Wow, Kizoa

What's Kizoa?

Kizoa is the latest online movie, video, and slideshow maker. Kizoa is available to all for free.

I decided to go explore Columbia and see what it has to offer. As a huge fan of street art and murals, I was surprised of all the amazing artwork that was located in Columbia all this time. These spots will now be my go to spots for a great selfie to show off the beautiful city of Columbia. Columbia's murals are some of the best hidden gems in this city.

My favorite mural in Columbia is the Postcard Mural in Five Points

Kizoa Presentation

Some pictures were cut off in the presentation, so check out the full pictures below to see the amazing murals.

Located in Lincoln Street Tunnel in the Vista

Located in Lincoln Street Tunnel in the Vista

Located in the Lincoln Street Tunnel in the Vista 

Yesterday's Mural located in Five Points

Five Things to Gift an Unemployed College Student for Christmas

With Christmas quickly approaching, you're probably wonder what should you gift your college student.

Today, many college students are unemployed and on a budget. Here's a list of five things to consider gifting a college student for Christmas, rather they live on or off campus, either way these gifts will come in hand.

1. Pay a Bill

Anybody who has bills would love for someone to pay a bill or two instead of getting an actual gift.

Paying a bill for your unemployed student will take one less stress away from them. this gift will be a great benefit for them in the long run. One less bill payment could mean more money towards their savings.

2. Gift Cards

Gift cards always make a great gift. They are easy and convenient.

Gifting a gift cards give you a variety of options to pick from. You could give them a gift card to their favorite restaurant, clothing store, or a gas station.

Gift cards would definitely come in hand during their low on cash times.

3. All Expense Paid Vacation

Who wouldn't love a free vacation?

After a long and probably stressful semester, this is the perfect gift to allow your college student to unwind and get themselves together.

Whether it's for a weekend out of town or a week on an island. A trip would be a great way for the student to clear there mind over the break, before returning back to class. This gift would be perfect, because you can book their vacation for winter break, spring break, or summer break.

4. Groceries

Free groceries never hurt anybody.

Take the student grocery shopping and allow them to fill the shopping cart up with their favorite snacks and drinks. Since they are unemployed and probably on a budget, their cabinets and refrigerator is may look sad on most days.

This is not a normal gift, but it's a great one. The groceries will come in handy when the student can't afford to go out to eat or whenever they are in the mood to cook. The groceries will also be a money saver for the student.

5. Google Mini

Whether they are into the latest technology gadgets or not, the Google Mini would be great.

This item could help bring organization to the student's life. The Google Mini would be their personal assistant and so much more.

When you’re out doing your holiday shopping, keep this list of gift options in mind. Happy Holidays!

A Writing Lab Most Students Are Missing Out On

                Are you a student at South Carolina State University? If so, have you ever heard of or been to the Push Writing Center.

                The Push Writing Center is located on the gloomy 3^rd floor of Turner Hall’s A Wing. Surprising, the lab has been around since 1980.

                As a journalism veteran student (as I like to say), I’ve known about the Push Writing Center since my first go-round at SC State (in 2010). My classmates and I were able to gain more knowledge on the writing center, by sitting down Mrs. Pinson, the coordinator of the Push Writing Center.

                Q: What all does the writing lab offer?

A.      We have two sections of the writing lab. The writing computer assistant were students can come in and do anything they want on the writing lab computers within reason; surf the web and work on their papers. If they (students) are working on their papers and they have question, there are tutors that can stop what they (tutors) are doing and go help them (students). They can come get help on their papers. Tutors will help with organization, good thesis statements, and strong topic sentences, and make sure students have completed the writing process successfully. Session are 30 minutes long.

Q: Do you have any issues with the writing lab location? Is this location good?

View inside of the writing center, computer area

A.      Ideally no! Ideally, a writing lab should be on the first floor of a building and ideally that building is on the center of campus. We’re kind of located on the far end of our campus. Everybody doesn't go to the third floor, if it was on the first floor at least most people would pass by it at some point of time. If students doesn't have a reason to come up here, then a lot of times they don't even know we exist. It's better upstairs than downstairs, I'm glad we're not in a basement somewhere.

Q: What is your passion for the writing center?

A.      My passion is my students. I want our students to succeed. Whatever it takes for them to be successful writers, that’s what we need to.

Q: How can someone become a tutor?

A.      The student must have an A or B average in English 150 & 151, must pass the English proficiency exam, have recommendations from professors, and must qualify for work study.

Q: What are five things students should know about the writing center?

A.      We are here (hello!) and available to assist students with writing. We have and will continue to offer workshops. We are not a fix it shop, we work with the writer not the paper. You’ll leave with a lesson.

Mrs. Pinson & tutor, Zaire Riley

If you would like to check out the Push Writing Center, they have upcoming workshop on Monday, November 26, 2018 at 3 p.m.  were they will focus on soft skills, note-taking, time management, self-discipline, and study skills.

As a frequent visitor of the Push Writing Center, I highly recommend that students take advantage of the opportunities the writing center has to offer.

The writing center is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Be sure to check out the Push Writing Center’s blog as well.

Prezi? The New PowerPoint

Have you ever heard of Prezi?

Maybe some of you have, maybe some of you are like me and never heard about Prezi. Well let me be the first to tell you, Prezi is the new Microsoft PowerPoint.

Prezi is a presentation software. It’s still fairly new, founded nine years ago on April 5th, 2009.

I had the opportunity to check Prezi out for myself and I must say that it’s ten times better than PowerPoint. Once you play around with it for a while, you’ll see why I say that.

Next time you have to do a presentation, I recommend that you use Prezi.

Check out my Prezi on my top 10 go to Beyonce songs.

Bye bye PowerPoint, hello Prezi.

Hectic? Busy? It's Behind the Scenes of Bulldog News Now!

Behind the scenes of BNN's newsroom

Have you ever wondered what happens behind hide the scenes of your favorite local news station?

Some may think that all it is, turning on the lights and cameras and getting the anchors into their seats, but it's more to that. My classmates and I were able to go behind the scenes at South Carolina State's very own news station, Bulldog News Now.

"Relax your eyes, Corvosier," Alicia Pryor expressed to BNN's anchor, Corvosier Mayrant, "bring your chin down."

Pryor is BNN's faculty adviser and overall person in charge. She's behind the start of BNN.

Behind the scenes can become chaotic, but Pryor stays cool under the pressure. She make sure the students behind BNN stays calm and collected as well.

Mayrant & Daniels go over the script

Before starting the show, anchors Corvosier & Monique Daniels read through the script to make sure everything is in order.

"Did you go over the pronunciations," Pryor asked the reporters, "there are some funky names.

Audio Control room

As the anchors go through their lines, the camera and light operators make sure everything is spot on; from the zooming in and centering to make sure the anchors are in the right position and the light is hitting them well.

If you go deeper behind the scenes, you would be in the control room. The control room is just as busy as the newsroom. From audio, to updating the teleprompter, and making sure the correct packages are in order.

Although things do somewhat be hectic, it be all worth it in the end. The BNN team completed the newscast with easy for their Halloween segment.

Keep up with BNN on the South Carolina State University Communication Program Facebook page.

Pinning, so I'm Winning

Launched in March of 2010, Pinterest has become one of the latest nontraditional social media trends.

Pinterest is an online scrapbook and collection board. It helps users find and organize pictures, ideas, and other interests.

Most of the users on Pinterest are females, but surprisingly this outlet was founded by three men; Paul Sciarra, Evan Sharp, and Ben Silbermann.

View of my Pinterest Timeline

Unlike other social media outlets, you don't have to keep up with your followers or how many "likes" you have under your photos. Pinterest allows users to upload, sort, and save images and other media content through their pin boards.

Individuals and businesses could benefit from Pinterest. Businesses could easily promote and advertise products on Pinterest. Individual users could use Pinterest in several ways; for example, finding recipes, find inspiration for outfits, or look for travel destinations.

As an avid Pinterest user, I sometimes find myself scrolling through the site for hours at a time. I search for new recipes, a new hairstyle, and fashion tips.

I currently have over 20 boards. Pinterest allows me to have my boards public or private. I can also share my boards in a group with users of my choice.

A view of my profile from the app.

Personally, I have a board for everything; haircuts, a variety of food recipes, fashion, and fitness. Out of all my boards on Pinterest my favorite ones are for my future wedding. I keep my wedding boards private, because I don't want to share my ideas for my wedding.

Before getting on Pinterest, I rarely cooked. When I did cook, I threw everything in a deep fryer. But ever since 2014, Pinterest has changed my cooking experience for the better. It has allowed me to step outside my comfort zone when it comes to cooking and trying new food.

Pinterest allows me to try new things and it pushes me into a creative direction.

Pinterest has so much to offer unlike other social networking sites. I love Pinterest, it's secretly an addiction.

Join me on Pinterest & let's start pinning together.

My Personal Opinion About Election Day

Today's ELECTION DAY! Did you let your voice be heard during the midterm election?

Of course, I exercised my right and cast my vote.

South Carolina's Governor Election Result

Even though, the election did not turn out the way I hoped for, I'm so amazed at today's turnout throughout America. 

Personally, I hate when it's election time. That's when you see some individual's true colors, if you know what I mean. People become so nasty towards others who have different political views from them.

I wish we could just do away with the two popular political parties; Republican and Democratic.

These political parties still keep the American race separated; whites versus blacks. 

Let's be honest, most Americans chose their political party based on their race. Caucasians are most likely to vote Republican, while African Americans are most likely to vote Democratic.

Republican & Democratic

My thing is, neither group represents Americans as a whole. The Republican and Democratic party goes hand in hand. If you look back at the history, neither group were ever for the minorities from the start.

As a millennial, I want to see the change South Carolina is in so desperately need of. It's time for a change! 

To be honest, this election has sparked a political interest I never had, but it has also deterred me from voting in future elections. I'll revisit this feeling before or on November 3, 2020 when it's the Presidential Election.

Goals? She's Doing It!

“You can do it,” Dayah Barnes said.

Dayah Barnes

You can do it is the quote Barnes live by. Those four simple words keep her going and motivated daily.

She is a 23-year-old hailing from Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Barnes is currently in her senior year at South Carolina State University, where she is studying journalism.

Growing up as the only child for 18 years, Barnes spent time writing, playing drums, and listening to music. Barnes started her writing journey at the age five.

“I like to write,” Barnes expressed, “I am always writing about something.”

As a child she would write stories about random topics. She would even write about her Barbie dolls.

Scheduled to graduate in May of 2019, Barnes has plans to move back to Charleston with hopes to get a job for a popular mobile company. The job with the mobile company would only be a temporary job, before jumping into her career.

“I can see myself after college, it’s just getting there and going through it,” Barnes said.

Outside of her interest of communications, Barnes’ expressed interest in Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Laugh, Smile, You Can Do It

Three years after college, she would like to become a part of the FBI. Her dream role within the government job would be to be a part of the briefing team. Besides being interested in the FBI, Barnes’ would like to land a government job with the federal agency in hopes to pay for her master’s and doctorate degrees.

She also has a desire to become a businesswoman. She has goals to own several businesses; from a restaurant to clothing stores.

“I want to start my own business and basically get rich,” Barnes said.

Inspired by her mother, Barnes is focused and working hard on accomplishing the goals she has set for herself.

“She always worked hard to provide for me,” Barnes aid when mentioning her mother. Barnes also stated that her mother was behind the quote she lives by, “you can do it.”

To get to know more about Barnes go check out her personal blog, Around the World. Never forget, “YOU CAN DO IT!”

A Drummer, A Writer, & A Lyricist, She's All of It

Athena Hamilton.
Photo Cred: Athena

When you look at her, you may assume that she's a quiet, shy young woman, but once you sit down and chat with her, you learn she's completely different. When she's alone, she’s mellow and chill, but the life of the party and the adventurous one when she’s out with her friends. That young woman is Athena Hamilton.

Hamilton is a 20-year-old native of Savannah, Georgia.

Growing up, Hamilton was a small, but tough little girl. Up until the age 10, she experienced bullying first hand, which caused her to become angry. Being bullied cause Hamilton to be involved in several fights in school.

To defend herself and help with her anger issues Hamilton’s parents signed her up for Taekwondo.

Off Guard of Athena

"Taekwondo had become therapy for my anger," Hamilton said. 

Having older brother, Narada Hamilton, as a key role model, he inspired Hamilton to pick up an instrument. She joined band in the 5^th grade.

Hamilton is currently a junior at South Carolina State University, where she also participates in the school’s marching band, Marching 101.

She continued to follow her brother’s footsteps, when she decided to attend SC State and join the Marching 101.

“He was a student here, he wasn’t able to graduate,” Hamilton said, “so it’s like I got to fulfill something he didn’t.”

Hamilton has always had a desire to be apart of the Marching 101. She started following the band when she was 13 or 14-years-old. She is currently a tenor player in the Marching 101.

Before a performance with the marching 101.

“I love playing drums,” Hamilton expressed.

Not only was she inspired by her brother, but also by rapper, J. Cole. Hamilton decided to pursue her degree in journalism, like J. Cole did when he was a student in college.

“I knew journalism would let me write what I wanted to write,” Hamilton said.

As her time whines down at SC State, Hamilton spends her time writing music, being active in the music studio, and networking with others in the entertainment and music field.

After graduating Hamilton would like to get in the music industry as a lyricist or a ghost writer.

“Behind the scenes writers get paid the most money,” Hamilton explained.

Hamilton may appear quiet and shy, but it’s several layers to her. Check out Hamilton’s personal blog, Suite Dreams or her latest hits on SoundCloud.

1. 

   Athena Hamilton

Behind The Archive’s Director, Avery Daniels

Avery Daniels, photo taken by Mr. Harwood

Who is Avery Daniels?

Avery Daniels is a 2006 graduate of South Carolina State University, where he majored in history. He currently serves as the archives director of the university.

Before becoming the archives director, Daniels held many titles; from a member of the Marching 101 to a U.S. Marine.

Daniels, an Orangeburg native, graduated from Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School in 1996. After graduating high school, he joined the Marine Corps. During boot camp he fractured is wrist, after injuring himself Daniels was sent home on a temporary retirement.

Shortly after being sent home on temporary retirement Daniels was in a car accident, which caused injury to the same wrist. With another injury to his wrist, he was unable to return to the military.

“I guess God had a different plan for me,” Daniels said.

Avery Daniels in the Marching 101

When Daniels attended SC State, he was a non-traditional student who actively participated in the Marching 101 band. When he started working with the band he was the water boy. Later, he approached the director at the time, expressing his interest in participating in the band.

Before joining the Marching 101, he never played an instrument. From 2003 to 2006, Daniels was a tuba player in the band.

Tuba, trumpet, and percussion was the only option Daniels to play. “I had some friends that played tuba, so I was like let me go with these guys,” said Daniels

Two years off from school, Daniels went to the University of South Carolina to obtain his master’s degree in library and information science.

Since graduating SC State, Daniels have held many jobs at the university; equipment manager for the Marching 101 and Academic Administrator Assistant.

In 2012, he received a job offer from Alabama A&M University, but it was too late. Daniels had already signed a contract at SC State to be the archives director making him the 4^th archives director at the university.

This story is part of a three-part series, read the other stories; Lets Get to Know Thomas E. Miller and What Happened to Miller Hall.

Let's Get to Know Thomas E. Miller

Thomas E. Miller

You ever wondered who Miller Hall was named after of?

Thomas E. Miller, the first president of the Colored Normal Industrial Agricultural and Mechanical College of South Carolina (now South Carolina State University).

Born in 1849 in Ferrebeeville, SC. Although Miller had a very fair complexion, he identified as black. Rumor has it he was born to an unmarried couple but was raised by a black couple in Charleston. He attended schools in Charleston for free black children.

Miller was active in Republican politics. He represented Beaufort in the SC house and senate from 1874 to 1882. He briefly served in U.S. Congress in 1890, after a prolonged dispute involving the 1888 election. Miller was also a lawyer.

In 1896, Miller became the president of the Colored Normal Industrial Agricultural and Mechanical College of SC.

Even though Miller was president, he was not the free leader of the black institution. Major and several minor decisions were made by the all-white board of trustees.

According to the university’s archivist, Avery Daniels, Miller was forced out as the school’s president. “He kind of went against the governor at the time dealing with the elections,” said Daniels.

Coleman L. Blease

The governor at the time, Coleman L. Blease, was the most driven opponent against black people. He believed the education of black youth was a waste of money.

“Instead of making an educated Negro, you are ruining a good plow hand and making a half-trained fool,” said Blease.

In 1902, the legislature elected Blease to serve a six-year term on the college board of trustees, before becoming governor after three attempts.

Miller violated his own advice that black men steer clear of politics when he publicly opposed Blease. After winning the election, one of Blease first acts was to appear at a board of trustees meeting to demand Miller’s resignation for ‘pernicious political activity.’

“I am guilty of having begged the voters not to vote for you,” said Miller, in reference to Blease. He was almost eagerly accommodated the governor announcing that principle took precedence over presidency.  

Before ending his 15-year tenure as the college president, he spoke to Blease directly and stated, “Honored Sir, I have never slandered you for there was no malice in my opposition to you. I felt your announced policy against the Negro was not founded upon justice and the best interest of the state, and for that reason I tried to bring about your defeat.”

After leaving the university, Miller returned to Charleston and took can active role in community affairs.

Miller died on April 8, 1938. He summed up his legacy with the state he had engraved on his tombstone, “I served God and all the people loving the white man not less, but the Negro needed me most.

Photo taken by: Mr. Harwood

This story is part of a three-part series, read the other stories; What Happened to Miller Hall and Behind The Archive's Director, Avery Daniels.

What Happened to Miller Hall?

Photo taken by: Mr. Harwood

If you were ever looking at Miller Hall from the outside, it looks like an open and active building, however you would be wrong. 

Miller Hall, originally a dormitory for male students was built in 1938.

The dormitory was name after the first president of the university (at the time known as the Colored Normal Industrial Agricultural and Mechanical College of South Carolina), Thomas E. Miller. According to SC State’s archivist director, Avery Daniels, Miller Hall was one of the first buildings not named after a board member.

If you went on campus from 1938 to the late 1990’s, you would have seen Miller Hall as an active dormitory for on-campus students. Miller Hall was eventually turned into a women’s dormitory until it closed.

Former Miller Hall residents

Go on campus today, you probably would not notice Miller Hall. Yes, Miller Hall is still standing, and it is in very good condition on the outside. But unfortunately, the dormitory has been inactive for over 10 years.

Today Miller Hall is being used as a storage space for the university. If you were to go inside Miller Hall today, you will see paint peeling off the walls, boxes stacked high, and furniture that’s in the other dorms around campus.

The inside of Miller Hall, today.

Miller Hall is a historical building and the university should treat it as such. If the inside of Miller Hall would have been preserved like the outside of the building maybe it could be reopened as a dormitory or office spaces.

Maybe years from now Miller Hall will be renovated and reopened.

This story is part of a three-part series, read the other stories; Lets Get to Know Thomas E. Miller and Behind The Archive's Director, Avery Daniels.

Twitter, Everyone Has One!

Twitter, who doesn’t have one?

Ever since launching in July 2006, Twitter has rapidly gained popularity worldwide.

Twitter was cofounded by Jack Dorsey, who happens to be a terrible communicator. Creating Twitter has helped him and other connect to millions of people in the world.

I’ve been on Twitter for years, I probably first logged onto Twitter in 2009. When I first got on Twitter I was not a fan and immediately stop using it, but when my freshman year (2010) of 

college came I got back on, because Twitter was the most popular thing on campus.

I did go through a dry spell and stop using Twitter once I left college, but over the past year or so my love for Twitter has returned and I’m on their nonstop.

I currently use my Twitter to live chat with others when I’m watching television shows, football games, or something major has went on in the United States. I enjoy live tweeting, because it’s like watching television with a house full of people without them being in my home.

Twitter can be used for news, entertainment, to connect with others, and a marketing tool as well.

“I’m most proud of how quickly came to it and used in a million different way,” said Jack Dorsey.

Twitter is what you make it, whether it’s used professionally or personally. It’s another social media outlet that allows you to express what’s on your mind.

When it comes to President Donald Trump, I disagree with how he uses Twitter. He should realize that he’s the President now and should do more than talk smack behind his Twitter account on a daily.

A Mobile View of my Profile Page

Follow me on Twitter, also check out some of my favorites on Twitter: Jemele Hill, Shannon Sharpe, and Charlamagne Tha God.

Linkedin, Are You In?

 Founded December 28, 2002, LinkedIn has become the world's largest professional networking platform. LinkedIn is a professional networking site, which offers a business and employment-oriented service. LinkedIn currently serve over 530 million members.

It is used by professionals who are seeking a job or an internship. This site also allows companies to post available positions within their company. With LinkedIn you can manage your professional identity and build & engage with your professional network.

LinkedIn offers many features that should be taken advantage of by members on the site. For me, I enjoy the hashtag and search bar features. The hashtag feature gives me the ability to follow things that I am interested in; for example, sports and journalism. The search bar gives me quick access to find other professionals I would like to connect with.

Although I am still trying to learn how to work LinkedIn, I enjoy browsing through others’ profiles to see how I could improve my profile. While going through profiles, I came across my former internship supervisor profile, Kendrick Lewis. His profile caught my attention, because he has a professional head-shot photo and LinkedIn suggested the connections, since we both attended South Carolina State University.

LinkedIn gives us the opportunity to connect and tap into our professional potential. Connect with me on LinkedIn.

Current profile photo on Linkedin, it will be updated soon.

What Hurricane?

Oh, how I'm disappointed in how South Carolina handled the Hurricane Florence situation. I get that it’s best to be prepared, instead of unprepared. But the entire Midlands area was shut down as soon as Hurricane Florence was mentioned. 

With a free week from school, my internship, and work, I did absolutely nothing. I couldn’t find any motivation to do the things I needed to do; for example, an overdue pile of schoolwork. I could only sleep my days away. I feel as if I’m still exhausted from working so much during the summer months. 

I didn’t like the miss time from school or my internship, it was a break I did not need. I think I’ve had enough time to gain some new energy and focus my mind on what I need to. Overall, I’m thankful that it was not a life-threatening storm, like it could have been.

Where Did my Summer Go?

Summer has come and gone, and I miss it already. I now must add one more thing to my busy schedule, now that the summer is over. Summer break should be filled with vacations, cookouts, concerts, and nonstop fun. Unfortunately, my summer was not filled with much of those things I listed above. My summer consisted of work, reading, and more work with little to no fun. 

My summer was so hectic and busy that I only had time for one vacation, one concert, one football game, and rarely any sleep. This summer I continued to work my full-time job and take on an internship with Richland One School District. I dedicated my summer to be ahead of my internship class in the Fall semester. Over the summer, I was able to fall in love with reading again. So, my once clothes and shoes shopping addiction turned into a book purchasing addiction. Reading kept me occupied on my free days.

Although my summer was busy, I enjoyed every minute of my free time. I was able to network with people at my internship and spend much needed time with my family. Summer 2018 was probably one of the best of my life. Check out some pictures from the summer below.

 Family time is the best time!

Seaworld with my sister, family time with my nephew.

Highlight of my summer. I finally got to see my Saints play and head coach, Sean Payton was nice enough to take a selfie with me! #SaintsNation #WhoDat #DuvalWho #SaintsVsJags

 There's nothing like a good selfie with great office lighting.

Many of the books I read over the summer.