because I really need to go get ready for a dinner date with some new friends, so exciting!

Today was my transfer student orientation at ASU on the downtown campus, and it could not have gone better. I got my SunCard, basically my ID to be able to do a lot of stuff at school, met new friends, had pizza catered to me and other students, and fell even more in love with my school.

I am really starting to believe that I picked the absolute best school for me, and I am getting very excited for this school year and to finally begin my final college journey.

I met two really awesome girls today, and I am so happy to have more friends and more options for things to do around Arizona.

Oh and for all of you who knew about my recent bad luck with getting cable in my apartment, you will be happy to know that we finally have cable and it is up and running. Yay for that.

Well I'm off to have a fabulous dinner with some fabulous girls. A bigger and better post coming soon!

xoxo,
Stacy