The 'Oscars' come to St. Lawrence College yet again

The coveted Greg Awards; named after the first president of St. Lawrence college who believed in supporting his students, staff and programs full-heartedly. Every year the advertising program hosts this 'mini Oscars' in celebration of its student’s hard work, perseverance and passion. Multiple awards are given to the first, second and third year students of the Advertising-Integrated Marketing Communications program. Faculty from the entire school of business department are gathered, looking their best to support our future marketing professionals. Many laughs and stories are shared and it is always a momentous occasion.

 

I’m also very thankful for the team members I’ve worked with, especially Christina Hewitt & Natalie Graham. The importance of friendship and genuine trust cannot be measured or explained in mere words. But I’m glad we work so well together and all strive for the same high expectations. It was those high expectations that won us the 2013 GREG AWARD for Best Corporate Video Editing this year.

The three of us tirelessly devoted countless hours to the production of this video and our second earning recognition from our teachers and peers. I could not have done this without you both and am so proud to share this award with you. Our video also would not have been the same without the musical genius of our composer, Kyle Bouwmeister and the exceptional narration of Jim Elyot. Without the two of you we would only have had half a video to edit.

 

I hope future students strive for greatness within this program or any other. The satisfaction you earn for completing a project feels like no other - especially when you have the support and guidance from such great faculty like Tom Brennan, Mike Kusters, Ricardo Giuliani and of course Jim Elyot. Thank you all again so much for this honour.

Our video was a ‘cute, conscientious and catchy’ viral video to raise awareness of the Joe’s Musical.Instrument.Lending.Library charity here in Kingston, ON. The charity provides a free ‘borrowing’ service to anyone in need of musical support. This includes instruments, lesson books and workshops. The charity is in need of instrument and monetary donations as well as volunteers.

Disney accepts newest marketing enthusiasts from St. Lawrence College

Advertising-IMC students Jessica Dunning (22) and Erica Mason (21) have been accepted into the Disney Florida State University International program for this coming summer. The girls will be not only representing St. Lawrence College but all of Canada while learning extensive tourism & hospitality training along with working at the infamous Disney World resort in Orlando, Florida.

Imagine an education with a diploma from St. Lawrence College, a certificate from Florida State University, and academic training experience from the Walt Disney Resort itself. The course combines an unparalleled learning experience at one of the top hospitality schools in the United States with paid training and an opportunity to make friends from all over the globe. The program is only open to students in Business, Hospitality, and General Arts and Science.

 

Along with 12 other students from the Kingston Campus and other from the Brockville and Cornwall as well the girls will spend 10 days in Tallahassee, Florida gaining vast knowledge on intercultural communication and service leadership. Next they travel to Orlando, Florida where participants will live ‘on campus’ for 6 months working in customer service, costuming & theatre, food service & merchandise, hotel concierge or pool safety.

“I can’t wait to learn all I can, I know it will help me become a better business-women and sales associate in my future jobs.” Jessica explained.

Hoping to one day travel the world and start up her own businesses Jessica jumped on the chance to learn abroad in a company that is not only creative innovative but highly regarded around the world for its business-savvy and professionalism.

The International Disney course gives participants an extensive look ‘behind the scenes’ of how Disney is run; from is marketing department, hotel hospitality, theme parks and attractions to its cultural representations. Students really get to see what their future occupations and schooling could lead them.

 

Les aliments Lebel Inc. Informational Interview

I have learned I am not a fan of doing any task “cold” so I decided to use a “cold email warning about my cold call” approach so I would feel more comfortable. I emailed the sales director of Lebel Foods Inc. (Lachute, QC.) Without my knowing my email was forwarded to Mr. Boudreau who replied with interest. By coincidence Mr. Boudreau was away in Toronto, ON and was heading back to Quebec over the weekend and offered to meet me in person during his “pit-stop” in Kingston.


Commercial ice cream and frozen novelties.

One of the important pieces of advice that Mr. Boudreau gave to me was that most graduates (or any new employees in general) do not take the time to listen. They don’t listen to their superior’s instructions, they don’t listen to the experience and advice given to them and they don’t listen to the needs of their clients.

Although the information I gathered was very useful and filled with good advice it is very awkward trying to feel comfortable making small talk or interviewing a complete stranger. Not to mention the fact that you are trying not to seem dumbfounded that a busy businessmen has the time to talk to a “broke and struggling college student” in the first place. But through this effort I have found that I am more confident and braver then I give myself credit for because I was successful in my interview.

Mr. Boudreau also explained how out of the 10-12 sales representatives that work for him there is only one working within Ontario. He told me that if I were ever interested in sales after graduating that he would like to get in touch with me (there are 59 Giant Tiger stores alone in Ontario, not to mention the other stores that Lebel Foods Inc. is partnered with.)

A Year of Survival and Serentiy

Christmas is a wonderful time to reflect upon the entire year; your short-comings, your accomplishments, your memories and your loved ones. I’ve recently been thinking about my first year of college; the friends I’ve made and the teachers I’ve connected with. And I realize that future first year students might like to hear some insight straight from first years before them.


Our RA John decorated my door
for my birthday while I was sleeping



First of all if you have the finances to house in residence (even if it’s only for one year out of however many your course runs) you SHOULD GO. You will meet so many different students and although you may not come to know all your neighbours by name you will certainly know the faces of at least the 2-3 to your left and right. Our floor RA (Residence Advisor) was one of the first friends I made and I’ve learned so much from him already. Plus you get surprises on your door every now and then. And who doesn’t love decorating their door?

Second to all students living in residence… YOU DO NOT HAVE TO STARVE! Some colleges may have different meal plans but for us it is only recommended you use $7.50 a day to make it last the entire semester. To those of you wondering HOW WILL WE SURVIVE? The answer is simple… INVEST IN A RICE COOKER!!! Anything you can cook in a pan or pot you can make in a rice cooker in half the time (whether you are actually cooking rice or not) and I mean ANYTHING. Also if you have classes in the afternoon or evening and only have spare time in the morning the answer is also very simple… INVEST IN A CROCKPOT!!! It’s the same as a rice cooker only with a much slower cook time. You can throw everything into a crockpot and forget about it for hours while you clean or study or go out into town.



Our Writing for Communicators
teacher Frank Armstrong



Next GET TO KNOW YOUR TEACHERS! But this isn’t as hard as everyone says. Every one of your teachers has something to offer to your learning and growth even though some professors you may connect with faster than others. You may learn how to adapt to lectures, you may learn how to become a better writer, you may learn how to be a proper business professional, or you may learn how to be a well-rounded creative thinker when facing corporate stress.



Lindsey Fair
Business Consultant and Artist

It’s always important to get to know your town/city. I volunteered at an art show within Kingston’s Fort Henry and had the time of my life helping to keep the vendors happy. I made some friends, learned about some of the cultural businesses around Kingston and I gained a new connection with one of our future teachers who organizes the event every year. I’ve found a lot of unique stores and restaurants and seen some beautiful scenery around our campus.

And finally, REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE. This may sound cheesy but we all from time to time change little aspects of our behaviour or personality to gain acceptance with our classmates or to just make friends in general. Be PROUD of who you are and stand by it. If you’re wiser than your years don’t “dumb down” just to get your peers approval, or if you fight passionately for what you believe in don’t back down just because people argue with you or don’t understand. “Drinking to get drunk” is the most overrated “popularity tactic” ever. But if you do go out PLEASE bring a group of reliable friends to stop you from doing anything you or your family will regret later I BEG YOU.


But above all the stress, studying, sacrifice and silliness don’t forget to just have fun.  They say that college is one of the best times of your life and the friends you make stay with you for years. I’ve been blessed to have already created two international friendships in my first months in school. Always make the best of any and all situations with a smile and life will take you anywhere.



Ivy (Xiao Xuan Zhang)

 

Mustapha Makri