Ready for the start of a new beginning

Looking back at my reflection post from the beginning of this course, I realized that I have mastered everything I had hoped to. My main goal for this class was to gain as many skills possible because I knew that as Visual Communication Design minor, I would revisit these editing programs in the future. I began this course without any previous knowledge on Final Cut Pro and Photoshop and now I am a lot more comfortable working with them. Even though there is still a lot I don’t know how to do with Final Cut Pro and Photoshop, because I know their basic functions, I am confident that it will be a lot easier for me to explore more advanced techniques.

This class was very helpful to me because I learned to not only use vital computer programs but also produce successful media with them. Doing audio recordings of interviews was probably the most difficult thing for me to do because as the interviewer I didn’t have much control of how the interviewee would answer my questions. After the interview was over and I had to edit the raw audio, I realized how important it was for my interviewee to answer questions in complete sentences and for me to ask more detailed questions so that the edited audio flowed nicely. As I continued to conduct more interviews, I began to think as an editor while I interviewed. This allowed my raw footage to be a lot easier to edit afterwards.

Having various assignments revolving photography and videography drastically improved my skills. It’s interesting how I now visualize how certain things will be translated through a camera lens. I don’t take photographs anymore without thinking about the rule of thirds or using various angles.

I am glad that I chose to register in Media Production because I am a lot more comfortable in my production abilities, and I am now more prepared for future jobs as well as more communication courses.

Scene on Campus: Cupcake Workshop

The Cupcake Workshop is an event hosted by the ‎Assistant Director of Student Activities and Transition Programs, Jenni Kraft-Batchelder. This semester, the Cupcake Workshop was held on December 1 at St. Mary’s University. The purpose of this fun event is to provide students a relaxing atmosphere at the end of the semester as they get ready for the start of final exams week.

Conference on Justice and Social Concerns: Elizabeth Ferris

On Wednesday, October 26, to as a closing to the Conference on Justice and Social Concerns at St. Mary’s University, guest speaker Elizabeth Ferris spoke about issues surrounding immigrants, migrants, and refugees around the world. Ferris contributed stories about her travels while working as a humanitarian and encouraged the audience to be part of the change by starting in our own community.

KSTMU News Podcast with Host Sara Jauregui

This week, KSTMU host Sara Jauregui shares about the latest news on the US Presidential elections and New Jersey’s new law for cats. Join us to listen about sports updates and all about the weather. This podcast would not have been possible without the help from our lovely friends at Shimmering Hair Spray!

Chocolate Cupcakes

Chocolate Cupcakes by Isabela Vasquez

Videography and Production by Sara Jauregui

Isabela Vasquez, freshman at St. Mary’s University, shows how she made Chocolate Cupcakes perfect for Halloween. Her interest in cooking and baking has allowed her to push her limits and try making cupcakes, a new method of baking for her. Isabela discusses how baking is easy as long as you know how to follow a simple recipe and add your own creative twist to it.

Ingredients

• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Frosting
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

Directions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line cupcake pans. In a large bowl, stir together all of the dry ingredients: the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Next add the eggs, milk, oil and vanilla, mix for 2 minutes. Stir in the boiling water last. Batter will be very thin. Pour evenly into the lined cupcake pans. Bake 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until the cupcakes test done with a toothpick. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove to cool completely. Decorate when cupcakes are completely cool.

Recipe makes 18 small cupcakes or 12 large cupcakes.

Transforming others with the power of makeup

Susana Salinas, a student at St. Mary’s University, is a freelance makeup artist in San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley. She shares how she started her career in the beauty industry, as well as how makeup gave her the confidence she now embodies.

Soundslides Tutorial

 

A Slice of Life: Faces and Places that make up St. Mary’s University

Following Karina around on a Sunday afternoon

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Before beginning, Karina sets up the elliptical for the perfect workout.

Karina continues her workout with lunges on the running track.

After a long workout, Karina hydrates her body as she looks out towards St. Mary’s University.

Karina pushes her laundry in before closing the door to make sure her clothes don’t fall out.

Laundry detergent is being poured right before Karina starts the washing machine.

Isabela sews for the future

Isabela Vasquez, a student at St. Mary’s University, tells me about her experience sewing and how her Introduction to Costume Design class helped her gain new skills. Isabela hopes to grow as a seamstress and is excited for her career in sewing.

Dreaming About Japan

Last week, I had the pleasure of interviewing my friend and classmate, Sydnee Hodge, for a Media Production I assignment. I learned a lot a lot about her and her biggest passion: Japan.