Time Management Strategies

    As I have already demonstrated, I struggle with time management at the beginning of the semester. However, once I am able to catch my breath and make it through syllabus week I usually end up doing exceedingly well with time management. It is just the first few days of the semester that send me through a loop. 
    After reviewing some of the linked articles one stuck out to me. "Time Management Tips Just for Creatives" by Amanda Oliver. I reviewed the list, and some tips I already utilize. For instance, tip number three "work when you are your best." I am a total night owl and tend to work best at night, especially creatively. I have attempted to wake up earlier to get a head start on the day, but I tend to burn out easier that way. 
    However, the two tips that I am curious to try are tips number eleven "don't even try to multi-task" and twelve "apps to help manage time." I tend to be big multi-tasker. For example, as of right now I am making pasta, planning for a discussion tomorrow and watching Bachelor in Paradise. And as of right now I am thoroughly stressed. Doing some planning ahead and blocking out my time will probably allow me to focus 100% of my energy on one sole task, and really slay at it. I already downloaded one of the apps suggested in tip number twelve, so hopefully, that will help me better manage my time. 

Caption: Obtained from pinterest.com https://www.pinterest.com/pin/821977369459042010/?lp=true

Technology Impression

Caption: Obtained from Tenor.com https://tenor.com/view/cat-computer-gif-5368357

   After reviewing the technology list, it seems like we won't be using too complicated of technology. I am glad we are encouraged to use Google Docs, as that is one of the many tools I use to stay organized. I also saw we will be creating our own website. This is something I have a little experience in, so I'm excited to utilize that. In addition, I am also excited to create graphics, which is another thing I try to explore in my free time.

Assignment Impression

Caption: Obtained from Tenor.com: https://tenor.com/pBVd.gif

So this week has already hit me like a ton of bricks and it is only Monday. A lot has come up in the last 48 hours, so to say I am overwhelmed is an understatement.  I reviewed the assignment list, and it feels like a very manageable list if I am able to remain on top of it. A couple assignments that jump out at me are the Wikipedia Trials and Famous Last Words. This class is definitely different from any other class I have taken. Hopefully, I remain on top of myself to get the assignments done along with their respective blog posts. 

Growth Mindset

Caption: Created by me on https://builder.cheezburger.com/Builder?targetSiteId=54776#step2

   
   I have heard of the Growth Mindset, and I've tried to implement it into my life when I can. 

   I am someone who has struggled with anxiety for pretty much my entire life. Many things can trigger a panic in me, sometimes nothing will trigger it. However, I've always tried to push myself past the panic, because I've seen what is on the other side of it, and rarely is it ever as bad as the Nervous Nelly in my head makes it out to be. I remember moving to Oklahoma was one of the biggest challenges for me, and when I told my mom that I was doubting the move to OU and wanted to remain in Houston. She said, 
   
   "Why would you do that? You know what's here. You know what you are leaving behind. You don't know what is out there, and you won't ever learn if you never explore it."

   And obviously, that sentiment among a lot of support from friends and family helped me come to and stay in Oklahoma. I like to keep that thought in the back of my mind whenever I am faced with any new and scary adventure. Even at restaurants I remind myself I know what a cheeseburger tastes like and I will never forget the taste of a cheeseburger, but I don't know the taste of a crab-stuffed mushroom and it could be my favorite food. 

Trying new things and exploring new paths is the only way to true growth, and I intend on growing into my best and most well-rounded self I can. 

Introduction to a Future UI x UX Desigenr

Hello! 

    

   My name is Samantha (Sammie) Paul. I am a junior advertising major with a minor in computational technology. I love my major for a lot of reasons, but what made me want to dedicate my life to the advertising/media field is the ability to go virtually anywhere with it. It doesn't corner me in. I have the opportunity to not only go anywhere in the world and have a job but even in agencies, I could potentially wear a lot of hats. I tend to get bored easily, so I wanted to find a field where I am always learning and always doing something. Although I aspire to be a UI/UX designer, I love how my field leads me to a wide range of possibilities if I happen to change my mind. 

   

   The best class I took last semester was probably French II. My teacher was amazing and incredibly helpful, and everyone in my class acted as a team. We usually helped each other every day and formed a study group. 

   

   My biggest accomplishment last semester was being promoted to an art director in Lindsey+Asp, the on-campus advertising agency. The agency has given me a lot of experience. I really enjoy applying myself in that environment, so to be recognized for that was rewarding. 

   

   I didn't do many exciting things over the same. I was taking two online classes, so it wasn't too eventful. However, I did visit Austin, TX pretty often for being a die-hard Sooner. One of my best friends lives in Austin, so I spent the weekend with her in June.

   

   I am a huge 80s movies junkie. My all-time favorite movie is When Harry Met Sally... I have seen it AT LEAST a hundred times, and I could quote it verbatim. I also enjoyed La La Land, The Martian, and Horrible Bosses. I don't really have a favorite t.v. show but I binge a lot of shows. Most recently I binged Handmaid's Tale and How to Get Away with Murder. Both phenomenal. As far as books go I love psychological thrillers (Gone Girl, I Hunt Killers, etc).

   

    So music. I love music. Obsessed with it really. Which is odd because I have zero musical talent. I warn everyone I have a terrible singing voice but I am proud of the fact I recognize that and it won't stop me from belting every Taylor Swift song at the top of my lungs. Speaking of Taylor Swift, I am a total Swiftie™. I know all of her songs just from the first two chords in the intro. Other favorites include Lorde, The Band CAMINO, Julia Michaels, Post Malone, and many others. I never close myself off from new music. I try to give every artist a chance, and I try to not avoid any genre.

   

   I change my career goals pretty often, but all of my career goals tend to lean into the media industry in some form. As of right now, I aspire to be a UI/UX designer. I love graphic design, creating websites and mixing art with technology. If I could land a job in that sort of field in the next five years I would be incredibly fulfilled. 

   

   I have two pets. One of them is my baby, my pride, and joy. The other is my dog. I got my cat when I was five. Lemme tell you it was a mistake handing a five-year-old a six-week-old, white kitten and asking her to name it because little me and all my creativity could only come up with Snowball. However, over the years Snowball has grown to be a more golden and I have grown to call him by several different names. My favorites are Pizza Roll, Toasted Marshmellow, and Mr. Snowball (he is distinguished now he deserves the title). My other pet is my dog, Mickey. He is a very friendly, but energetic Boston Terrier mix. I love him but I am definitely more of a cat person. 

Caption: Pizza Roll/Snowball/Toasted Marshmellow pictured in his most usual state. (Mickey not pictured because I do not have any of him, unfortunately).

  

   I enjoy a lot of different hobbies. I am an avid swimmer, I like to bake and paint (usually watercolors). 

So that is a general introduction to me. 

Cheers!

Storybook Favorites

I found a lot of the past storybooks interesting, and many of them had concepts that stuck out to me. 

The first one I found most intriguing was the Real Housewives of Greek Mythology. As a reality t.v. junkie– I already have my dresses picked out for when I appear on The Bachelor –I found this one to be right up my alley. In addition, I am not too familiar with the Greek goddesses, so this would be interesting was to learn more about them.
The intro gave me great insight into what this story would be about. It was very descriptive without giving away too much, and a touch of comedy. 
I liked the overall layout of the project, but I'm not sure if I like the screenplay format of the story. I understand it was to model a t.v. show's script, but it was a little overwhelming. 

https://sites.google.com/view/rhwogm/home?authuser=0

The second one that peaked my curiosity was the Nine Lives of a Cat. I am a HUGE cat person, so it immediately caught my eye. The description was lengthy, but a good insight into the story. I think the storyline seems interesting, but possibly tries to tackle a big plot line in a short amount of time, which can sometimes be an issue. It seems like it would be a diverse story that covers a lot. 
The layout is overall appealing, and the website/blog they created is very smooth and easy to navigate. I also thought the intro page picture was cool.

Caption: https://sites.google.com/view/stories-to-tell/home?authuser=0 

https://sites.google.com/view/stories-to-tell/home?authuser=0

The final story that I was intrigued by was Death's Story. The entire plotline sounded incredible. I have always been interested in stories that personify Death, so this one caught my attention. The intro I felt gave too much of the story away, however. Nonetheless, I feel this is a story I would thoroughly enjoy. The layout of the story is neat, but not that exciting. 

https://sites.google.com/view/deathsfinalstory/introduction?authuser=0

My Favorite Place

I love the city of Chicago. Although I was born and raised in Houston, TX, most of my family is from Chicago, IL. We go to the city at least once a year, sometimes more for special family events. I love urban areas, so it is cool to me. 

https://unsplash.com/photos/uevmkfCH98Q

Caption: Free to use photo published by Lance Anderson on April 19, 2018.