Overdue Update

So that is year two of my university career done and dusted; I've since moved home and rediscovered my local library after a holiday to see the Mr. in Plymouth.  I've been reading The Female Eunuch and The Feminine Mystique, as well as discovering websites such as Feministing.  This appears to be my return to the life of an actual student, studying not to pass exams but out of genuine interest.  I've even contacted one of my university lecturers for a reading list of more feminist texts and she offered to allow me to take extra lectures in Women's History come Spring 2013!  To organise my thoughts regarding my recent readings and participate in the debate currently surrounding feminism, I've started up a new blog entitled XX and Proud.  


As for the ICP-SOC, I've handed over editorial powers to the Student Union Chair and Vice Chair.  The emotional strain of trying to complete what was essentially a full-time position  whilst juggling exams and assignments for my History Course proved too much for me.  I was overloaded with to the point of tears and something had to give, and it wasn't going to be my grades.  I'll still be keeping my writing hand active though, as I have sent an email to my Work Experience Supervisor asking to arrange some more voluntary work now my exams are over.  I've also got some work as a student-blogger lined up with the University Marketing Department, the training day is to be held next month!


Now all I need to to set myself up with some local work experience jobs or shadowing to keep myself active over Summer and I'll be well on my way.  


Over and Out,
Faye Stone

Design Flaw

In the ICP-Soc meeting last Wednesday, I allocated the articles which are to feature in the Prospective Students Issue and the Freshers Issue of "Newmag".  Now, I need to email out specifications to the students who volunteered regarding content and word count.  I've also looked at the minutes from the meeting that a colleague has sent me and distributed them on the FaceBook page.

However, soon into my responsibilities I became distracted by the prospect of designing the magazine.  At the moment, I have no funding for the magazine available for use and therefore began searching the internet for a free publishing software.  It wasn't long before I found one, began designing a mock-up first page and wasted about an hour before realising that I wouldn't be able to save my design as a PDF.  To add to that, I couldn't add more than five pages when I really needed twelve.  I soon un-installed the software, very much feeling that I squandered my time which could have been spent on something more productive like, let's say, distributing those article specifications.  

Which brings me to a realisation; I need to stop asking people in general to volunteer during meetings to help with design work and actually approach something with IT knowledge who could help me.  I need an IT Consultant.  I have someone in mind who has an eye for detail and a better idea than I on how to get such mythical software packages.  


So, back to those specifications.


Over and Out,
Faye Stone
xxx

Name Your Magazine!

 This week I've been meeting fellow students and staff at Newman University College, asking them for suggestions for the magazine name.  Many expressed that it was a long over-due project and appeared enthusiastic for the magazine's launch.  But, we're no where near the finish line yet.  


My colleague and received a variety suggestions, from Chocolate Mouse to the Newmanites.  I'd like to thank everyone who submitted a suggestion into my hat, it means a lot to know that the student population are excited by this project that I am leading. 


I'll be chairing the next meeting for the Informative and Creative Publishing (soon to be!) Society this afternoon.  Thankfully, my laryngitis has gone but that didn't stop me from playing an active role in last week's meeting.  


I must say that I'm enjoying my role as project leader and editor very much, but I couldn't have achieved as much as I have so far without my fabulous team and friends.


Over and Out,
Faye Stone
xxx

The Informative and Creative Publishing Society

As I mentioned yesterday, I've recently had the idea to produce a collection of short stories entitled Rock Bottom.  So what else am I doing?  Besides studying Chaucer for my History Degree, I am setting up a University Magazine Society where I study.  Currently, I am acting as the provisional editor/chairperson for this developing society until offical by-elections are held.  There are a few hurdles in my way, for instance I went to the Student Union on Thursday to be told that I needed to compete the Constitution for my society by Monday, noon.  I came back to my flat with my friend, chained myself to the desk with a cup of coffee and didn't rise until I'd got a strong draft.  

Informative and Creative Publishing Society

Overall, the magazine venture appears to be going well.  I've gone out into the University and met the target audience when undergoing market research, as well as launching an on-line survey.  Many of the students seemed quite enthusaistic for a university magazine.  So this Tuesday I'm out again collecting suggestions for a name; after all, if the magazine is going to be by the students for the students it makes sense for the students to name it.  So today, between babysitting my nephew and neice, I've painted a lovely poster that I can attach to my to my table on Tuesday.

If this was enough, my friend approached my University's marketing team recently offering to produce an issue of the magazine tailored specifically towards potential students.  The idea was particularly well-received! We have even been offered paid employment as bloggers to share with potential students our experiences at university.  Sure, it was suggested as a mean of funding my work with the magazine but it's all more writing experience under my belt.   

Over and Out,
Faye Stone
xxx