I am grateful for the help that the Irma Voigt Scholarship has given me, paying for over half of my college expenses. Be pleased to know that I am showing improvement in all areas of my academics while taking on new responsibilities in Sigma Kappa Sorority.
This quarter, I have improved my grade point average significantly. In my four classes, French 342, Classical Archeology 254, English 305J, and Women’s Studies 400, my grades will be a B, A, B, and A, respectively. This will be my highest college grade point average to date, ranging around a 3.5. This helps elevate my accumulative GPA of a 3.1 to a more respectable average.
I have gotten great experience from my French 342 Composition and Conversation class. It has helped me become fluent in a second language. The grammar and speaking skills that I have learned in this class will help me one day to become a part of an international advertising agency. Aside from language, this class has taught me a variety of differences between French and American culture, and has aided my understanding of a foreign society.
I have also gotten invaluable instruction from my English 305J Internet Writing class. It has helped me learn computer based business and personal skills. From this class, I know how to write resumes, cover letters, information publications, proposals, and memos to name a few. Other key techniques I have learned are mining the internet and using an online conference. These skills are helpful because they will help me be one step ahead of my co-workers, allowing quicker promotions.
While my Classical Archeology class was fun, it probably will not help me in my career field. While we did touch briefly on ancient forms of advertising, the majority of the information I learned was purely for my own enjoyment. I feel that this class was not a waste of time, however. It provided me with information that I wouldn’t have known without taking this class. It gave me a chance to broaden my horizons and acquire knowledge about a topic that interested me.
My Women’s Studies class was completely and utterly useless. As a feminist, I had high expectations for this class, and I was thoroughly disappointed with the results. My professor provided me with no new information, and we spent days on useless topics, such as: "How Women are like Cats." While the topic was mildly interesting, it had nothing to do with real problems facing the women of the world today. This class looked promising, but I regret that I even took it because of how much time, effort, and money it wasted. The only good thing that came of this class was the fact that it finished a requirement for my graduation.
I am the Recording Secretary of Sigma Kappa Sorority, and a member of the executive council. I cannot express enough what an enriching experience this is. While it takes a lot of hard work and dedication, it has given me experience leading a group of 150 women. The executive council makes many important decisions for the good of the sorority. This position has also come with many frustrations. As a member of the sorority, one only sees the positive things. As a member of executive council, I have seen the negative aspects, such as disrespectful members. This is frustrating to watch, because it is something that I have not had to deal with before, but it comes with the responsibilities of the job. This office has given me respect within my sorority, and more than a few women have come to me for help and support. It is a very rewarding experience, because I feel like I am doing something important, instead of only watching.
In May 2004, I will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising Journalism. I am planning on working in the creative department of a full-service advertising agency. However, I would also enjoy working in advertising sales, which would keep my options open. I am also interested in customer service, which would be working with clients and building the perfect advertisement for their company. According to various websites, like monster.com, there is a medium demand for advertising and public relations majors. In cities, there is no demand at all. Only larger cities seem to require the services of advertising agencies. In rural areas, the demand is virtually nothing. I am hoping that the demand increases next year so that I have more options; however, it seems that there are adequate opportunities for me to choose from. The salaries for these jobs start at $30,000 for entry level positions, and can range up to $120,000 for having up to five or more years of experience. Starting off with a $30,000 salary would be a great opportunity for me, since I will only be supporting myself. In order to find a higher paying job, I would move to North Carolina. Making $30,000 in North Carolina would have a better cost of living than making $30,000 in Ohio. Cities like Goldsboro, Raleigh, and Durham offer many job opportunities that I am interested in. There are a few surrounding cities, such as Fayetteville, that offer a short commute and nicer communities than the big cities. More advertising opportunities are New York based, or Los Angeles based, so moving to one of those metropolitan areas might be necessary.