Are you a softie?

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “softie”. To the shy it may mean that you’re a pushover, and to the sugar-toothed it may refer to the softness of delicious ice cream. What if I told you that being a “softie” is related to business. As in “softie”, I mean having “soft skills”.

Google gets all technical with the definition. The easiest way to define the term is to remember the phrase, “soft skills pay the bills”. Soft skills are the basic techniques that are helpful when looking for jobs. The basic skills include being a team player, having an enthusiastic attitude and manners, being able to illustrate critical thinking skills, and also being able to communicate with others. These “soft” or basic skills are a pot of gold in the work force. If you develop these skills now, you are on the right track to getting the job you want!

Soft skills are important to have while working amongst co-workers in any job.

So how can I become a softie? By watching these videos here:

Each section broken down:

TEAMWORK: I’m sure we have all heard the phrase, “Team work makes the dream work”. This is completely true. Being a team player in regards to working with others is vital to working in any job. No one can do anything alone- heck, I call my mom for everything therefore there’s always room for assistance. Team work is important in the work force because having the ability to work with a diverse group of people despite differences is much needed to complete a task successfully. Furthermore, being able to tolerate your co-workers establishes a healthier working environment.

• As a mass communications major this skill applies to my field goals because I will be surrounded by numerous people. There are going to be times where I have group projects to fulfill. If we all don’t get along or at least have the capabilities to be cordial with one another, how will we ever get the assignment done? I wouldn’t want to loose my job just because I did not know how to get along with someone.

ATTITUDE: One of the most important! Show people that your ready to work, and have a positive attitude about it. Having enthusiasm is important in the work force because a positive attitude lets employers know that you enjoy what you do. No one wants to hire someone who constantly has a cloud over there heads and who brings negativity everywhere they go.

Think positive

• This skill applies to my field goals because I want to surround myself with positive vibes. When your happy and enjoy what you do, it shows. I’m already viewed as a bubbly person and this is a reputation worth keeping!

CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS: It is important to think on your feet in the workforce! Being able to identify problems and find a solution is a nice asset to any skill set. Employers are always looking for creative thinkers who can fix any difficulties without hesitation.

• This skill applies to my field goals because I need to be able to tap into my creativity in order to solve issues.

COMMUNICATION: Communication is key in the work force. As DJ Khaled would say it is a “MAJOR KEY”.

Being able to communicate in the job force is key.

How can you fulfill your job without being to properly communicate with others. Proper communication is how we spread our knowledge and ideas. Proper communication is how we make it clear that we understand our tasks. Proper communication is how we learn from one another through conversation.

• Mass Communications has the word “Communications” within itself. This “soft skill” is definitely pertains to my field goals. It’s my job to be able to connect with the people as mass communications is defined as “the study of how people and entities relay information through mass media to large segments of the population at the same time”. (Thanks Google).

I feel as though I can improve on my critical thinking skills. I want to be able to solve problems without going into panic mode and asking for help. If I can think quickly and act effectively, I feel as though this will mediate many situations.

 

 

 

Democracy needs diversity.

“The First Amendment (Amendment I) to the United States Constitution prohibits the making of any law respecting an establishment of religion, impeding the free exercise of religion, abridging the freedom of speech, infringing on the freedom of the press, interfering with the right to peaceably assemble or prohibiting the petitioning for a governmental redress of grievances. It was adopted on December 15, 1791, as one of the ten amendments that constitute the Bill of Rights .”

This is a scroll that features the elements of the First Amendment. Similar to what the actual Amendment would have been written on.

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the First Amendment? For many its freedom of speech but to others, its freedom of religion. Although we are familiar with our right to say what we want (although there are several restrictions) and are aware that we have the choice to put our faith into any belief system, the first amendment addresses more than those two rights. One of the aspects that the First Amendment highlights is infringing on the freedom of the press. Freedom of the press is defined as the right to circulate opinions in print without censorship by the government. Although people forget that the first amendment contains  this right as well, what they fail to realize is that freedom of speech and religion both tie into freedom of the press. With the right of freedom of the press, we can express our opinions, and beliefs in the media! We as Americans share the right to these freedoms and in addition, it is important to consider all of our diverse opinions.

Democracy allows people to have a voice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diversity in the media is very important. Although we are in the United States of America, our society consist of several different cultures. These cultures are not only made up of people from different regions of the world, different languages and customs, but with different cultures comes different opinions about certain topics.

Every voice, every race, every culture, and every opinion deserves to be heard. Whether its through an online source, television, magazines, and newsprint, it is important to promote diversity in order to refrain from using bias.

Furthermore, diversity should always exist within American democracy. Democracy is a political system that caters to the people. How would we know about the struggles, problems and issues we all face if were are not open to hearing what each other have to say. Diversity and opinions are key.

 

 

Freedom of the press explained much easier.

 

The First Amendment explained in a condensed version

The Never ending Legacy of Nina

Nina Simone. Who is she? To some she is a legend of a lyricist and singer and to others she may be unknown. Whether you are aware of all of her vast accomplishments and influence in North America and other regions- or not, the legacy of Nina Simone will never fade. Simone’s impact on the world still remains even after she passed away on April 21, 2003. Although she leaves behind her gifts, she will always be remembered for all of the talent she has shared, as well the inspiration she has granted many.

Numerous aspects of her life are highlighted in a recent documentary titled “What Happened, Miss Simone?” Highly praised for songs that inspired many African Americans during a time of adversity in society, Simone has earned the title as the voice during the Civil Rights Movement. Simone’s unique voice and highly relatable lyrics has led

Nina Simone sings her song “Aint got no…I’ve got life” passionately for a large audience.

to her successful rise to fame. Although her fame has contributed to much of her success, she still addressed the difficulties she has faced. In her song titled, “Aint got no….I’ve got life”, Simone leaves the listener to translate the meaning behind a simple melody and reflect on how they may be experiencing similar thoughts.

On Monday, I had the
privilege of being the listener.

At first impression, no meaning was clear to me. Some of the lyrics said “I aint got no home, aint got no shoes” and ” I aint got no mother, aint got no culture”. While it was obvious that Simone did not mean these things literally, I had to think more into depth. After contrasting what she did not have to what she did, I was able to understand the encoded message hidden between the lines.

Registering for college classes at DSU

To me, this song means that material and superficial items sometimes mean nothing. Overall as long as you have yourself, you have everything you could possibly need. This relates to me especially as a college student. Although I have a supportive family, I still feel as though I am living through a struggle.

College is no joke. From having loads of assignments due with a blink of an eye, to dealing with financial burdens, it comes with a lot of difficulty. Sure I may not have a lot of money. Money is materialistic. As long as I have my brain, myself, and will power, I will be able to achieve anything I put my mind too. This is what the song means to me.

Interpret your own meaning of the song by listening to  the live version here:

A student discusses their college struggles. We are not alone.