India

INDIA

Sarabdeep Kochhar

INDIA is one of the oldest civilizations with a kaleidoscopic variety and rich cultural heritage. It has achieved multifaceted socio-economic progress during the last 52 years of its Independence. As the seventh largest country in the world, India stands apart from the rest of Asia, marked off as it is by mountains and the sea, which give the country a distinct geographical entity. Bounded by the Great Himalayas in the north, it stretches southwards and at the Tropic of Cancer, tapers off into the Indian Ocean between the Bay of Bengal on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. India is a diverse country, a fact that is visibly prominent in its people, culture and climate. From the eternal snows of the Himalayas to the cultivated peninsula of far South, from the deserts of the West to the humid deltas of the East, from the dry heat and cold of the Central Plateau to the cool forest foothills, Indian lifestyles clearly glorify the geography.

The food, clothing and habits of an Indian differ in accordance to the place of origin. The Indian culture varies like its vast geography. People speak in different languages, dress differently, follow different religions, eat different food but are of the same temperament. So whether it is a joyous occasion or a moment of grief, people participate whole-heartedly, feeling the happiness or pain. A festival or a celebration is never constrained to a family or a home. The whole community or neighborhood is involved in bringing liveliness to an occasion. Likewise, an Indian wedding is a celebration of union, not only of the bride and groom, but also of two families, maybe cultures or religion too! Meditation and Yoga are synonymous with India and Indian spirituality. Meditation is one of the most important components of Yoga, which is a mind-body therapy involving a series of exercises. Another widely followed phenomenon in India is the Doctrine of Karma that preaches that every person should behave justly as every act or deed comes back in full circle in one of the births of an individual.

Will Durant, American historian said: "India was the motherland of our race, and Sanskrit the mother of Europe's languages: she was the mother of our philosophy; mother, through the Arabs, of much of our mathematics; mother, through the Buddha, of the ideals embodied in Christianity; mother, through the village community, of self-government and democracy. Mother India is in many ways the mother of us all"

http://www.incredibleindia.org/

LIFE AFTER MY THESIS

LIFE AFTER MY THESIS

Sarabdeep Kochhar

The thought of completing my masters fills me up with excitement and eagerness to go back to my country. My first two semesters here have been really good with many new things for me to learn. The courses like introduction to mass communication and research methodology in the first semester were good to help me understand the basics of a graduate program and what research is. The second semester was one step further where the theory class and thesis seminar gave me an opportunity to think beyond basic concepts. Be it the choosing of the thesis topic or the committee, thesis seminar did help me clear many of my questions. With professors coming in to share their experiences and interests was especially interesting.

I am leaving for India for summers with so many things to share with my family and friends. The next two semesters will be totally directed towards my thesis work. I plan to do my thesis on the changing paradigms of public relations, by studying more specifically the situational theory of public and dialogic theory. I am interested in knowing how the concepts of situational theory can be added with that of dialogic theory. I will conduct interviews. The thesis proposal which I submitted did help me to streamline what I plan to do with clearly defined time frames to work in.

I plan to finish my thesis work by around January and defend my thesis in March. I cannot wait for my graduation ceremony. I plan to find a good job in India and go back and work for my country. India is a developing nation and I as an Indian wish to contribute to that growth. I want to learn as a much as I can. I wish to work for a good organization in corporate communication department. Life after my thesis will be full of both opportunities and challenges.

Life after my Master's by Beth

Life after my Master's by Beth
There has to be life after completing a thesis or a project, but I know that I have to still do it all myself. I learned this after getting my Bachelor’s; I was told that there would be life after college by my friends and instructor’s at Rochester College. However, due to the condition of the Michigan economy, I had to make a choice. I had to decide if I wanted to continue with my education, or go back to working dead-end, hourly jobs where my abilities would ever be noticed.
I have managed to find a place in earning my Master’s degree that I always wanted, but never could find. If there isn’t life after this, then what have I found now? I have already begun to find life while earning the degree, so why couldn’t exist afterwards. Starting Monday, I take on the positions of managing editor for The Sower and will begin taking photos and occasionally writing for The Daily.
I also was able to get permission from the art college and will begin taking photography classes in the fall. I have always wanted to be a photographer and to work for a newspaper, so thanks to the way that our program is set up, I can do that. I have the ability to get a Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication at a highly ranked and competitive university with a concentration in photojournalism. Not many people can really say that they were able to “design” their own degrees.
Life after my Master’s may not mean the same to me as it does to others. I think of the irony that 6 years ago, I had lost my home, my husband was unemployed and statistics are against me that I should even be here today. I grew up in a blue collar town with a strong belief that I could do anything, but when you are looking the worst days of your life right in the eyes, you find yourself drowning in the idea that you will never get out of this.
I got out and I intend to stay out. Detroit is a tough town to grown up in, and you don’t even have to be from the city to realize that. People work hard and they play hard, but they also fall hard. The winters are cold and depressing and the summers are not always what we want them to be. If there isn’t life after getting my Master’s, then it means that not only did I fail, but I wasn’t able to shake that old “I told you so” mentality that all my naysayers had.
Life has to exist after my Master’s, not just because I have accomplished something great, but because I can’t go back to a place that leaves me wanting more all the time. I like to want more, but not to do the everyday grind that so many people back home do. I am working on becoming a photojournalist and I would not have ever been able to combine all the things I love into one degree or one programs in any other instance. So, yes, life after your degree does exist, but only if you make it.

Get to the Masses!

Life after a thesis or project reveals itself important as any researcher’s aim is to influence or make a difference in the body of knowledge. By the time one chooses a research topic, one his interested in picking something deeply relevant. In fact, it is first of all an attempt to answer a question, clarify a problem or contribute to an ongoing debate. Thus, if any topic follows these guidelines, there will be a considerable chance that the researcher will influence audiences.
In my case, it would be important to note that the main objective of my research is to reevaluate the role of media in consolidating democracy after many African countries have experienced noticeable changes in the way politics is conducted. Democracy has almost become the main rule of the land in the whole continent. Yet, it has become crucial to probe how the media, once owned by politicians in the past, has become a vector of democracy, providing the masses with the tools they need for a more inclusive society.
Everyone knows that the press must be a means to stimulate the marketplace of ideas by allowing the population to be aware of what the elite carries out for the advancement of the masses. So this research will definitely stand as one of the barometers for the implementation of democratic rule in the continent. Are journalists playing an important role in helping the masses participate in the affairs of the city by standing as a voice for those who cannot be heard? Are the media making the elite abide by the basic rules that define democracy?
My research seeks not only to influence journalists but it also attempts to create a tool for both government s and international organization concerned with the advancement of masses through a democratic society. The press in Africa has actually reached a point to which it needs to be reevaluated. In fact, it is only after the 1990s that a free press started to emerge in the continent. Yet, substantial efforts need to be done to eradicate instability through democracy. How is the press doing after its liberalization?
I’m actually looking forward to presenting this work to conferences around the world including in Africa of course. This will be an opportunity to make the work reach people and influence audiences.
This thesis/project class has actually been a great opportunity for me to set the basis for a consistent research that would allow me to make the work influent. It actually was a great opportunity for me to know more about the way to contribute to the body of knowledge.

Free to Be

By Jordan Kinley

I do not have a particular academic subject I wish to share, but would rather offer some recommendations of places to study here in Norman.

My hands down favorite place to study is at Cafe Plaid on the edge of Campus Corner. If you bring your own mug coffee is only $1.45 and you can sit quietly during the lunch rush hour. The workers are quirky, local and down to earth. The sandwiches can't be beat and the Plaid Bar (pastry) is delectable. There is one drawback, the Internet is shut off between the hours of roughly 11:00 to 1:45, but that provides the perfect amount of time to study sans www.addictinggames.com.

If the privately owned cafe isn't your thing and you want to stay close to campus, head on down to Starbucks where you can mysteriously order in pseudo sizing: Short, Tall, Grande, or Venti anything. The location across from campus has plenty of outlets making it convenient to keep a laptop or cell phone charged. Other perks include free wireless Internet to iPhone users and overpriced bottles of water. Well, that's not a perk, but instead of buying a bottle of water ask one of the Barista's for a cup because all Starbucks have an intense water filtration system behind the counter.

If you enjoy a completely quiet area or if you want to be served Starbucks quality coffee without the full experience, try the Great Reading Room in Bizzell or the Bookmark Cafe. Both provide a decent spot to finish assignments and collect thoughts. If you've never visited the GRM, you might want to considering it's potentially the place your thesis will go to die.

One site away from campus worth visiting is the Starbucks in Brookhaven Village. This particular location has less of a college presence and receives more patrons from the surrounding neighborhoods. Unlike most Starbucks, this particular one often offers free samples of their cookies, cakes and muffins during afternoon hours. The Baristas know most of the customers because the manager has made the store much more personal than others I have visited. There are plenty of tables and chairs, even an extension outlet for computers used by individuals conducting business.

The coffee/pastry bar in the Barnes & Noble offers a pleasant place to learn. The benefit of traveling to this location is that when work becomes a bore, you can usually find something of interest in the remainder of the store. I used to frequent B&N a few semesters ago and more times than not I would unexpectedly leave with a book about something completely unrelated to my assignment at the time.

Two locations that I have never patronized but have heard decent things about are Hastings and Panera, both of which are off Main St. I have been told that often it is hard to find a table at both of these stores because they are so popular among college students. Regardless, they are popular for a reason and must be doing something right to fill up around finals time.

There you have it, a sprinkling of coffee houses and places to study throughout Norman.

Life After Death

By Jordan Kinley

That title might be a little harsh, but I couldn't avoid a Nortorious B.I.G. reference.

The life that will be bestowed upon me after the completion of a thesis or project will be one filled with job offers and publishing opportunities. It never hurts to dream big right? While I might not be littered with job offers, it is my hope that I will be able to use the project on race management to show my capabilities in the world of event management. I'm not sure where my career is headed, but I would like to some day play a larger role in the running community. Perhaps aspiring to head the USATF or the IOC because both of these entities rely heavily on the structure and organization of global events. More specifically, the types of events that are created depend upon sponsor involvement and the attraction of broad audiences.

My project deals directly with sponsorship from the perspectives of race directors and sponsors who have already experienced how their relationship creates opportunities for others. At a local level, I hope to offer race directors and community sponsors an effective way to more creatively produce road races. Currently, the state of Oklahoma road races lags behind other communities where running and walking are more accepted community activities. I hope to consult and influence event directors of all sizes, (rom the KAT's Making Tracks 5k on up to the OKC Memorial Marathon) that more can be done to promote their races. On broader level, I hope to take my experience in the field and share my ideas with individuals involved with organizing the Boston, Chicago and New York marathons.

This fall I am helping direct the Brookhaven Run which is the largest road race in Cleveland County. It currently is the most competitive 5k race in the state and this year we hope to break the state record of 14:07 (male) and 16:03 (female). I have been placed in charge of assembling an elite field of athletes willing to push their limits. My ability to attract a large field will depend largely on the amount of prize money I can raise. Being able to offer $1000 to the victor greatly increases my chances of finding the athlete that can break the state record. However, the prize purse is dependent upon raising enough money from the local businesses willing to associate themselves with the race.

Life after the completion of the project will hopefully involve working with the organizations in need of an experienced and knowledgeable individual willing to help organize a large scale event. A bigger audience, will attract better sponsors, with more money, requiring more responsibility. A challenge I'm looking forward to completing.

Free Topic - Concluding Outlook by Christina

When I first thought about my future outlook after taking this course the first idea that jumped into my head was, “Sweet, only one more semester to go!” Then reality set in. Goodness, I actually have to start conducting this research, analyze it, and then tie it back to theory, all in six months. The time frame is not that daunting, I can get it done, but it is scary. This project, as I noted in my last post, is my future. Its results could very much determine where I am at and what I am doing by January. So, more than anything, though I am confident in my work and my public relations skills, questions start to seep into the corners of my thoughts. What if something goes wrong? What if the research does not turn out the way I am thinking? What if I do not make the impact that is truly significant? Can I really make a social media code book to measure dialogue that professionals will use? After the onset of panic, I sit back, relax and realize nothing worth having comes easy. I agree with former President of the United States Theodore Roosevelt, who said, "nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty... I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well."

He is right, what would be the point of leaving this program without the blood, sweat and tears of actually completing a thesis or project. You will be respected by employers and peers alike, especially if you conduct a vigorous and worthwhile study. What is the point of taking the easy way out? Anybody can have their name associated with a masters degree, but not everyone can get published and have proof of there writing and research abilities while showcasing their ability to think abstractly, yet tie that information back into something concrete. Though scared, I am proud to know I am not taking the easy way out. When I defend ( hopefully Dec. 1) I will know I have given this effort and every bit of who I am. There is a big difference between defending a few three-hour exams and defending an entire research project that took a year to finish. I applaud and respect everyone who completes a thesis or project, know that you are different; there is a higher sense of achievement.

As a final note, I want to touch on the IRB. Should I use this forum to complain about the IRB and just get it off my chest? Well, I could but I will not. More importantly I want to educate those who have yet to go through the IRB process for the Norman Campus . It is difficult, it is aggravating, but it can be done. Seriously, I am interviewing public relations and social media experts about social media and public relations. How much risk could be involved there? But, that does not matter; the IRB application has to be sent out. So, if you are beginning to think about a thesis or project that involves any type of human contact, get on top of your IRB now. Here are there major tips:


1. Do the training NOW! Do not wait till you need the IRB approval to get your training done. All IRB applicants must complete: CITI (Collaborative IRB Training Initiative) Basic Web-Based Course. It takes forever, so just knock it out, before you are even dealing with your IRB application.

2. Make sure to submit all parts of the IRB Application. The Web site is horrible and slightly confusing, so ensure you include your application, research protocol, any additional material to include interview protocols, interview questions and informed consent documents, as well as expedited review, if applicable.


3. Be patient and understand this office exists for a reason. Though, at times it may feel like they just do not want you to conduct research in your field of study and it is a little bit ridiculous. It is there to protect the rights of people, because past researchers have taken advantage.